The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 24% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Edinburgh to Sydney, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Edinburgh, you would need to earn about £52,308 in Sydney.
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 Edinburgh:
Why people love Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £2,400 | +£1,100 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £333 | £-3 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £230 | +£17 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £144 | +£3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £176 | +£10 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £3,283 | +£1,128 |
* 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 (24% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,380/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Sydney to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £39,231 | £9,231 more |
| £40,000 | £52,308 | £12,308 more |
| £50,000 | £65,385 | £15,385 more |
| £60,000 | £78,462 | £18,462 more |
| £80,000 | £104,615 | £24,615 more |
| £100,000 | £130,769 | £30,769 more |
Edinburgh vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 24%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 5, while Sydney wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.