Compare Edinburgh vs London, two of the UK’s most iconic cities, in terms of their specialities. Edinburgh is Britain’s most famous and culturally rich city, with its beauty and history dating back more than 2,000 years. Known as the “Athens of the North”, Edinburgh attracts countless tourists worldwide with its unique history and culture, magnificent natural scenery, and rich literary and artistic heritage. London is a leading world-class city, one of the wealthiest, most economically advanced, commercially prosperous and with one of the highest standards of living in the world. However, there are some differences between the two cities in terms of population, cost of living, education, weather, culture, employment opportunities and lifestyle. This blog will give you an in-depth look at both cities to help you decide between Edinburgh and London: Which City is Better?
Edinburgh vs London: Population
Population in the Edinburgh vs London
Edinburgh Population
Edinburgh’s 2024 population is now estimated at 558,676. However, the city’s population surges to over one million during the annual August festival. Edinburgh has the highest population growth of any of the UK’s eight major cities outside London, thanks to its cultural scene and booming tourism industry.
London Population
London is the most populous city in the UK. The current metro area population of London in 2024 is 9.748 million. As a major financial, cultural and educational centre, it attracts many immigrants and students.
Cost of Living Edinburgh vs London
Cost of Living in Edinburgh
| Category | Cost (£)/Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | £750 – £1, 200 |
| Food | £150 – £270 |
| Transportation | £55 – £60 |
| Groceries | £150 – £220 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | £50 – £100 |
| Health Insurance | £55 – £105 |
Cost of Living in London
| Category | Cost (£)/Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | £1,630 – £2,170 |
| Food | £200 – £350 |
| Transportation | £183 |
| Groceries | £200 – £300 |
| Entertainment & Leisure | £86 – £124 |
| Health Insurance | £85 – £125 |
The cost of living in Edinburgh is lower than in London. As one of the most expensive cities in the world, Rent, catering, and daily expenses are more expensive in London.
The cost of living in London is 21.1% higher than in Edinburgh (without Rent).
London’s cost of living, including Rent, is 40.1% higher than in Edinburgh.
Housing Costs in Edinburgh vs London
Housing costs are an important consideration when choosing between Edinburgh and London. London has been the most expensive city in the UK for many years, with rents in London 30% more expensive than in Edinburgh. Rents in London are highest around King’s Cross and Oxford Street, with studios at £512/week and one-bedroom flats at £871/week, while rents in Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town are highest, with studios at £392/week and en-suites at £240/week. Edinburgh student accommodation offers better value for money if you’re looking for both comfort and affordability.
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Education in Edinburgh vs London
Edinburgh is known for its unique education system and strong research. Represented by the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, and the Edinburgh Napier University are also located here, leading the world in fields such as medicine, computer science, and humanities. Edinburgh is a small city with an intense academic scene, making it an ideal study environment for students who want to focus on research and enjoy history and culture.
London is the world’s leading education centre and is the first choice for many international students to study abroad, welcoming more than 100,000 international students each year from over 200 different countries around the world. It is home to four of the top 40 universities in the Times Higher Education rankings: Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and King’s College London (KCL). Higher education institutions in London offer over 30,000 courses, ranging from accountancy, business, engineering and law to marketing, medicine, politics and zoology. London has been ranked as the world’s best education capital for the sixth consecutive year.
In conclusion, Edinburgh vs London each have their own specialities in terms of education and academic resources. London is the better choice if you are looking for diverse educational resources, strong international networks and a wide range of career opportunities. Edinburgh is better if you prefer a quieter study environment, high-quality research support and a strong cultural and historical atmosphere.
Weather in Edinburgh vs London
Winters in Edinburgh are colder, with average temperatures of around 1°C-5°C and occasional frosts, but less snowfall. Summers are cooler and more pleasant, with much longer days and temperatures of 20-25°C. The weather in Edinburgh is usually cooler in the summer months. The best time to visit Edinburgh is from May to September each year. Edinburgh has slightly higher rainfall and more rainy days, especially in autumn and winter, so it’s important to have waterproof gear.
London has a temperate maritime climate characterised by warm North Atlantic currents and westerly winds, with little difference in temperature between the four seasons, with cooler summers and relatively warmer winters, and humid, rainy and foggy air. Summer temperatures are cool, averaging around 15°C-20°C, making it suitable for outdoor activities, with peak precipitation from August to November.
Edinburgh and London have similar climates, making London an ideal destination in the spring and summer if warm, stable weather and abundant urban activities are preferred. Edinburgh would be better suited in summer and autumn if cooler weather, unique historic buildings, and natural beauty were more enjoyable.
Crime Rate in Edinburgh vs London
| City | Crime Rate |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 87.7 crimes per 1000 people |
| London | 106 crimes per 1,000 people |
In terms of crime rates in Edinburgh vs. London, Edinburgh has a relatively low crime rate. Consistently regarded as one of the safest cities in the UK, Edinburgh has a very low crime rate and boasts an efficient emergency service and a very friendly urban environment. Common types of crime in Edinburgh include bicycle theft, petty theft in public places and anti-social behaviour. Edinburgh’s low crime rate can be attributed to its low population density, strong community ties, more frequent police patrols and a strong crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
According to the 2023/2024 annual report, London’s crime rate of 106 crimes per 1,000 people is already over 10%, with common crimes including violent crime, burglary, fraud and cybercrime. Haringey is one of the most dangerous areas in London, with Haringey’s overall crime rate reaching 142 crimes per 1,000 people in 2023, which is a full 36% higher than London’s overall crime rate.
