The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 8% cheaper than Edinburgh.
If you move from Birmingham to Edinburgh, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £44,571 in Edinburgh.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Edinburgh:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Edinburgh | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,300 | +£300 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £336 | +£7 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £213 | +£18 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £141 | +£10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £166 | +£8 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £2,155 | +£341 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Edinburgh to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £33,429 | £3,429 more |
| £40,000 | £44,571 | £4,571 more |
| £50,000 | £55,714 | £5,714 more |
| £60,000 | £66,857 | £6,857 more |
| £80,000 | £89,143 | £9,143 more |
| £100,000 | £111,429 | £11,429 more |
Birmingham vs Edinburgh: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Edinburgh has 65.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Edinburgh: £2,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Edinburgh wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.