🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Edinburgh · GBP salary guide

Is £40,000 enough in Edinburgh?

A full breakdown of whether £40,000/month covers the cost of living in Edinburgh — including take-home pay after tax, monthly costs, your savings rate, and how long until financial independence.

🚀
Excellent
Strong savings potential. You are on a clear path toward financial independence.
£28,000
Take-home after 30% tax
£2,760
Average monthly costs
£25,240
Left over per month
💡 At a 90% savings rate, you could reach financial independence in approximately 3 years — retiring with a portfolio of £828,000 covering all your Edinburgh costs indefinitely at a 4% withdrawal rate. Stocks & Shares ISA — same £20,000/year allowance applies in Scotland.

Where your £40,000 goes in Edinburgh

🏠 Rent
£1,300
🛒 Groceries
£380
🚇 Transport
£100
🍽 Dining
£450
💡 Utilities
£180
📦 Other
£350
Total costs £2,760/month

Key facts about Edinburgh

Scotland has slightly higher income tax than England. Edinburgh has a strong finance sector. Beautiful city with reasonable costs outside the centre.

Tax situation

Scottish income tax slightly higher — top rate 48% vs 45% in England. Starter rate 19% from £12,571.

Best investment accounts

Stocks & Shares ISA — same £20,000/year allowance applies in Scotland.

Your path to financial independence in Edinburgh

FIRE number for EdinburghBased on average costs of £2760/month, your financial independence number is £828,000 — the portfolio that covers your costs indefinitely at a 4% annual withdrawal.

Compare other salary levels in Edinburgh

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