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Cost of Living: Edinburgh vs Graz (2026)

United Kingdom vs Austria — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 52% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1620/mo). Graz summers average 25°C vs 17°C. Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
69
Livability Score
🇬🇧 Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Full profile
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
Graz edges ahead 77 to 69. Edinburgh isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Edinburgh
Graz
$1620/mo
Rent
$772/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
8.3/10
1.1/100k
Safety
0.9/100k
100/100
English
74/100
5 yr
Time to PR
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$848/mo cheaper on rent alone
☀️
Weather
17°C vs 25°C summers
🗣️
English
Edinburgh
higher proficiency score
Edinburgh
Metric
Graz
$1620/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$772/mo
$902/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$909/mo
$5,513
🧳
Cost to land
1.1 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.9 / 100k
30 / 100
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
17°C
☀️
Summer high
25°C
1°C
❄️
Winter low
-3°C
89 Mbps
Internet speed
5.7 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
15.1 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.3 / 10
100/100
🗣️
Street English
74/100
$62k
💼
GDP per capita
$74k
3.3% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
2.9% · Boringly steady
69 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
77 / 100
92/100 — Reliable
Grid reliability
92/100
🗽
Freedom House
5 years
📋
Time to PR

Settler Essentials

stable
Democracy trend
fintechbiotechtourismeducation
Industries
active
Startup ecosystem
92/100
Grid reliability
5 yrs
Time to PR
Moderate
EU visa
Complex
RU visa
Moderate
UA visa

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 52% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1620/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Graz (25°C vs 17°C).
  • Street-level English is easier in Edinburgh (100/100 vs 74/100).

Edinburgh vs Graz — Common Questions

Is Edinburgh cheaper than Graz?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1620/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Edinburgh or Graz?

Graz is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Edinburgh has a rate of 1.07 per 100,000 and Graz has 0.88 per 100,000.

Should I move to Edinburgh or Graz?

Graz edges ahead 77 to 69. Edinburgh isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Edinburgh or Graz?

Edinburgh: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). Graz: no specific remote work visa. See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Edinburgh or Graz?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°C vs 17°C). Edinburgh has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Edinburgh or Graz without speaking the local language?

Edinburgh is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Graz (74/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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