City Profile
Glasgow, Scotland
UK · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is renowned for its rich industrial heritage, striking Victorian architecture, and vibrant contemporary cultural scene. Originally built on shipbuilding and commerce, the city has successfully transitioned into a modern hub for finance, technology, and the arts. Today, people are drawn to Glasgow for its renowned friendliness, lively music venues, world-class museums, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major UK metropolises.
Scotland, a constituent country of the United Kingdom, is known for its rich history, distinct culture, and dramatic landscapes, ranging from vibrant cities to serene Highlands. The economy is a mixed, service-based economy with key industries including finance, technology, energy (oil, gas, and renewables), food and drink (especially whisky), tourism, and life sciences. The cost of living in Scotland is generally lower than in other parts of the UK, with average monthly expenses for a single person around $1,962, though cities like Edinburgh can be more expensive. The climate is temperate and oceanic, often changeable but rarely extreme, with average winter lows around 0°C and summer highs averaging 15-17°C. Scottish people are often described as friendly, patriotic, practical, and forthright, with a strong sense of community and a love for their arts and traditions.
How this 64/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 30% | 21.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 82.0 | 66.3 | 25% | 16.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $48,000 Income needed to live here: $38,000 Unemployment rate: 4.9% | 60.8 | 20% | 12.2 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 50.5 | 15% | 7.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 64.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Glasgow is generally more favorable than in London or Edinburgh, offering residents greater value for housing, dining, and daily expenses. While inflation and rising energy prices have impacted household budgets across the UK, Glasgow remains competitively priced for young professionals and families alike. Groceries and public transport costs align closely with national averages, helping to buffer residents against broader economic pressures.
Income
Salary Insights
Glasgow boasts a diverse and resilient job market driven by key sectors such as financial services, business services, digital tech, and advanced manufacturing. Major employers include global banks, NHS Scotland, and leading higher education institutions like the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. The city also fosters a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, supported by incubators and strong collaboration between academia and industry.
The average salary in Glasgow is $45,000 per year. You would need approximately $38,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Glasgow is efficient thanks to an integrated network of buses, suburban rail links, and the historic 'Clockwork Orange' subway system. The city center is largely pedestrian-friendly, encouraging walking and cycling despite frequent rainfall. Major roadways and Glasgow Airport also provide seamless connectivity to the rest of the UK and international destinations.
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