Typical Monthly Costs in Edinburgh
| Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | £1,000 |
| Bills | £200 |
| Food | £290 |
| Transport | £130 |
| Social | £220 |
| Total | £1,840 |
This salary may not comfortably cover Edinburgh costs. Consider house-sharing or a more affordable area.
Tips for Living in Edinburgh on £22,000
A £22,000 salary in Edinburgh is below the Edinburgh average of £35,000, so budgeting carefully will be important. The city's economy is driven by finance (RBS, Standard Life), tech, tourism, and the public sector, and the monthly Lothian bus pass around 55.
Where to Live
Consider living in Leith Walk, Gorgie, Dalry, and Craigmillar where rents are significantly lower. Transport links are important: the monthly Lothian bus pass around 55, so factor this into your location decision. Living further out saves on rent but adds commuting costs.
Making It Work
At this income, focus on reducing your biggest expense: housing. House-sharing can save £300-500 per month compared to living alone.
See the full tax breakdown: £22,000 salary after tax | Edinburgh salary guide.
Monthly Budget on £22,000 in Edinburgh
With a monthly take home of approximately £1613, here is a realistic budget for living in Edinburgh:
Housing (£550/month for shared accommodation), bills and council tax (£180/month), food and groceries (£250/month), and transport (£60/month). Total essentials: approximately £1040/month, leaving £573/month for savings, socialising, and discretionary spending.
Day-to-Day Costs in Edinburgh
Everyday costs in Edinburgh include a pint of beer at around £5.00, a takeaway lunch at approximately £12, and a gym membership averaging £32/month. On £22,000, you have comfortable spending power in Edinburgh. Regular dining out, entertainment, and meaningful savings contributions are all manageable simultaneously. For the exact take home calculation, see £22,000 salary after tax.