Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most popular cities in the UK to set up home, offering massive appeal for a wide range of residents. From its world-class cultural offerings to its rich history and fascinating architecture, Edinburgh is a vibrant city with plenty of promise – whether you’re a student, a young professional or a growing family.
Renting in Edinburgh is an incredibly popular way to trial living in the city, and we know from data reports and investigations that this popularity continues to rise. With higher-than-average property purchase prices, renting can allow you to get a feel for different neighbourhoods and enjoy the best of what Edinburgh has to offer, whether you need to be close to university, good schools or to the best bars and restaurants in town.
If you’re thinking of renting in Edinburgh, we’ve highlighted the below areas as among the best places to live in the city – will one of them be the perfect place for you?
New Town
There’s no better way to experience Edinburgh’s rich Georgian heritage than by living right in the centre of it. The city’s New Town was built in the 18th and 19th centuries as a solution to the overcrowding in the city’s Old Town. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks.
A wealth of shopping options is available, with the New Town offering direct access to Princes Street, George Street, Multrees Walk and St James Quarter. The area is also home to galleries and museums, including the Scottish Gallery, the Ingleby Gallery, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
The New Town is full of green spaces such as Dean Gardens, Queen Street Gardens and Calton Hill, although some of these are private residents’ spaces, so you may only get access to them if you are lucky enough to rent a property that offers this!
According to ESPC and Citylets data from Q1 2024, the average rent for a one-bed flat in EH3, which covers the New Town, is £1226, a two-bed flat is £1696 and a three-bed flat is £2020.
West End
Located to the west of the Princes Street and Lothian Road intersection, Edinburgh’s West End is full of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as Victorian residential streets.
The area appeals to those who love art and culture as it contains the Usher Hall, the Royal Lyceum, the Traverse Theatre and the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art.
The famously picturesque Dean Village can also be found in the West End. This old settlement in the city is home to a section of the Water of Leith and beautiful buildings.
The average price of rent for a one-bed flat in EH1, which covers the West End, is £1142, while a two-bed flat is £1563.
Bruntsfield and Morningside
Bruntsfield sits adjacent to two huge green spaces: the Bruntsfield Links, which is believed to be one of the world’s oldest golf courses, and the Meadows.
Morningside is just a short walk away from Bruntsfield and is very close to Edinburgh city centre, but far enough away to have its own identity and feel. Residents have access to great shops, cafes, restaurants and bars on Morningside Road.
The average price of rent per month for a one-bed flat in EH4, which covers Bruntsfield, is £1102, a two-bed is £1401, and a three-bed is £1748.
The average monthly rent price for a one-bedroom flat in EH10, which covers Morningside, is £1071, a two-bed flat is £1452, and a three-bed flat is £2006.
Newington
Located just a 15-minute walk south of the city centre, Newington is a popular area with students due to it being close to Edinburgh University. The area is also a fantastic place for families, couples and young professionals to live as it is close to green spaces (such as Holyrood Park and the Meadows) as well as great cafés, restaurants and shops.
There are a range of flats on offer in Newington, both tenement and new build, as well as larger family homes.
The average monthly rent price for a one-bed flat in EH8, which covers Newington, is £1007, a two-bed flat is £1324, and a three-bed flat is £2029.
Corstorphine
Corstorphine is a popular, family-friendly suburb of Edinburgh approximately four miles west of Edinburgh city centre. Property in Corstorphine ranges from Victorian family villas and traditional bungalows to modern flats, and many properties in the area have gardens and parking.
The main thoroughfare, St John’s Road, is lined with independent boutiques and eateries and the Gyle Shopping Centre is located close by. Residents can also enjoy the sprawling Hillwood Park, which lies behind Edinburgh Zoo, while BT Murrayfield Stadium and Edinburgh Airport are not far.
The average price of rent per month for a one bed flat in EH12, which covers Corstorphine, is £990, a two-bed flat is £1376, and a three-bed flat is £2026.
Stockbridge
Due to its cobbled streets and picturesque charm, Stockbridge has been used as a filming location and is hugely popular for its quaint aesthetic, while it also offers highly regarded cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Three of the most expensive streets in Edinburgh are located here (Ann Street, Saxe Coburg Place and Danube Street). However, there are also affordable properties in Stockbridge as it is largely residential with lots of terraced houses.
The area has great access to green spaces with the Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Park and the Water of Leith nearby.
The average price of a one-bed flat in EH4, which covers Stockbridge, is £1102 per month, a two-bed flat is £1401 and a three-bed flat is £1748.
Dalry, Gorgie, Stenhouse and Sighthill
These areas are popular for both young professionals and students as rental costs can be cheaper, allowing residents to experience vibrant city living without the usual price tag. Plus, there are excellent bus services available to transport residents to all areas of the city, including Heriot Watt and Edinburgh Napier universities.
With more cafes and amenities opening all the time, you can find much to do, including the canal path for those who love to run or cycle, or you can head to Saughton Park or enjoy the Victorian baths at Dalry Swim Centre.
The average rent per month for a one-bed flat in EH11, which covers the above areas, is £951, a two-bed flat is £1254, and a three-bed flat is £1793.
If you’re searching for a property to rent in Edinburgh, you should contact a reputable local letting agency to get the best advice and up-to-date insights on the current rental market in the neighbourhood you’re interested in, as well as tips and tricks on how to stand out as a first-class tenant in a busy rental market.
