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City Comparison · 2026

Glasgow vs Swansea 2026

Scotland
Glasgow
Median Salary £35,200
Cost of Living 69/100
Avg Rent (1 bed) £850/mo
Real Take-Home £25,800/yr
Job Growth ↑ 4.1%
Unemployment 4.5%
VS
Wales
Swansea
Median Salary £29,500
Cost of Living 63/100
Avg Rent (1 bed) £700/mo
Real Take-Home £23,200/yr
Job Growth ↑ 3.5%
Unemployment 5%
Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary
Glasgow
Best take-home pay after accounting for rent and cost of living.
Best for Affordability
Swansea
Lower cost of living index means your money goes further every day.
Highest Headline Salary
Glasgow
Higher median salary before cost of living is taken into account.
Lowest Rent
Swansea
More affordable average rents leave more of your salary in your pocket.
Best for Career Growth
Glasgow
Higher job growth rate and more active job market for ambitious professionals.
Best Overall Value
Glasgow
When salary, cost of living and rent are all considered together.

Top Salaries: Glasgow vs Swansea

Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and commercial centre with a diverse economy spanning finance, manufacturing and a growing technology sector.

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Swansea

Swansea is Wales's second city with a growing technology sector driven by Swansea University and major digital employers.

Full Swansea Guide →
Live Jobs

Jobs in Glasgow

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Live Jobs

Jobs in Swansea

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