Edinburgh vs Glasgow: Scotland's Eternal Rivalry

The great Scottish debate. Capital vs largest city. Historic vs industrial. Tourist destination vs real Scottish city.

Let me give you the facts.

The Numbers

Edinburgh is consistently more expensive. About £6,000 over three years.

The Cities

Edinburgh:

• Population: 540,000
• Feel: Historic, beautiful, touristy
• Vibe: Compact, hilly, photogenic
• Economy: Finance, government, tourism, festivals

Glasgow:

• Population: 630,000
• Feel: Industrial heritage, gritty charm, real
• Vibe: Bigger, flatter, more spread out
• Economy: Creative industries, services, healthcare

The honest difference:

Edinburgh is stunning but can feel like a museum. Tourists everywhere, especially in summer and during festivals.

Glasgow is rougher around the edges but more authentic. Glaswegians are famously friendly and the city feels lived-in, not preserved.

University Quality

Edinburgh Universities:

• University of Edinburgh: Top 20 globally, ancient, prestigious
• Heriot-Watt: Strong for engineering, sciences
• Edinburgh Napier: Good practical degrees
• Queen Margaret: Healthcare, drama

Glasgow Universities:

• University of Glasgow: Russell Group, ancient, beautiful campus
• University of Strathclyde: Strong for business, engineering
• Glasgow Caledonian: Healthcare, social sciences

Both have world-class ancient universities. Edinburgh is marginally higher ranked globally, but Glasgow is excellent.

Student Life Comparison

The Vibe Difference

Edinburgh Feels Like:

• A postcard come to life
• Every corner is photogenic
• Tourists everywhere (especially August)
• Hills. So many hills.
• More reserved, polished

Glasgow Feels Like:

• A real working city
• Better music, better nights out
• Locals actually talk to you
• Flat and walkable
• Rougher but warmer

The Honest Truth About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is genuinely beautiful. Arthur's Seat, the Royal Mile, the castle, the festivals.

But it can also feel:

• Expensive for everything
• Touristy (hard to escape)
• Less "student city", more "city with students"
• The hills are brutal in winter

The Fringe is incredible but also means the city is overrun for a month every August.

The Honest Truth About Glasgow

Glasgow has:

• The best music scene in Scotland
• Friendlier locals (it's a cliche but true)
• Better value across the board
• More authentic Scottish experience
• Sub Club and other legendary venues

But also:

• Not as pretty (though improving)
• Weather can be brutal
• Some areas need avoiding
• Less tourist-friendly (which might be good)

Career Opportunities

Edinburgh Has:

• Financial services (RBS, Standard Life, investment management)
• Scottish Government
• Tourism and hospitality
• Tech (growing scene, Skyscanner)
• Publishing

Glasgow Has:

• NHS (largest employer)
• BBC Scotland
• Creative industries
• Fintech
• Life sciences

Different industries, different strengths. Neither is clearly better.

The Decision Framework

Choose Edinburgh If:

1. Prestige and rankings matter (Edinburgh ranks higher)
2. You want a beautiful city
3. Finance or government careers interest you
4. You don't mind tourists
5. You can afford the premium

Choose Glasgow If:

1. Value for money is important
2. Nightlife and music are priorities
3. You prefer authentic over polished
4. Friendly locals matter to you
5. Creative or healthcare careers interest you

What Students Say

Pro-Edinburgh:

"Walking through Old Town never gets old. It's like living in a movie."

"For career networking, Edinburgh is better connected."

Pro-Glasgow:

"Edinburgh is for tourists, Glasgow is for living."

"The music scene is unreal. Sub Club alone is worth it."

"Glaswegians are the friendliest people I've met. Edinburgh can be cold."

"Same quality of university, £40/week cheaper. Easy choice."

My Verdict

Glasgow is the better student city. Cheaper, friendlier, better nightlife, more authentic.

Edinburgh is the better city to visit. Beautiful, historic, prestigious.

If you're choosing where to LIVE for three years, Glasgow offers more student-focused value.

If rankings and prestige are your priority, Edinburgh is the name.

Browse Edinburgh properties → Browse Glasgow properties →

January 2026 data based on 61 Edinburgh and 55 Glasgow properties. Note: UK Police crime data does not cover Scotland - safety scores use SIMD data instead. Prices are estimates - verify before booking.