Renting in London vs Edinburgh
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 | London | Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £1,350/mo | £850/mo | +£500 |
| 1-Bed | £1,600/mo | £1,050/mo | +£550 |
| 2-Bed | £2,000/mo | £1,350/mo | +£650 |
| 3-Bed | £2,500/mo | £1,700/mo | +£800 |
| 4-Bed | £3,200/mo | £2,100/mo | +£1,100 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | London | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 4.2% | 4.8% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 5.8% | 7.5% |
| Demand Level | Very High | Very High |
| Average Deposit | £2,308 | £1,558 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,927/yr | £1,580/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Edinburgh
£650/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Edinburgh
7.5% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Edinburgh
4.8% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
London
Edinburgh
Living in Edinburgh saves you approximately £679/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
London
Extensive Underground, Overground, Elizabeth Line, bus network, and national rail connections across all zones.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Waverley mainline station, extensive bus network, Edinburgh Trams to the airport, and nearby Edinburgh Airport.
Popular Neighbourhoods
London
Edinburgh
Our Verdict
London and Edinburgh offer different rental experiences. Edinburgh is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £1,350/mo compared to £2,000/mo in London, saving renters £650 per month.
Edinburgh is seeing stronger rent growth at 7.5% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Edinburgh offers better returns for landlords at 4.8% 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.
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Properties in Edinburgh
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View Edinburgh Rental Guide