07-07-2025
Scotland's 'best city for graduates' crowned and it's not Glasgow or Edinburgh
It was singled out for its high salaries and low rent.
Scotland's top cities for graduates in 2025 have been revealed. Two cities were named as part of a new UK-wide list - but it might not be the ones you were expecting.
With approximately 17 million graduates in the UK this year, and many employers reducing hires, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. As living costs continue to rise, it is very important to choose a good place to live after graduating from university.
The Home Insurance team at Compare the Market have shared a roundup of the UK's top 10 cities for graduates in 2025. The experts considered a range of factors, such as average salaries, job availability, rent, utilities, and dining costs.
Topping the list for Scotland as the best city for graduates in the country is Dundee. The Scottish city also placed at number two on the UK-wide list.
Dundee is the fourth-largest city in Scotland, home to a population of approximately 148,000 people. The coastal city is situated along the north bank of the Firth of Tay in the east of the country.
According to Compare the Market, graduates in Dundee earn an average of £28,000. Meanwhile, rent in the city was found to be £477 on average per month for a one-bedroom flat, which is "one of the lowest figures in the UK".
The experts also discovered that the average monthly cost of utilities in Dundee is £104, while the average price of a meal out and a beer were found to be £15 and £4.20 respectively. Dundee also received a 'quality of life score' of 89 out of 100.
The other Scottish city to appear on Compare the Market's list of the top destinations for graduates is Aberdeen. The city also placed at number six on the overall UK roundup.
Aberdeen is the third most populous city in Scotland, with around 224,190 people calling it home. Also known as the 'Granite City' thanks to its high number of buildings constructed from granite, Aberdeen is a port city located in the northeast of the country.
The experts found that, in Aberdeen, the average salary for graduates is £29,000. On the other hand, rent in the city is £564 for a one-bed flat and utilities cost £115 on average per month.
In terms of other living costs, the average price of dinner out and a beer in Aberdeen are £16 and £4 respectively according to Compare the Market. The city also received a quality of life score of 85 out of 100.
Meanwhile, topping the overall list as the best city in the UK for graduates in 2025 is Coventry. The English city was found to offer a strong combination of high salaries (£29,000), affordable rent (£756), and high quality of life (94 out of 100).
Elsewhere, rounding out the top five cities in the UK for graduates according to Compare the Market are Bradford, Sheffield, and Derby. Other destinations featured on the list include Leicester, Luton, London, and Leeds.
See below for the full list of the UK's top 10 cities for graduates in 2025. For more information, visit the Compare the Market website.
UK's top 10 cities for graduates in 2025
Coventry, England
Dundee, Scotland
Bradford, England
Sheffield, England
Derby, England
Aberdeen, Scotland
Leicester, England
Luton, England
London, England
Leeds, England
