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

Aberdeen vs Glasgow

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

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Glasgow. After living costs, Glasgow professionals have £150/month more disposable income.

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

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Glasgow: £2,510/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Glasgow's £1,610/month.

Q: What salary in Glasgow matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £31,500 in Glasgow delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 62.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Glasgow cheaper to live in?

Glasgow is cheaper (COL 62 vs 73). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Glasgow £900/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 Glasgow the equivalent is 36%.

Glasgow wins on purchasing power. Glasgow foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £150/month more disposable income after rent than their Aberdeen counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Glasgow salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Glasgow wins by

+£150

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Glasgow

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Glasgow retains £150/month more than in Aberdeen — that's £1,800/year extra in purchasing power.

+£150

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

Glasgow

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £900

Rent-to-income 36% — Stretched

After rent £1,610

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Glasgow	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£900	-14%
Transport	£60	£55	-8%
Council tax	£148	£148	0%
Groceries	£285	£265	-7%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£1,012	+22%

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 62 for Glasgow, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £31,500 in Glasgow.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£31,500

in Glasgow

Income retention after all essentials

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

Aberdeen 33%

Glasgow 40%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Glasgow £2.36

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Glasgow £1.31

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Glasgow £34/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Glasgow £9.92

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Glasgow — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Glasgow professionals have £150/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 Glasgow? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Glasgow: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Glasgow's £1,610/month.

What salary in Glasgow matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £31,500 in Glasgow delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 62 (Glasgow).

Is Aberdeen or Glasgow cheaper to live in? +

Glasgow is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 62 vs 73 for Aberdeen (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £900/month in Glasgow.

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 Glasgow the equivalent ratio is 36%.