Renting in Edinburgh vs Glasgow
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 | Glasgow | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £850/mo | £600/mo | +£250 |
| 1-Bed | £1,050/mo | £750/mo | +£300 |
| 2-Bed | £1,350/mo | £950/mo | +£400 |
| 3-Bed | £1,700/mo | £1,200/mo | +£500 |
| 4-Bed | £2,100/mo | £1,500/mo | +£600 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Edinburgh | Glasgow |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 4.8% | 6.8% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 7.5% | 6.2% |
| Demand Level | Very High | High |
| Average Deposit | £1,558 | £1,096 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,580/yr | £1,498/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Glasgow
£400/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Edinburgh
7.5% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Glasgow
6.8% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Living in Glasgow saves you approximately £407/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Waverley mainline station, extensive bus network, Edinburgh Trams to the airport, and nearby Edinburgh Airport.
Glasgow
Glasgow Central and Queen Street mainline stations, Subway system, Scotrail network, and Glasgow Airport.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Our Verdict
Edinburgh and Glasgow offer different rental experiences. Glasgow is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £950/mo compared to £1,350/mo in Edinburgh, saving renters £400 per month.
Edinburgh is seeing stronger rent growth at 7.5% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Glasgow offers better returns for landlords at 6.8% 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.
Check a Property
Properties in Edinburgh
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View Edinburgh Rental GuideProperties in Glasgow
Enter a postcode to check any rental property in Glasgow
View Glasgow Rental Guide