History and Culture in Edinburgh vs London
Edinburgh history and culture
The history of Edinburgh can be traced back to the seventh century A.D. when it was a small village called Din Eidyn. In the eleventh century, Edinburgh developed into an important town in the Kingdom of Scotland and became the residence of royalty and nobility. During the later Scottish Wars of Independence, Edinburgh fell into English hands several times but was eventually recaptured. In the late Middle Ages, Edinburgh became Scotland’s political, cultural and religious centre, and many important buildings were erected and remain today.
Edinburgh is renowned for its profound cultural heritage and artistic atmosphere and is a gem of world culture. The Edinburgh International Festival of the Arts and the Fringe Festival, held in August each year, are the largest and most influential arts festivals in the world, attracting artists and audiences worldwide. As a city of literature, Edinburgh is also home to many literary giants, such as J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter, who completed her work here. In addition, Edinburgh has a rich architectural landscape, with the Old and New Towns listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Royal Mile, the National Museum of Scotland, and a host of music, theatre, and culinary events combine to shape Edinburgh’s unique and fascinating cultural scene, making it the perfect place to explore the essence of Scottish culture.
London history and culture
The history of Edinburgh can be traced back to the seventh century A.D. when it was a small village called Din Eidyn. In the eleventh century, Edinburgh developed into an important town in the Kingdom of Scotland and became the residence of royalty and nobility. During the later Scottish Wars of Independence, Edinburgh fell into English hands several times but was eventually recaptured. In the late Middle Ages, Edinburgh became Scotland’s political, cultural and religious centre, and many important buildings were erected and remain today.
The United Nations has named Edinburgh a World City of Literature, ‘Edinburgh is a city built on literature.’ From the birth of the Encyclopaedia Britannica here to the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, from Ivanhoe to Treasure Island, from Mystery to Harry Potter, from the poet Burns to the classical economist Adam Smith, it is fair to say that every one of them is a treasure of the arts, and is not at all measurable in monetary terms. Edinburgh’s Arts Festival is even more exciting and unusual. Since its inception in 1947, the festival has gone through more than 50 years and has become a worldwide art event. The Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh Festival of Military Music, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Film Festival, Edinburgh International Jazz Festival and Edinburgh Festival of Multiculturalism are all part of the world’s art forms.
Job Opportunities in Edinburgh vs London
Edinburgh and London each have their own strengths regarding employment opportunities in the two cities. The differences are in the distribution of industries and types of jobs.
Edinburgh: Known for its reputation as a literary capital and diverse arts scene, Edinburgh creates many service sector and creative-related jobs, with opportunities especially abundant during peak season. In addition, Edinburgh’s tech sector has developed rapidly in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing tech centers in the UK. Start-ups, alongside large tech companies, have fuelled the diversity of the tech sector, providing a wealth of opportunities for skilled talent.
London.
London: London is one of the central hubs for the financial, technology, and creative industries. It is home to the headquarters of many international banks, hedge funds, and consulting firms such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan Chase. These firms provide many employment opportunities for finance, business, and economics students. In addition, Soho and Canary Wharf are home to many media and entertainment companies.
Conclusion
Overall, Edinburgh and London each have characteristics that suit different living needs and preferences. Edinburgh is known for its laid-back pace, low crime rate and close-knit community, making it a great city for families and students. It is rich in history and culture while offering a safe and quiet living environment. In contrast, London is a globalised metropolis with a wealth of cultural, commercial, educational and recreational resources. Still, its higher crime rate and more complex social issues also make it challenging to be safe. However, London’s diversity, opportunities and cosmopolitan environment are unrivalled advantages for many. Overall, the choice between Edinburgh or London depends on personal preferences in terms of city size, pace of life, cultural atmosphere and safety.
FAQ About Edinburgh vs London
Which is the bigger city Edinburgh vs London?
London is a much larger city with a population of nearly 10 million, and Edinburgh is smaller with only 500,000 people.
Which is better to live, London or Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a more liveable city with a more relaxed pace of life. Edinburgh has a more historical and literary atmosphere than the modern city of London. Edinburgh has a lower crime rate than London, the residents are generally friendly and the city has a quieter atmosphere, making it a good place for families and students to live. Although London is rich in resources, the fast-paced life of a big city can bring more stress.
Is Edinburgh or London more expensive?
The cost of living in Edinburgh is around 30 per cent lower than in London. For students, the cost of living in Edinburgh is between 1,000 and 1,200 per month, with rents of £750 – £1,200 per month. Compared to London, where the cost of living is between 1,200 and 1,800 per month, with rents of £1,630 – £2,170 per month.
Which city has more nature, London vs Edinburgh?
Edinburgh and London are rich in natural resources, but each has significant characteristics due to differences in location, city size and natural landscape. Edinburgh is a smaller city with a natural landscape accompanied by ancient architecture, making nature and humanity one and the same. London’s natural spaces are more artificial, but green spaces are evenly distributed, providing diverse recreational areas suitable for city dwellers and tourists alike.
