Living in Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Kilts, castles, and The Royal Mile.
Photo by Jörg Angeli
85
Score

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is a city of heritage. From the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile to the views from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh offers a feast for the senses. Explore the winding alleys of the Old Town, and be prepared for bagpipe melodies that fill the air.

With its festivals, castles, cozy pubs, and friendly locals, Edinburgh is a city that beckons you to join in its dance and leave with a heart full of joy.

The Good

  • 🎉 Good nightlife
  • 😋 Decent food options
  • 👮 Safe
  • 📡 Strong wifi coverage
  • ✈️ Close to airport
  • 🏛️ Architecture
  • 🛍️ Shopping

The Bad

  • 🚘 Traffic
  • 🌧️ Weather
  • 🥶 Cold winters
  • 🌧️ Rains a lot
  • 🥴 Can get a little rowdy
  • 📸 Very Touristy

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
Edinburgh
Cheapest () Costliest ()
United Kingdom
12%
more expensive than United Kingdom median
248th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • Edinburgh is the 5th most expensive place (out of 14) to live in United Kingdom
  • The average salary in Edinburgh is
  • It's about 39% more expensive to live in Edinburgh than it is Beijing
  • You can expect to spend around $2,846.03 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
--
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
--
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026

Safety

safe

Generally safe with low crime rates, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Where to stay

1. Leith

Situated at the port area of Edinburgh, Leith has undergone significant revitalisation in recent years and has become a trendy neighbourhood. It features a growing food and drink scene, with a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Leith offers a more laid-back and creative atmosphere, attracting digital nomads looking for a mix of work and leisure.

2. Stockbridge

Located just north of the city center, Stockbridge is a neighbourhood known for its village-like atmosphere and leafy streets. It offers a range of independent shops, artisanal markets, and small cafes. It's popular among creatives and freelancers, providing a peaceful and inspiring setting for remote work.

3. Old Town

Edinburgh's historic Old Town is known for its medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. It offers a unique atmosphere with its history and cultural heritage. The area provides a mix of cozy cafes, traditional pubs, and independent shops, creating an inspiring backdrop for remote work.

Transport

Train

Traveling by train is a convenient option in Edinburgh, with ScotRail providing an extensive network that connects the city with other major destinations across Scotland and beyond. Waverley Station is the main railway station, centrally located and easily accessible, offering frequent services to Glasgow, Inverness, and even London.

Bus

The bus system in Edinburgh is well-developed, with Lothian Buses providing comprehensive coverage throughout the city. The main bus terminal is situated at St Andrew Square, making it a convenient starting point for your journeys. Buses run frequently, providing an affordable way to explore various attractions.

Day Ticket

If you plan to make multiple bus journeys in a day, consider purchasing a Day Ticket, which offers unlimited travel on Lothian Buses throughout the city for a fixed price. Tickets can be bought on board or at various vending machines.

Tram

Edinburgh's tram system is another excellent way to navigate the city. The Edinburgh Trams run from the airport to York Place, providing direct access to key areas such as the city centre and various attractions. Trams are frequent, modern, and a pleasant means of transport.

Taxi

Taxis are easily available throughout Edinburgh, with both traditional black cabs and private hire vehicles. You can find taxi ranks at key locations, including the train station and popular tourist spots. Taxis can also be hailed on the street or booked in advance by phone.

Ride-Hailing Services

For a more modern approach, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate throughout Edinburgh, providing a flexible and often economical alternative to traditional taxis. Simply download the app, input your destination, and request a ride at your convenience.

Ride hailing apps

The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B

Internet speed

Good

Download
72.8Mbps
Upload
11.7Mbps
Latency
45.3ms
Select a tile
Click a tile to see median wifi speed data for that area. Speeds are shown in Mbps.
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Time difference

Edinburgh

When to visit

Current weather
The weather in June is mild with temperatures around 11°
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Edinburgh is from June to August, as it is the warmest and sunniest time of the year. Temperatures usually range from 10-20 °C (50-68°F). This is also the peak tourist season, and the city is bustling with festivals and events.
Worst time to visit
The worst time to visit Edinburgh is from December to February, as it is the coldest and darkest time of year. Temperatures can drop as low as -2 to 7 °C (28-45°F), and the days are short with only about 6 hours of daylight. However, this is also the time when you can experience Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) celebration, which is one of Scotland's most famous festivals.

Average temperatures

11°
14°
17°
19°
18°
16°
13°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Who it suits

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