The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 10% cheaper than Toronto.
If you move from Edinburgh to Toronto, 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 £45,128 in Toronto.
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 Toronto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Toronto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £2,100 | +£800 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £298 | £-38 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £200 | £-13 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £131 | £-10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £158 | £-8 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £2,887 | +£732 |
* 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 (10% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Toronto to match a Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £33,846 | £3,846 more |
| £40,000 | £45,128 | £5,128 more |
| £50,000 | £56,410 | £6,410 more |
| £60,000 | £67,692 | £7,692 more |
| £80,000 | £90,256 | £10,256 more |
| £100,000 | £112,821 | £12,821 more |
Edinburgh vs Toronto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Edinburgh is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Toronto has 105.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Toronto: £2,655/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 2, while Toronto wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.