Cost of Living in London vs Glasgow: What It Really Costs to Live There

When you're deciding where to live in the UK, the cost of living, the total amount of money needed to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transport, and utilities. Also known as living expenses, it’s not just about salary—it’s about what that salary actually buys you. In London, a £3,000 monthly income might feel tight. In Glasgow, it could feel like luxury. This isn’t hype. It’s data from real people paying rent, filling their fridges, and catching buses every day.

The biggest difference? rent, the largest monthly expense for most adults. Also known as housing costs, it’s where the gap between London and Glasgow becomes impossible to ignore. A one-bedroom flat in central London averages £2,200 a month. In Glasgow, you’ll find the same space for £850. That’s over £1,300 extra every month in London—enough to cover groceries, a gym membership, and a weekend trip. Then there’s transport, how you get around day to day. Also known as commuting costs, it adds up fast. A monthly London Travelcard is £160. A Glasgow bus pass? £60. Even eating out shows the split: a three-course meal for two in Soho runs £90. In Glasgow’s West End, it’s £45. Same quality. Half the price.

It’s not just about money—it’s about what that money lets you do. In London, you might work longer hours just to afford a smaller flat. In Glasgow, you might have more evenings free, more weekends out, more space to breathe. People move for jobs, but they stay for lifestyle. And lifestyle is shaped by what you can afford. This page pulls together real experiences from people who’ve lived in both cities. You’ll find posts about budgeting tips, hidden costs, where to eat cheaply, and how locals stretch their paychecks. Whether you’re thinking of moving, just curious, or trying to decide where to start your next chapter, these stories show you what life actually looks like on the ground—not the glossy brochures.