City Comparison · 2026

Edinburgh vs Brighton 2026

Scotland

Edinburgh

Median Salary £38,900

Cost of Living 79/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £1,050/mo

Real Take-Home £27,500/yr

Job Growth ↑ 4.5%

Unemployment 3.2%

South East England

Brighton

Median Salary £36,000

Cost of Living 80/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £1,200/mo

Real Take-Home £24,800/yr

Job Growth ↑ 4.2%

Unemployment 3.8%

Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary

Edinburgh

Best take-home pay after accounting for rent and cost of living.

Best for Affordability

Edinburgh

Lower cost of living index means your money goes further every day.

Highest Headline Salary

Edinburgh

Higher median salary before cost of living is taken into account.

Lowest Rent

Edinburgh

More affordable average rents leave more of your salary in your pocket.

Best for Career Growth

Edinburgh

Higher job growth rate and more active job market for ambitious professionals.

Best Overall Value

Edinburgh

When salary, cost of living and rent are all considered together.

Top Salaries: Edinburgh vs Brighton

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and financial centre with above-average UK salaries and a thriving technology and fintech scene.

Full Edinburgh Guide →

Brighton

Brighton is the UK's creative and digital capital outside London with a thriving startup scene and strong tourism economy.

Full Brighton Guide →

Live Jobs

Jobs in Edinburgh

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Live Jobs

Jobs in Brighton

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More Comparisons

London vs Edinburgh

£52,800 vs £38,900

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London vs Brighton

£52,800 vs £36,000

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Manchester vs Edinburgh

£36,500 vs £38,900

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Manchester vs Brighton

£36,500 vs £36,000

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Birmingham vs Edinburgh

£33,200 vs £38,900

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Birmingham vs Brighton

£33,200 vs £36,000

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All City Comparisons →