Edinburgh vs London — which is cheaper for students?

Edinburgh: +£538/mo
London: +£558/mo
£20/month better off in London
£720 over 3 years

Monthly breakdown

London students receive £358/month more in maintenance loan. This partially offsets higher accommodation costs, but rarely fully.
Under-22 students in Edinburgh travel free on buses, saving ~£100/month — not reflected in the loan figure above.
EdinburghLondon
Maintenance loan£1,171/mo£1,529/mo
Cheapest halls−£433/mo−£671/mo
Transport−£0/mo−£100/mo
Food (estimate)−£200−£200
Monthly balance+£538+£558
Work hours/week0 hrs0 hrs
Over 3 years+£19,368+£20,088
Loan rateStandardLondon

Based on maximum maintenance loan (household income under £25,000). Halls figure uses the cheapest option at any university in that city. 2025/26 rates.

The verdict

The financial difference between Edinburgh and London is small — just £20/month. Other factors (course quality, career outcomes, where you want to live) should carry more weight.

Universities in each city

Compare University of Edinburgh vs University College London →

Student stories

Edinburgh

Orla's story

What it's actually like to be a student in Edinburgh

Read Orla's story →

London

Zac's story

What it's actually like to be a student in London

Read Zac's story →

After university — what do graduates earn?

Estimated monthly take-home pay after income tax and National Insurance, at starting salary.

CareerEdinburghLondon
Software engineer£2,394/mo£2,394/mo
Nurse (Band 5)£2,034/mo£2,034/mo
Teacher (M1)£2,093/mo£2,093/mo

Salaries in London are often higher, but so is the cost of living. Net financial position varies by career and employer. Starting salary figures. After-tax estimates only — excludes pension contributions.

Student guide to Edinburgh →Student guide to London →

Choosing between Edinburgh and London?

Send this comparison to your parents before the UCAS reply deadline.