Living in Glasgow: Cost, Culture, and Quality of Life

Filled with history, character, and lively energy, Glasgow stands as Scotland’s largest city and is recognised as a UNESCO City of Music.

Known for its creativity, musical prowess, and vibrant social scene, Glasgow has something to offer all walks of life. Students are typically drawn to prestigious universities, professionals are attracted by the strong job market, and families appreciate the relative affordability of housing compared with many UK cities.

But what’s living in Glasgow really like day-to-day?

In this article, we’ll look at the city’s housing, culture, job market, schools, transport, and best neighbourhoods, providing all the information you need to decide if Glasgow could be your next home.

An Introduction into Glasgow

Home to prestigious academic institutions and architectural icons to cutting-edge music lounges and busy social districts, Glasgow is a city that thrives on culture and character. The city’s streets, cafés, parks, and neighbourhoods all play a part in how life here feels day to day.

With a population of over 600,000, Glasgow has the activity you would expect from a major urban centre. However, despite its number of residents, the city manages to balance a rhythmic pace that makes day-to-day life feel manageable, and where one never feels overwhelmed.

Busy shopping areas and cultural hotspots are often only a few minutes from quieter pockets of housing, where tree-lined streets, local shops, and green spaces all create a more relaxed feeling.

Glasgow today is one of the most attractive spots in Scotland, from students building their future to professionals stepping into new roles and families searching for affordable homes in a booming job market. The result is a city with neighbourhoods to suit every lifestyle, from busy urban living to peaceful, residential pockets.

What is the Culture and Social Scene Like in Glasgow?

Glasgow is packed with museums, galleries, music venues, and year-round festivals and events. The culture in Glasgow blends Scottish heritage with a modern creative edge, providing a home for everyone living in Glasgow to explore the arts, music, architecture, and local traditionals all at their own pace.

Much of the city’s character comes from the everyday mix of art, architecture, and culture, where history and modernity coexist across the city streets. You can spend an afternoon wandering through attractions like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, then just a few streets over find independent studios, small theatres, and community spaces that give the city its familiar warmth.

A defining feature of Glasgow’s culture is its music, which often spills from venues into streets and social gatherings, giving the city a lively, approachable energy. Live music in Glasgow can be heard in bustling bars and local streets, making it a part of daily life as much as the city’s cafés, galleries, and parks.

Below we have listed some of the most popular must-visit cultural and social spots in Glasgow:

• West End: A leafy neighbourhood known for its cafés, independent shops, and arts scene. The West End is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in creativity and culture, all at their own pace.
• Merchant City: The city’s central hub for a variety of different restaurants, bars, and nightlife opportunities. Merchant City draws people looking to indulge in a lively social scene, with plenty of options for dining, drinks, and weekend entertainment.
• Finnieston: Celebrated for being one of the main areas for live music in Glasgow, as well as its trendy eateries and creative venues, this neighbourhood offers a modern and energetic atmosphere.
• Southside: Known for community events, green spaces, and family-friendly attractions. Southside lends itself more to families and those who are seeking parks, local markets, and regular community activities.
• City Centre: The heart of Glasgow and home to theatres, galleries, and major festivals. The City Centre is where the largest festivals in Glasgow take place, making it perfect for anyone wanting to be at the centre of city life.

But even beyond the headline festivals and gigs, the Glaswegian culture is very much in the bones of everyday life. Local neighbourhoods provide community spaces to meet and relax while cafes and pubs provide a more personal touch compared to larger cities. And this is a theme of living in Glasgow. In fact, one of the most unique features of Glasgow is the way it draws residents into its cultural life, allowing everyone to contribute to and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

What is the Job Market Like in Glasgow?

If you’re thinking about living in Glasgow, then job opportunities and professional growth is likely to be a priority. Thankfully, the city offers a healthy variety of job opportunities with the economy leaning towards service‑oriented roles, but with clear growth in more knowledge-intensive roles and emerging sectors.

