Renting in Edinburgh vs Aberdeen
Side-by-side comparison of rental costs, market conditions, and living expenses to help you decide where to rent.
Rent Comparison by Property Size
| Property Type | Edinburgh | Aberdeen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £850/mo | £500/mo | +£350 |
| 1-Bed | £1,050/mo | £625/mo | +£425 |
| 2-Bed | £1,350/mo | £800/mo | +£550 |
| 3-Bed | £1,700/mo | £1,025/mo | +£675 |
| 4-Bed | £2,100/mo | £1,275/mo | +£825 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Edinburgh | Aberdeen |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 4.8% | 5.5% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 7.5% | 3.5% |
| Demand Level | Very High | Medium |
| Average Deposit | £1,558 | £923 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,580/yr | £1,504/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Aberdeen
£550/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Edinburgh
7.5% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Aberdeen
5.5% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Living in Aberdeen saves you approximately £557/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Waverley mainline station, extensive bus network, Edinburgh Trams to the airport, and nearby Edinburgh Airport.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen mainline station with services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. Aberdeen Airport with domestic and international flights.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Our Verdict
Edinburgh and Aberdeen offer different rental experiences. Aberdeen is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £800/mo compared to £1,350/mo in Edinburgh, saving renters £550 per month.
Edinburgh is seeing stronger rent growth at 7.5% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Aberdeen offers better returns for landlords at 5.5% average yield.
Both cities have significant student populations, which drives demand for house shares and smaller properties. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your work location, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
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Properties in Edinburgh
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View Edinburgh Rental GuideProperties in Aberdeen
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View Aberdeen Rental Guide