Edinburgh is a beautiful city full of history, culture, and brilliant places to visit. It has old buildings, green parks, and a lively atmosphere. Many people dream of living here because of its charm and opportunities. Edinburgh, however, is quite an expensive place to live. The New Town and Bruntsfield are very expensive.
But don’t worry! Living is still affordable. If you’re a student or a family or even starting a new job, you can afford to buy the home of your desire. Both are outside the city center, and some are quiet suburbs. They also provide good transport, shops, parks, and a friendly community.
If you dream of living comfortably in Edinburgh, but you don’t want to spend too much, here are the 10 best choices to suit your budget.
1. Leith
Living in Leith is one of the most exciting, yet affordable, places to live in Edinburgh. It is close to the waterfront and it has old and new buildings mingled. There is plenty of energy to be found in the area of restaurants bars and independent stores. In the heart of the city, lived here many young professionals and artists, making it lively and creative.
Leith is very popular nowadays, but the housing is still cheaper than in the center of Edinburgh. Affordable flats and good bus and tram arid to the city center. There are supermarkets, cafes, and all on Leith Walk, one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh.
- Affordable housing – Cheaper than the city center, with many flats available.
- Easy transport – buses and trams run in the area well.
- The lively atmosphere-Plenty of restaurants, pubs, and shops
2. Gorgie
For those who want to live near the city but spend less, Gorgie is a great place. It has many traditional tenement flats that are less costly than other areas. There are small shops, takeaways, cafes, takeaways, and shops on the streets. Tynecastle Stadium is also located in Gorgie and is where Hearts Football Club play.
Students and young workers like the area because of its low-cost housing and proximity to the city. Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s make shopping convenient. Frequent buses also go to the center of the town, and there are good transport links.
- Low-cost housing-Affordable flats for rent and sale –
- Good shopping – Supermarkets and small local stores.
- Near the city center – About a short bus ride.
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3. Sighthill
Sighthill is a quiet and inexpensive neighborhood. The location is a great place for families and students. There are good schools, large green spaces, and various supermarkets. Additionally, it’s popular with students due to its proximity to Napier’s University and Edinburgh College.
Whilst Sighthill is actually out of the city ccenterthe bus service is extremely good and it takes roughly 20 minutes to get to the main parts of Edinburgh. Houses and flats are here far cheaper than in the heart of town so is an ideal choice for first-time buyers.
- Budget-friendly homes – One of the cheapest areas in Edinburgh.
- Family friendly-Schools, parks, and quiet streets
- Buses – can get you into the city in 20 minutes.
4. Niddrie
Niddrie is one of Edinburgh’s cheapest parts. The neighborhood is developing and comprises older homes and new housing developments. House prices in Niddrie are lower than in other parts of the city, and the area offers good local amenities, so many families and young professionals choose to live here.
Fort Kinnaird is a massive shopping center near the area with shops, a supermarket, and a cinema. Buses run all the time to the citycentere and it also has good transport links.
- Very cheap housing – One of the lowest-cost areas to buy or rent.
- Great shopping – Fort Kinnaird offers many shops and restaurants.
- Improving area – More new homes and businesses opening.
5. Pilton
Pilton is a quiet area with some houses being the cheapest you will find in Edinburgh. The waterfront, and the north of the city, it lives. Parks, schools, local shops, and so on, all of that is in the neighborhood. Families seeking affordable homes may find it a great place.
The area is well connected by bus and in about 15 minutes, you’ll reach the citycentere. It might raise house prices, as is going on at the nearby Granton waterfront.
- Cheap homes – One of the most budget-friendly places in Edinburgh.
- Good schools – Many primary and secondary schools nearby.
- Close to the city – Quick bus ride to the center.
6. Craigmillar
Craigmillar is a developing area with plenty of newly built homes. The place is for inexpensive housing for families in Edinburgh. There is a mix of older council houses and modern developments in it.
There are schools, supermarkets, and green spaces in the area. This part of the city is quieter than some parts and it is perfect for those who prefer to live a quiet life.
- New housing options – Affordable modern homes available.
- Quiet and safe – Less busy than central Edinburgh.
- Good transport – Buses take you to the city quickly.
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7. Abbeyhill
Abbeyhill is a budget-friendly neighborhood located close to the city center. It is just a short walk from Holyrood Park and Calton Hill, two of the most famous landmarks in Edinburgh.
The area is home to many traditional tenement flats, which are cheaper than those in nearby areas like New Town or Marchmont. It is a great place for young professionals and students.
- Cheaper than surrounding areas – A great alternative to pricier neighborhoods.
- Beautiful parks – Near Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat.
- Easy access to the city – You can walk to the center.
8. Granton
Granton is a coastal neighborhood with beautiful sea views. It has a mix of affordable flats and new housing developments.
The area is peaceful and has lots of green spaces. The tram line now connects nearby Newhaven to the city, making it easier to commute.
- Waterfront living – Great sea views and outdoor spaces.
- Low-cost flats – Cheaper than city-center apartments.
- Improved transport – Trams and buses make travel easy.
9. Liberton
Liberton is a quiet, residential area with cheaper housing than other parts of southern Edinburgh. It has lots of green spaces, making it great for families.
It is well connected to the city by bus, and there are supermarkets and local shops nearby. The area offers a peaceful lifestyle at an affordable price.
- Affordable homes – Cheaper than nearby Morningside.
- Great for families – Schools, parks, and quiet streets.
- Good bus links – Easy to reach central Edinburgh.
10. Portobello
Portobello is Edinburgh’s beachside neighborhood. It offers affordable housing with a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
The area has independent shops, cafes, and a long sandy beach. It is perfect for people who love the sea but still want to be close to the city.
- Budget-friendly homes – Cheaper than other seaside areas.
- Beautiful beach – Great for walks, swimming, and outdoor fun.
- Strong community – Friendly and welcoming locals.
