Cost Of Living In Edinburgh For Students 2025

The mighty capital of Scotland has been an important part of Scottish history right from the 15th century. This city has long been a prominent centre for education, especially in the fields of medicine, Scots law, literature, philosophy, the sciences and engineering. Many people are surprised to know that this old castle-laden town is the second-largest financial centre in the United Kingdom after London. Let’s take a dive into what makes Edinburgh so special and of course, the cost of living in Edinburgh which attracts 4.9 million visitors every year. and increases Edinburgh acceptance rate

Housing some of the top-ranking institutions in the UK and the world, Edinburgh is among the favourite destinations for international students. The cost of living in Edinburgh can range from £1,739 to £1,934 depending on whether you live on-campus or off-campus, with a typical student budget around £900 per month excluding tuition. There are several other factors that contribute to these living costs and they by and large depend on your personal lifestyle and budget.

This article lists the expenses often encountered by students on a monthly basis when living in Edinburgh.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Edinburgh?

The cost of living in Edinburgh for students is slightly higher than the UK average but still manages to attract a good number of students from all over the world. The presence of world-class universities such as the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University adds to the overall allure of Edinburgh. Here’s a quick monthly breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh, Scotland –

Expense	Monthly Cost (£)
Off-Campus Accommodation	£780
On-Campus Accommodation	£915
Transportation	£62
Food	£447
Entertainment	£26
Groceries	£128
Clothes	£70
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	£1,513
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	£1,648

Cost of living in Edinburgh for Indian Students:

Expense	Monthly Cost (INR)
Off-Campus Accommodation	₹82,293
On-Campus Accommodation	₹96,414
Transportation	₹6,532
Food	₹47,100
Entertainment	₹2,739
Groceries	₹13,487
Clothes	₹7,375
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	₹159,426
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	₹173,651

Things to Consider While Moving to Edinburgh

Moving to Edinburgh as a student can be an exciting yet challenging experience. To ensure a smooth transition, here are some essential things to consider:

University and Course Selection

Choose your university and course carefully. Research the reputation of the university, faculty, and the specific programme you plan to enrol in.

Accommodation

Start looking for student accommodation well in advance. Check if your university offers on-campus housing or explore private rentals. Consider factors like location, amenities, and budget.

Visa and Documentation

Ensure you have the necessary visa for your study duration. Check all required documentation, including academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and financial statements.

Healthcare

Understand the healthcare system in the UK and whether you need health insurance. Register with a local doctor and know where the nearest hospitals and medical facilities are located.

Financial Planning

Create a budget covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other miscellaneous costs. Explore scholarship opportunities and part-time work options.

Banking

Open a local bank account to make financial transactions more convenient. Research banks, their services, and any associated fees.

Public Transportation

Familiarise yourself with the public transportation system in Edinburgh. Consider getting a student discount card for reduced fares.

Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Edinburgh

The cost of living for students in Edinburgh, like any other city, is influenced by various factors. Here are some key factors that determine the overall cost of living in Edinburgh for students:

Accommodation

The cost of renting accommodation is a significant factor. Living in university-owned or private student accommodation can vary in price. The neighbourhood or proximity to the university can affect rent prices.

Utilities

Electricity, heating, water, and internet costs contribute to monthly living expenses. However, if you stay in purpose-built student accommodations, the utility bills are included in the property pricing for added ease. 

Food

Cooking at home can be more affordable than eating out. Frequent dining in restaurants or cafes can increase expenses.

Transportation

The use of buses, trams, or trains can add to the monthly budget. If a student owns a car, fuel, parking, and maintenance costs should be considered.

Books and Study Materials

Expenses related to textbooks, study materials, and other academic resources.

Social and Leisure Activities

Costs associated with socialising, entertainment, and leisure activities can impact the budget.

Healthcare

International students may need to pay for health insurance. Costs for prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or doctor visits.

Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses

Clothing, personal care items, and other miscellaneous expenses are also a part of the overall cost of living. 

Edinburgh Accommodation
Particulars	Student Accommodation	Private Accommodation	University Accommodation
Cost	196 GBP/Per Week	280 GBP/Per Week + Utility bills (∼ 68 GBP per week)	159 GBP/Per week
Safety	These are gated communities with utmost safety & all facilities inclued like cctv , biometric entrance etc	Depends on the landlord and area	These are on the university campus with all the safety precautions
Utility Bills	Included	Not Included	Included
Home Insurance	Included in rent	143 GBP per year	Included in rent
Proximity University	Walking distance to campus	Depends on area	Inside/nearby Universities
Other Amenities	Mostly all amenities are included like wifi, microwave, electric Stove, fridge etc.	Based on landlord/location	Mostly all amenities are included like wifi, microwave, electric Stove, fridge etc.

