Is New Town Expensive?

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

+25% vs Edinburgh avg

Living in New Town, Edinburgh

New Town is the most expensive area in Edinburgh, with a cost of living index of 77.6 — that is +25% compared to the Edinburgh average. Only the top 1 of 18 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around £1,224/month, compared to a range of £764 in Gorgie to £1,224 in New Town.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of New Town, housing takes up roughly 48% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 17%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately £48,946 before tax.

Typical Salaries in New Town

Salaries in New Town reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 77.6:

After tax and deductions of 26.5% in United Kingdom, take-home pay for someone earning £48,946 would be roughly £35,975/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

77.6
COLI Index
1.25x
vs City Avg
£1,224
Est. 1BR Rent
#1
of 18 Areas
26.5%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in New Town

Estimated annual deductions on a £43,825 salary in New Town, Edinburgh (local employee).

Income Tax
14%
National Insurance (NI)
8.0%
Council Tax (avg) (est.)
4.3%
Total Deductions: 26.5%
Est. Take-Home: £32,193/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in New Town would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $58,200
London GBP £50,086
Dubai AED AED 291,220

Other Neighborhoods in Edinburgh

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Old Town 73.3 1.18x +18%
Stockbridge 71.4 1.15x +15%
Dean Village 71.4 1.15x +15%
Morningside 68.3 1.10x +10%
Bruntsfield 67.1 1.08x +8%

View all 18 neighborhoods in Edinburgh →

Convert Your Salary

See exactly what you need to earn in New Town, Edinburgh to maintain your lifestyle.

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Compare New Town

New Town vs Old Town New Town vs Gorgie New Town vs Stockbridge New Town vs Comely Bank

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to New Town:

Cottesloe, Perth Eastover, Charlotte Channelside, Tampa Musheireb, Doha Downtown Portland, Portland West Linn, Portland

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Town expensive in Edinburgh?

Yes, New Town is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Edinburgh. It costs about +25% more than the city average, ranking #1 out of 18 neighborhoods.

How does New Town compare to the Edinburgh average?

The cost of living in New Town is significantly above the Edinburgh average. With a multiplier of 1.25x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +25% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include UK Office for National Statistics · HM Revenue & Customs · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.