According to the Glasgow City Region Economic Briefing (January 2025), the region continues to lean into foundational and service industries even as it aims for long-term productivity growth. With that said, the different types of jobs in Glasgow you’re likely to come across can vary quite a bit: from caring and support roles, to tech, finance, and education.

Over half of the city’s employed population hold professional or associate-professional roles, and according to the latest Labour Market Profile, about 51.7% are in Standard Occupational Classification groups, including managers, professionals, and associate professionals. Administrative and secretarial roles take up 6.9% of jobs, while caring, leisure and other service occupations make up 10.2%.

Using the latest date, we’ve created a snapshot of the main current employment industries in Glasgow:

Interestingly, green and construction jobs are also growing quickly in the Glasgow City Region. According to Skills Development Scotland, over 200,000 people in the region now work in roles important to Scotland’s net-zero transition, with construction being a particularly large employer.

In addition, Glasgow has shown strong support for apprenticeships with Skills Development Scotland reporting that between April 2024 and March 2025, there were more than 3,400 modern apprentices in training in the city, many of them aged 16–24.

All of this creates a clear picture of a city where you’re not limited to one type of job or industry. Whether you’re starting out, planning a career change, or looking long term, living in Glasgow can provide a balance of stability in foundational industries and opportunity in fast-growing areas.

Want to know how much you can borrow for your mortgage?

Income can play a big role in your mortgage application, and knowing how much you will likely be able to borrow can help you narrow down your property searching when making the move to Glasgow.

At Boon Brokers, we provide fee-free, whole-of-market mortgage advice and can help you assess your borrowing potential. Our dedicated experts will guide you through the entire application process, explain complex criteria clearly, and ensure your mortgage journey is a smooth and stress-free experience, from start to finish.

How Expensive is it to Live in Glasgow?

Glasgow is considered one of the more affordable major cities in the UK, especially when compared with locations like Edinburgh. While the exact cost of living will naturally depend on your lifestyle, neighbourhood, and household size, most residents find that day-to-day expenses such as food, utilities, transport, and leisure remain manageable.

Understanding the average typical monthly costs helps you establish a more streamlined budget and is a big factor to consider when living in Glasgow. As such, we’ve used the latest data from Digit to create an overview of estimated living expenses for different household types in Glasgow, for your convenience.

It’s important to note that these figures are just estimations, and that the true cost will depend on your personal lifestyle. However, these figures provide a helpful starting point for anyone comparing cities or planning their budget ahead of a move.

What is the Average House Price in Glasgow?

Glasgow’s housing market is diverse, offering a wide range of options that cater for different buyers depending on their available budget. From modern city-centre flats to traditional tenements and family homes in the outer city limits, first-time buyers, professionals, and families alike all have plenty of options to choose from.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the average house price in Glasgow was £190,000 with first-time buyers paying an average of £171,000. Over the last year, house prices have seen an increase of 5.3% while private rent costs have also risen 5.6%, reflecting high demand and economic growth:

Naturally, prices will vary by property type, location, size, and condition, but overall, Glasgow remains more affordable than many other UK cities. Below we have listed the average property costs, by property type according to data from the ONS:

When searching for the ideal property that matches your needs, it’s important to explore all the different areas of the city in order to find a home that fits both lifestyle and budget.

Want to know more about your mortgage options in Glasgow?

At Boon Brokers, we provide fee-free, whole-of-market mortgage advice to help you find the right deal for your circumstances. Our dedicated mortgage experts will walk you through the entire mortgage application, from comparing lenders, rates, and mortgage terms, to submitting your mortgage application efficiently and professionally – all completely fee-free.

How Does Glasgow’s Cost of Living Compare to Edinburgh?

For many looking to move to Scotland, it often comes down to a battle between the two largest cities – Glasgow vs Edinburgh – and affordability can be a major deciding factor. While both cities offer fantastic character and lifestyle opportunities, Glasgow generally comes out on top when focusing on lower housing costs and affordability.