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £272 to £300 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

Average Rent In Edinburgh

Edinburgh student accommodation is little different compared to the rest of the UK. You will find more flats rather than houses here so don’t be alarmed if you have 9 housemates. On the brighter side, UniAcco has some of the best student accommodations in Edinburgh, enabling students to choose from a variety of room configurations that include en-suite rooms, studio rooms and student flats in Edinburgh. A 5 bedroom flat in the city centre will have an average rent of £516 – £711 per month. Life in Edinburgh offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern living. The city is renowned for its stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes, and a thriving cultural scene.

Cost Of Student Accommodation In Edinburgh

Premium Student Housing In Edinburgh

iQ Fountainbridge

Where? – 114 Dundee Street Fountainbridge Edinburgh EH11 1AB United Kingdom.

Rent: Starts from £260 per week

iQ Fountainbridge is one of the few properties in Edinburgh that offers students en-suite rooms, studio rooms as well as apartments. No matter which room type you choose, you can expect a study desk, a bed and a WiFi connection. The University of Edinburgh is the closest university to iQ Fountainbridge. On weekends, students can hit one of the many restaurants, pubs and cafes like Chiquito, Pizza Hut, and Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar, among others. This student accommodation in Edinburgh comes with amazing communal amenities that include a gym, a cinema and a spacious lounge.

Mid-Range Student Housing In Edinburgh

iQ Grove

Where? – 69 Grove Street Edinburgh EH3 8FD United Kingdom.

Rent: Starts from £264 per week

The best part about iQ Grove is its proximity to famous universities. For instance, Edinburgh College of Art is just a 7-minute drive away from this property. This student accommodation in Edinburgh offers amazing apartment facilities like a television, a fridge, a WiFi connection and a microwave. The communal amenities include a cinema, gym, private dining rooms, lounge and study areas, as well as useful services like a laundry room and all-inclusive utility bills. There is an ever-present on-site staff available at the beck and call of students.

Value For Money Student Housing In Edinburgh

iQ Elliott House

Where? – iQ Elliott House 8 – 11 Hillside Crescent Edinburgh EH7 5EA United Kingdom.

Rent: Starts from £212 per week

iQ Elliott House provides the best bang for your buck when it comes to Edinburgh uni accommodation. The en-suite rooms, studio rooms and apartments are very well-priced, making this property immensely popular among students. iQ Elliott House is very close to universities like the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University. So, the travelling and living costs in Edinburgh for international students are likely to be low. The communal amenities at iQ Elliott House are a laundry room, social events and on-site management.

How To Save Money On Student Accommodation In Edinburgh?

Saving money on student accommodation in Edinburgh requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to help you reduce the costs on housing:

• Begin your search for accommodation well in advance. Early planning allows you to explore various options and secure better deals.

• Many universities offer affordable on-campus accommodation. While it may not always be the most cost-effective option, it often includes utilities and is convenient.

• Consider sharing accommodation with roommates. Sharing rent and utilities can significantly reduce your costs.

• Explore private rentals, but be sure to compare prices and check for any additional costs. Some private landlords offer student-friendly property rates.
• Opt for accommodation in areas that are slightly farther from the city centre. The rent tends to be lower in outlying neighbourhoods.

• Consider accommodation where utilities such as water, electricity, and internet are included in the rent. This can make budgeting easier. Purpose-built student accommodations closer to your university are the ideal option to go for. This is because the property prices are inclusive of the utility bills which will save your additional costs. 

Cost Of Tuition In Edinburgh

The cost of living in Edinburgh for international students in terms of tuition is slightly higher than it is in cities such as London or Manchester. But for undergraduates within Europe, university fees are entirely subsidized by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). So depending on where you’re from, the cost of tuition in Edinburgh can be surprisingly affordable. 

The average cost of tuition in Edinburgh varies by your level of study, your fee status, and your programme of choice, but can range from approximately £1,820 to £38,000 per year.

Cost Of Transportation In Edinburgh

The most cost-effective option for daily transportation is the Annual Ridacard, which costs £650 and translates to an economical £1.78 per day for a full year’s unlimited use of buses and trams. Students can take advantage of an approximate 12% reduction in this price by presenting their matriculation card when purchasing the Ridacard, making it a cost-efficient choice for transport in the Edinburgh. The monthly transportation cost for Indian students in Edinburgh is approximately ₹6,124, which varies depending on their travel preferences and the distance between their residence and the university.

Buses – Lothian Buses run throughout Edinburgh and into Midlothian and East Lothian, making travel cheap and easy for students. There is a special night service with buses leaving every 10 minutes from Waverley Steps. Use this service when you’re getting home from night outs as it is safe and will save you a fortune on spending on cabs. A one-way ticket will cost you around £1.70. Consider procuring a monthly pass for around £55.

Taxis – A typical taxi trip (basic tariff – 8 km) will cost you £19.

