Skyline of Glasgow
Cost of Living: 88.4 635,640

Glasgow, Scotland, UK

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

Updated July 6, 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

Cost of Living
Glasgow: 88.4
UK Avg: 100
Housing Index
Glasgow: 86.2
UK Avg: 100
Income Tax
Glasgow: 20%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20.0%
  • VAT: 20.0%

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: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 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: Rightmove, 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 ~2,900 kWh/year typical UK household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)£260Estimated based on local climate. typical central heating
Water£35Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)£30Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities£470Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: Ofgem, UK Energy Statistics 2024, Water UK, Ofcom

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: Good
  • Climate: 126 year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: 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 & Jobs

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

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. 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, Scotland, UK?

The cost of living index in Glasgow is 88.4, which is Lower the UK national average of 100.

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.

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 an income tax rate of 20%.

What is the climate like in Glasgow?

Glasgow enjoys approximately 126 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,66°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.34°F.

Data Sources

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

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.