Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) · City comparison · 2026

Aberdeen vs Edinburgh

Q: Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Edinburgh?

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Edinburgh. After living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £50/month more disposable income.

Q: What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Edinburgh?

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Edinburgh: £2,510/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Edinburgh's £1,410/month.

Q: What salary in Edinburgh matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £36,550 in Edinburgh delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 72.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Edinburgh cheaper to live in?

Edinburgh is cheaper (COL 72 vs 73). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Edinburgh £1,100/mo.

Q: What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen?

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen has a rent-to-income ratio of 42% (stretched). In Edinburgh the equivalent is 44%.

Aberdeen wins on purchasing power. Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £50/month more disposable income after rent than their Edinburgh counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Edinburgh salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Aberdeen wins by

+£50

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Aberdeen

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen retains £50/month more than in Edinburgh — that's £600/year extra in purchasing power.

+£50

per month

Aberdeen

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,460

Edinburgh

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £1,100

Rent-to-income 44% — Stretched

After rent £1,410

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Edinburgh	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£1,100	+5%
Transport	£60	£62	+3%
Council tax	£148	£155	+5%
Groceries	£285	£280	-2%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£783	-5%

Sources: NHS Scotland 2025/26 · Rightmove Q4 2025 · HMRC 2025/26 · Numbeo 2025

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 73 for Aberdeen and 72 for Edinburgh, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £36,550 in Edinburgh.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£36,550

in Edinburgh

Income retention after all essentials

% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries

Aberdeen 33%

Edinburgh 31%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Edinburgh £2.74

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Edinburgh £1.48

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Edinburgh £40/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Edinburgh £11.52

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Edinburgh? +

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Edinburgh — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £50/month more disposable income, making it the stronger city in real terms.

What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Edinburgh? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Edinburgh: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Edinburgh's £1,410/month.

What salary in Edinburgh matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £36,550 in Edinburgh delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 72 (Edinburgh).

Is Aberdeen or Edinburgh cheaper to live in? +

Edinburgh is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 72 vs 73 for Aberdeen (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £1,100/month in Edinburgh.

What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen? +

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen earning £37,068 takes home £2,510/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,050/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 42% (stretched). In Edinburgh the equivalent ratio is 44%.