Cost of Living in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Updated On May 10, 2022

How Much Does It Cost to Live In Glasgow?

Before you start thinking about moving somewhere, it is expected that you are sure that you will have sufficient funds to cover all of your living costs there.

This is the reason why Glasgow might be your future place of residence, due to the fact that it is the largest city in Scotland and the fourth largest city in the United Kingdom and has to offer numerous job opportunities and satisfying living conditions.

Cost of Living Index:
66.5
* Based on Research & User Data
Restaurants

RESTAURANTS

Glasgow is famous for varied restaurants and food shops available throughout the city.

Due to the number of people belonging to different nationalities in the city, there are many restaurants which serve international cuisine, but are also more expensive than those serving Scottish dishes.

Markets

MARKETS

Glasgow is a great city for families, being that there are lots of parks and activities for children, but the more members in the family, the greater are food costs here.

Groceries shopping takes around one third of your monthly budget, and buying food at the local markets would make you save pretty much money.

Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

Glasgow public transport system is so affordable and efficient and you can choose among buses, trains, ferries and subway services.

Depending on your needs, you can also drive in Glasgow, but get ready to face traffic jams, trouble finding parking lots and expensive car parks, as well.

Utilities

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

You should remember that the rental package does not include heating, water, electricity and garbage, which require an extra budget each and every month.

However, those services are not expensive in Glasgow and even those people with the minimum salary can afford paying them.

Sports and leisure

SPORTS & LEISURE

The city is located on the banks of the River Clyde which makes it ideal for nature lovers to enjoy long walks or go jogging by the river.

The existence of parks and peaceful places around the city allows people to do outdoor activities, which in turn affect the fitness clubs and gym prices here.

Clothing and shoes

CLOTHING & SHOES

When you will want to go out and see some of what the city has to offer, you will need appropriate clothes, so it is important to include money in your budget for this when you plan it.

Designer clothing items have almost equal prices throughout the whole country.

Rent per month

RENT PER MONTH

Due to the very affordable rent prices here, living in Glasgow is much cheaper than most major cities around the world.

Depending on the location you choose prices vary, so it is advisable to pick the area which suits your budget, or which is closer to your work so as to save on commuting.

Cost of Living Averages Table for Glasgow

*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.
Average Restaurant Prices
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant)$15.67
Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter)$4.57
Water (0.33 Liter)$0.92
Average Market Prices
Milk (1 Liter)$1.10
Loaf Bread (500g)$1.12
Eggs (12)$2.46
Average Transport Prices
One Way Ticket$3
Monthly Pass$67.88
Gasoline$1.64
Average Utilities Prices
Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling)$121.86
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local$0.14
Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)$38.36
Average Leisure Prices
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult$31.84
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour)$13.87
Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release$13.05
Average Clothing Prices
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable)$72.63
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...)$37.07
1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range)$78.52
Average Rent Prices
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center$816.41
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center$585.73
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center$1607.50

How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Glasgow?

Most people move to Glasgow for work and their cost of living depend on whether they are single or come with a family.

There are jobs available and the possible salaries vary which will affect the amount of money you can spend on basic living expenses on a monthly basis.

People who do not mind living in the suburbs would benefit from lower housing prices, and will be able to rent better quality apartment than in the city center for the same price.

Average Costs Breakdown

16.9%
28.3%
13.9%
5.5%
5.2%
2.5%
27.7%

Glasgow: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages

By taking a look at the basic expenses and possible salaries in Glasgow, you can  get an idea of costs, but how much money you will need to live comfortably would only depend on your own personal preferences and lifestyle, as well as on your monthly budget.

Glasgow offers inexpensive rents as opposed to pretty high average monthly wages, which makes living conditions easier.

All the other costs are lower than in London, so coming to live here would be considered a wise choice.

Average Salary$2293.50
Minimum Wage$1659.2
Mortgage Interest Rate3.35%

Glasgow Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Glasgow Safety Review

Safety Index:
55
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
  • SCAMS RISK: LOW
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Cost of Living by City in Glasgow

CityCost of Living Index
Aberdeen73.02
Bath74.48
Belfast62.42
Birmingham64.46
Brighton69.54
Bristol69.58
Cambridge72.6
Cardiff62.12
Coventry66.31
Derby61.5
Edinburgh61.5
Exeter66.56
Leeds68.26
Leicester65.59
Liverpool62
London81.31
Manchester69.86
Milton Keynes78.5
Newcastle upon Tyne62.76
Norwich64.95
Nottingham67.05
Oxford72.6
Peterborough41.93
Plymouth70.02
Portsmouth71.04
Reading76.73
Sheffield62.64
Southampton63.73
Swindon69.92
York69.33

Where to Next?

See these related locations:

Or, browse the country/city indexes:

Cost of Living - Country Index Cost of Living - City Index

Share Your Experience

Share
Facebook Pinterest