Want to move to Europe? Scotland offers affordable living and beautiful scenery

11.11.2024 - 01:41 / euronews.com

Whether you're looking to escape political turmoil or just want a change of scene, a move to Scotland should be on your radar.

The country has boomed in popularity with digital nomads in recent years thanks to its slower lifestyle, high quality of life, relative affordability and reliable infrastructure.

Scotland has become a hotspot for remote workers as they move away from traditional nomadism’s fast-paced, cost-saving strategies.

Instead, these workers are embracing trends like 'slomading', staying in one location for an extended period instead of moving every few weeks.

The United Kingdom was not overly popular among digital nomads in the past, as it’s not considered a viable location for 'geo-arbitrage' - earning income in a strong currency while residing in a location with a lower cost of living.

But this has changed along with shifting priorities in the digital nomad community.

Still, Scotland has its cost advantages: Numbeo comparison shows Edinburgh’s cost of living is 28.1 per cent lower than London’s and 46 per cent lower than New York City - including rent.

While the UK is not traditionally seen as a low-cost destination, especially if you’re being paid in US dollars, Scotland presents a more affordable alternative to cities like London.

Wealth management company Moneyfarm reports that “you can live comfortably, covering expenses and setting aside money for savings with a monthly salary of £2,500” - about €3,000 or $3,340. The exchange rate is a crucial detail to consider.

To take it a little further, the average cost to rent an apartment in a suburban or rural area is £840 a month (€1,010 or $1,123).

If your sights are set on the UK, here’s where Scotland shines. Renting an apartment in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is 46.6 per cent cheaper than in London. If city living is a priority, also consider Glasgow where the cost of living is 9.9 per cent cheaper than in Edinburgh.

Prices continue to drop as you venture further into the countryside. Just an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh is Dundee, which is 23.5 per cent cheaper than Edinburgh and 44.9 per cent lower than London overall.

One of the significant benefits for a digital nomad living in Scotland is the public transportation system. You can base yourself outside the major cities but still be connected quickly. There’s also a high-speed train from Edinburgh to London, making it easy to get around.

While the financial comparisons might decide for you, there are a few things to consider when picking where you want to live in Scotland. Choosing one of Scotland’s largest cities, Edinburgh or Glasgow, offers digital nomads a busy urban environment with access to modern amenities, coworking spaces, lots of things to do, and reliable public