Nestled among the hills, Edinburgh is famed for its historic castles, the winding streets of Old Town, and the Georgian splendour of New Town. Though Scotland’s capital city is picturesque, it does have some downsides to go with its many upsides. Expats moving to Edinburgh will need to weigh these up before moving.
Below are some of the pros and cons of living in Edinburgh.
Accommodation in Edinburgh
+ PRO: Historic homes throughout the city
Edinburgh’s rich history can be seen just about everywhere, houses included. Some of the city’s tenements date as far back as the 1600s.
Colony houses are particular to Edinburgh. These two-storey linked houses are structured similarly to row houses, except that each home is further split into an upper and lower unit. The upper entrance makes use of a stairway on the other side of the house from the lower entrance. This allows both parties to have a garden.
- CON: Expensive and often small apartments in the best areas
With good accommodation options in constant demand, rental listings can come and go in the blink of an eye. Prices can be high in the best areas. Although there are many grand, spacious apartments and townhouses in Edinburgh’s New Town, you might struggle to find something affordable. In this part of town, cheaper usually means tiny.
Renting Accommodation in Edinburgh
Lifestyle in Edinburgh
+ PRO: Beautiful city with a long history
While the exact year of Edinburgh’s founding isn’t known, historians estimate it was around 600 AD. As a result, there are plenty of age-old cultural attractions in the city. The most prominent is Edinburgh Castle, a distinct feature of the city’s skyline, which began as an Iron Age hill fortress.
+ PRO: Stunning green spaces, hills, and countryside
Edinburgh has over 100 parks and more than half a million trees. Naturally, this makes the city an excellent spot for outdoorsy expats. Even those who prefer to stay indoors are sure to appreciate how green and lush the city is year round.
+ PRO: Plenty of festivals
Edinburgh is a hub of activity, especially when it comes to arts and culture. The city is home to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world's largest arts festival. There's also the Edinburgh International Festival, which sees performing artists from all over converge on the city for three weeks.
Shopping, Entertainment and Restaurants in Edinburgh
Best Attractions in Edinburgh
Cost of living in Edinburgh
- CON: High cost of living
Living in Edinburgh is good value compared to living in London, but it's by no means a cheap place to live, particularly in central areas. Although this can be mitigated by house sharing or living further out in the suburbs, accommodation will take up most of an expat’s budget.
Compared with other major Scottish cities, Edinburgh is generally cheaper than Aberdeen but slightly pricier than Glasgow, especially for rental prices.
+ PRO: Free activities
Despite the high cost of living, there are many ways to enjoy the city on a budget. Almost all museums offer free entry, with donations optional. There's also an abundance of free outdoor pursuits to enjoy, such as hiking up Arthur's Seat.
Healthcare in Edinburgh
+ PRO: Access to the NHS
Expats can rest easy when it comes to accessing high-quality healthcare in Edinburgh. One of the major benefits of moving anywhere in the UK is gaining access to the National Health Service (NHS). In Scotland, all appointments, prescriptions, and hospital visits are fully funded.
- CON: Long waiting times
As is the case throughout the UK, waiting times for NHS appointments can be long. This can be circumvented by opting for private treatment, which tends to be pricey. Expats taking this route should be sure to invest in comprehensive health insurance.
Best Hospitals in Edinburgh
Healthcare in the UK
Weather in Edinburgh
- CON: Cold and rainy
Like much of the UK, Edinburgh's weather can be unpleasant. Rain is frequent throughout the year, and the sun is rarely seen during the winter months.
+ PRO: Lush greenery
As a result of all that rain, greenery thrives in the city, with the surrounding hills setting off the beautiful historical architecture of the city centre.
Education in Edinburgh
+ PRO: Education is highly valued
Home to a number of excellent universities, Edinburgh’s rich history of education is still very much evident today. There are plenty of good options for every stage of education, from nursery school to doctorate level.
- CON: Public schools have catchment areas
Public schooling in Edinburgh is based on catchment areas, meaning that children are given priority admission to a school within their area. The best public schools tend to be in more expensive areas. While it's possible to apply for a child to attend a school outside their catchment zone, they will not have priority entry and aren’t guaranteed a place.
Education and Schools in Edinburgh
Getting around in Edinburgh
+ PRO: Small, walkable and easy to navigate
Edinburgh is a compact city with a good public transport system, so most expats won’t need a car. Walking or cycling is a popular way of getting around, and the city’s plentiful landmarks and grid layout make navigation an easy task.