Below we have provided a quick comparison of house prices by property type using the latest data from the ONS:

As this table shows, Glasgow consistently offers more affordable options across all property types. Detached and semi-detached homes, in particular, show a significant difference, which can make a real impact on budgets for growing families or anyone planning a long-term move.

Of course, while affordability can be an important factor, it isn’t the only thing you need to consider. Living in Edinburgh offers its own unique lifestyle, with historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and a range of amenities that many find appealing.

How Good Are the Schools and Universities in Glasgow?

Glasgow offers a wide range of primary and secondary schools, along with prestigious universities that attract students from across the UK and beyond.

Schools vary by district, but several stand out for their academic results and extracurricular opportunities. Likewise, the city’s universities offer diverse courses, strong industry links, and vibrant student communities.

Notable Schools and Universities in Glasgow

For families – and those potentially planning to settle down in Glasgow – access to education can be a major factor to consider before planning a big move. Below, we’ve listed some of the top-performing schools across the academic years to provide you with an overview of the best educational options Glasgow has to offer:

• Jordanhill School: A top-performing secondary school with outstanding exam results and extracurricular programmes.
• Hyndland Secondary School: High-achieving public school known for strong Higher exam performance.
• Glasgow Gaelic School: Offers Gaelic-medium education and consistently ranks among the city’s best.
• The Glasgow Academy: Prestigious private school recognised for academic excellence and tradition.
• University of Glasgow: One of the most famous and oldest universities, the University of Glasgow is globally recognised for its academic prowess in a broad range of subjects.
• University of Strathclyde: Strong in engineering, business, and technology, with excellent graduate outcomes.
• Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU): Focused on applied and professional education, known for high employability rates.

What is Public Transport like in Glasgow?

Glasgow transport system supports daily commutes, student travel, and leisure trips, while regional connections make visiting other parts of Scotland convenient. Whether you’re planning to commute for work, study, or exploring the city in full, Glasgow’s transport provides practical and flexible options.

Which Are the Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Glasgow?

Glasgow is filled with a mixed range of neighbourhoods, each offering a distinct atmosphere that lends itself to specific lifestyles. And so, whether you’re looking for a leafy suburb, the vibrant nightlife, or family-friendly streets, there’s an area to suit every preference.

Here we have listed five of the most sought-after places to live in Glasgow:

• West End

Known for its leafy streets, boutique shops, cafés, and arts scene, the West End blends culture with convenience. Students and young professionals enjoy its proximity to the universities and creative hubs, while families appreciate the green spaces and quiet pockets tucked away from the busier streets.

• Shawlands

This Southside neighbourhood is valued for its community feel, local parks, and independent shops. With a mix of traditional tenements and modern housing, Shawlands attracts families, young couples, and professionals seeking a welcoming, suburban lifestyle without losing access to city amenities.

• Merchant City

Situated in the heart of Glasgow, Merchant City is perfect for city-centre living. Residents enjoy close proximity to theatres, galleries, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s ideal for professionals who want cultural and social activities on their doorstep.

• Dennistoun

A popular area for students and first-time buyers, Dennistoun offers affordable tenement housing alongside cafés, bars, and a growing arts scene. Its strong sense of community and convenient transport links make it an appealing choice for those starting out in the city.

• Bearsden

A leafy suburb known for spacious homes, excellent schools, and tranquil streets. Bearsden is highly sought after by families who want a quieter lifestyle while staying within easy reach of Glasgow’s city centre and transport links.

Contact a Mortgage Broker in Glasgow

Buying a home in Glasgow should be an exciting step, but one that usually requires a mortgage.

That’s where Boon Brokers can help.

At Boon Brokers, we offer a fee-free, whole-of-market service, helping you secure the mortgage that matches your needs. Our expert mortgage advisers will guide you through every stage of your mortgage journey in Glasgow.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to the city, or investing in property, we help you compare lenders, understand your options, and secure the right mortgage for your circumstances – completely fee-free.

Contact Boon Brokers today and take the first step towards your new Glasgow home.