Glasgow, SCT — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]
COL: 88.4 635,640

Glasgow, SCT

Scotland's largest city known for its art scene, friendly locals, and some of the most affordable urban living in the UK.

Updated June 30, 2026
Cost of Living 88.4

Below Average vs UK avg (100)

Housing Index 86.2

Affordable

Median Income £31,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.9%

Job market health

Glasgow vs UK Average

Overall COL
Glasgow: 88.4
UK Avg: 100
Housing
Glasgow: 86.2
UK Avg: 100
Income Tax
Glasgow: 20%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20%
  • VAT: 20%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: £31,000
  • Unemployment: 4.9%
  • Population: 635,640

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 126/year
  • Summer High: 66°F
  • Winter Low: 34°F

Housing

  • Median Home: £195,000
  • 1BR Rent: £850/mo

Cost of Living

Glasgow's cost of living index is 88.4 (UK average = 100).

CategoryGlasgowNational AverageDifference
Overall88.4100-11.6%
Housing86.2100-13.8%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price£195,000
Median Rent (1BR)£850/mo
Median Rent (2BR)£1,063/mo
Price per Sq Ft£130

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Glasgow:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity£145Based on ~900 kWh/month usage
Water£35Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)£30Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities£210Monthly estimate

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow, municipal service directories

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Glasgow

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: £1,020/mo.

Glasgow Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: £935/mo.

East Glasgow

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: £765/mo.

West Glasgow

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: £808/mo.

Remote Work Score

Glasgow scores 125/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Low (Good)
  • Climate: 126 sunny days/year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: High (Good)

Climate

Glasgow has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January54°F34°F2.5"
April51°F49°F2.8"
July66°F41°F1.5"
October46°F52°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20%
  • VAT: 20%
  • Property Tax: ~0.22% of assessed value

Economy

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.

Overview

Glasgow is a city in SCT with a population of 635,640. Scotland’s largest city known for its art scene, friendly locals, and some of the most affordable urban living in the UK.

FAQ

Is glasgow-gb a good place to live?

glasgow-gb offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.

What is the cost of living in glasgow-gb?

The cost of living in glasgow-gb varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in glasgow-gb?

Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in glasgow-gb to maintain your current standard of living.

Data Sources

  • Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
  • Housing data: Zillow Research
  • Demographics: US Census Bureau
  • Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Taxes: Tax Foundation

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Glasgow, SCT?

The cost of living index in Glasgow is 88.4, which is below the UK national average of 100. Residents enjoy lower costs for everyday expenses compared to the national average.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Glasgow?

The median home price in Glasgow is £195,000. The housing index is 86.2, which is below the national average.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Glasgow is approximately £850/mo.

Does Glasgow, SCT have income tax?

Glasgow is in SCT, which has a income tax rate of 20%.

What is the climate like in Glasgow?

Glasgow enjoys approximately 126 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 66°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.

Data Sources

All data on this page is sourced from publicly available datasets and updated regularly. Data sources include:

  • Cost of Living: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2026
  • Housing Data: Rightmove, 2026
  • Income & Employment: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2024
  • Climate: Met Office

Data last updated: June 30, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.