Trains – Haymarket and Waverley are two of the major stations in Edinburgh. Try booking your train ticket in advance online. This will save you some bucks. According to Trainline, the average train ticket cost for students in Edinburgh is £12.50 for a single journey and £25 for a return trip.

Cost Of Food & Other Necessities In Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts some amazing restaurants, particularly on George Street. There are some great, budget-friendly restaurants like Bella Italia, Jimmy Chung’s, Prezzo and Gusto but it goes without saying that cooking your own food will lead to massive savings. In Edinburgh, as in the rest of the UK, Indian students can expect to spend approximately ₹94,930 per month on food, depending on their food preferences and lifestyle choices. This estimation provides a guideline for managing food expenses while studying in Edinburgh, but individual spending may vary. Here is a rough breakdown of the cost of basic food in Edinburgh – 

• Milk (regular), (1 litre) – £0.88
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – £0.95
• Rice (white), (1kg) – £1.00
• Eggs (regular) (12) – £1.78
• Local Cheese (1kg) – £6.31
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) – £7.02
• Apples (1kg) – £1.83
• Banana (1kg) – £1.19
• Oranges (1kg) – £1.98
• Tomato (1kg) – £2.03
• Potato (1kg) – £1.09
• Onion (1kg) – £0.94
• Water (1.5-litre bottle) – £1.04
• Domestic Beer (0.5-litre bottle) – £1.71 
• Imported Beer (0.33-litre bottle) – £1.65

Besides food, you will also have to spend on clothing, doctor’s visits, toiletries, gym membership, etc. Be prepared to spend close to £84+ per month on all these other necessities.

Cost of Clothes

The cost of clothing and accessories will differ from person to person. If you choose to shop from thrift stores, your overall expenditure on apparel will be considerably less. On the contrary, if you buy clothing from high-end designer labels and brands, the costs associated will certainly be on the higher side. Thus, the average expenses on clothes as a student will vary based on your personal style, budget and preferences.

Cost Of Personal Care

Personal care is an essential part of living in Edinburgh as a student. It includes expenses such as toiletries, haircuts, cosmetics, and hygiene products. According to expat.com, the average monthly cost of personal care in Edinburgh for students is around £30. Here are some examples of personal care items and their prices in Edinburgh as of 2023:

• Shampoo, 400 ml: £2.50
• Toothpaste, 75 ml: £1.50
• Deodorant, 50 ml: £2
• Razor blades, 4 pack: £5
• Haircut, basic: £15

To save money on personal care, students can look for discounts, coupons, and offers at supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers. 

Cost Of Entertainment & Recreation In Edinburgh

Edinburgh has one of the most buzzing entertainment scenes in the UK. This city is famous for its annual events such as the Edinburgh International Festival and New Year’s Hogmanay street party. Edinburgh tourist attractions are a must-see! You cannot miss The Royal Mile, the 287 steps of Scott’s Monument and the Princes Street Gardens. Apart from these, students can have a gala time at one of the several bars, restaurants, and pubs Edinburgh has to offer. Here is a list of basic prices of the cost of living in Edinburgh for entertainment and recreation – 

• Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub – £36
• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the ex-pat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert – £57
• 2 tickets to the movies – £20
• 1 cocktail drink in a downtown club – £8
• Cappuccino in ex-pat area of the city – £3.03
• 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) – £4.74

Source: UniAcco data, Numbeo, Expatistan.

FAQs on Cost if Living in Edinburgh

Q1. Is Edinburgh a safe city for students?

Ans: Edinburgh has a low crime rate and is a safe city. Even if you’ve recently shifted or relocated as an international student, the city is completely safe having ranked high in student satisfaction levels.

Q2. What are the popular attractions in Edinburgh?

Ans: Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum, and Arthur’s Seat are among the most popular attractions not only in the city but across the world. The city is filled with iconic buildings, beautiful sites, and historic landmarks.

Q3. Is public transport easily accessible in Edinburgh?

Ans: Edinburgh provides visitors with convenient transportation in and around the city. A good bus service, along with first-rate train connections, plentiful taxis, and the arrival of trams, gives a plethora of possibilities for going from point A to point B in the city.

Q4. Where do students stay in Edinburgh?

Ans: Haymarket, Oldtown, Fountainbridge, and the City Centre in itself are some of the most student-friendly areas in Edinburgh. Known for their welcoming atmosphere, proximity to the universities, affordability, and good connection to transport links, these areas attract international students from across the globe.

Q5. What is Edinburgh university accommodation prices?

Ans: The cost of living in Edinburgh for students may vary due to several factors. However, as of 2023 prices, a student should make a budget of £516 per month for off campus accommodation costs, while on campus accommodation costs £711 per month.

Q6. Is Edinburgh Expensive?

Ans: Edinburgh is widely regarded as a reasonably priced city. However, Edinburgh offers a fantastic environment for both students and professionals to prosper and develop a satisfying life because of its top-notch colleges, welcoming culture, and variety of career options.

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