“Best” depends entirely on who you are — a student, a young professional and a family want completely different things from a Edinburgh postcode. Rather than pretend there is one answer, this guide picks the strongest areas for each type of renter, drawn from our Edinburgh rental data set. For the full detail on any area, jump to its section on the main Edinburgh guide.
Professionals → Edinburgh City Centre, Fountainbridge & Tollcross, Marchmont & Bruntsfield · Families → Stockbridge, Morningside, Portobello · Students → Marchmont & Bruntsfield, Newington & Southside, Fountainbridge & Tollcross · Value → Gorgie & Dalry, Wester Hailes & Sighthill, Slateford & Longstone.
For a transport-rich life near work, Edinburgh City Centre (~£1,250) and Fountainbridge & Tollcross (~£1,250) lead. They pair the best connectivity with the amenity and nightlife young professionals want, at the city’s upper rents.
Stockbridge, Morningside, Portobello are the family picks — the schools, green space and larger homes that suit families, typically at a premium to the value areas.
If we had to name areas balancing price, lifestyle and connectivity, Marchmont & Bruntsfield & Gorgie & Dalry stand out — mid-market rents, good transport and a mix of professionals, couples and families.
Marchmont & Bruntsfield, Newington & Southside, Fountainbridge & Tollcross carry the deepest student demand, closest to the universities — though much stock is shared HMO housing, so whole-unit figures read high.
Gorgie & Dalry (~£975), Wester Hailes & Sighthill (~£975), Slateford & Longstone (~£995) have the lowest rents in the city. See the full ranking in cheapest areas to rent in Edinburgh.
There is no single best — it depends on your priorities. Professionals do best in Edinburgh City Centre, Fountainbridge & Tollcross; families in Stockbridge, Morningside; students around Marchmont & Bruntsfield, Newington & Southside.
Mostly Edinburgh City Centre, Fountainbridge & Tollcross, Marchmont & Bruntsfield, for transport and amenity close to work.
Stockbridge, Morningside, Portobello — for schools, space and green space.