Cost of living · 2026/27
Glasgow: Cost of Living 2026/27
Scotland's largest city. Materially cheaper than Edinburgh for rent (~25% less for comparable property) and council tax sits lower. Median pay slightly below Edinburgh.
At a glance
- Typical 2-bed rent
- £1,100/mo
- Council Tax Band D
- £1,530/yr
- Median annual pay (FT)
- £34,840
- Population
- 635,000
Note. Scottish income tax applies — see Edinburgh notes. Glasgow Council Tax Band D has risen ~8% since 2023 but still lowest among the four largest Scottish cities.
Take-home after rent in Glasgow
Monthly take-home for common UK salaries, using Scotland tax rates (our salary calculator), then subtracting typical rent and monthly council tax / rates.
| Gross | Take-home /mo | After rent | After rent + council tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| £34,840 (local median) | £2,383 | £1,283 | £1,155 |
| £50,000 | £3,169 | £2,069 | £1,941 |
| £75,000 | £4,334 | £3,234 | £3,106 |
| £100,000 | £5,438 | £4,338 | £4,211 |
Primary industries in Glasgow
- Financial services
- Shipbuilding legacy
- Healthcare (NHS)
- Higher education
- Creative industries