Edinburgh Student Accommodation: The Honest (Expensive) Truth
Let me be upfront: Edinburgh is expensive. At £239/week average, it's the most expensive Scottish city and rivals London prices.
But here's why 61,000+ students still choose it.
The Price Reality
| Metric | Edinburgh |
|---|---|
| Total Properties | 61 |
| Cheapest Room | £130/week |
| Average Rent | £239/week |
| Most Expensive | £415/week |
| vs Glasgow Average | +50% more |
For comparison: Glasgow averages £159/week. That's £80/week less, or £4,000+ saved per year. Keep that in mind.
How to Find "Cheap" in Edinburgh
The cheapest options:
1. Edinburgh College Residence - £130/week
The absolute cheapest in Edinburgh. Allied Students property. Yes, it's basic. But at £130/week in Edinburgh, you're doing well.
2. Straits Meadows - £160/week
Scotland Nest property. Still £80/week below average.
3. Haymarket - £170/week
Abodus Student Living. Great transport links from Haymarket station.
4. Beaverbank Place - £175/week
Unite Students property. Getting closer to average but still under £180.
5. Sugarhouse Close - £179/week
iQ Student Accommodation. Breaking into the premium range.
Why Edinburgh Commands Premium Prices
The University
University of Edinburgh is world-class. Top 20 globally. A degree from Edinburgh carries weight.
The City
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city. The Royal Mile. Arthur's Seat for hiking. It's objectively one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.
Festival Season
The Edinburgh Fringe in August is the world's largest arts festival. Living here means access to incredible cultural events.
Graduate Opportunities
Strong finance sector (Standard Life, Royal Bank of Scotland). Growing tech scene. Good graduate employment rates.
Provider Breakdown
| Provider | Properties | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UniAcco | 20 | Widest selection |
| Prestige Student Living | 9 | Premium options |
| Unite Students | 8 | Budget-friendly |
| iQ Student Accommodation | 4 | Mid-range |
| Student Roost | 4 | Mixed reviews |
Location Guide
Old Town: Near the university, expensive, historic.
New Town: Georgian architecture, posh, pricier.
Marchmont/Bruntsfield: Classic student areas, south of the Meadows.
Leith: Up-and-coming, cheaper, further out.
Haymarket: Good transport, reasonable prices.
The Honest Edinburgh Decision
Ask yourself:
Is Edinburgh worth the premium?
✅ Yes, if:
- You're studying at University of Edinburgh (the prestige is real)
- You value historic cities and culture
- You can afford it without financial stress
- Career goals align with Edinburgh's industries
❌ Consider Glasgow instead if:
- Budget is your primary concern (save £4,000+/year)
- You want better nightlife
- You prefer a grittier, more "authentic" Scottish experience
Cost-Saving Tips
- Book early - Cheaper rooms go first
- Look at Leith - Up-and-coming area, lower prices
- Consider 44+ week contracts - Shorter contracts have higher weekly rates
- Check Edinburgh Napier or Heriot-Watt - Slightly less competitive than UoE
My Edinburgh Verdict
Edinburgh is expensive because it's genuinely special. The city is beautiful, the university is world-renowned, and the quality of life is high.
But you're paying for it. If budget matters, think carefully about whether the Edinburgh premium is worth it for your specific situation.
Browse all Edinburgh properties →
Last updated: January 2026. All prices verified from provider websites.