Moving to Glasgow: A Stashbee Moving Guide

Are you planning on moving to Glasgow from London? Or just doing general research on moving to Scotland?

Glasgow has been a popular place to move to in Scotland from England for many years -  probably because the local love living in there! 

We’ve put together this guide about moving to Glasgow to help you get a bit more acquainted with Glasgow before your next visit - and to help you decide whether you're going to pick it as your next home over the rest of the UK.

Key Facts About Glasgow

• Population – 1,019,900
• Average salary - £33,142
• Average house price - £195,000
• Average monthly rent - £1,000
• Main train station(s) – Glasgow Central
• Closest Airport – 9 miles
• Average price for a pint of milk – 49p
• Average price of a pint of beer - £3.78

Is Glasgow The Capital Of Scotland?

Glasgow is in fact not the capital of Scotland. That honour belongs to Edinburgh

That said, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and one of the biggest cities in the entire UK. 

Glasgow is the fifth largest urban area with a population of 1.2 million people topped only by London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds

Unsurprisingly, you can expect life in Glasgow to be jam-packed with all the diversity of a major metropolis.

Top Employers in Glasgow

The Glaswegian economy is vibrant and broad. These are some of the top employers in Glasgow. We've linked to their recruitment pages so you can check out the latest job openings:

• A.G. Barr (manufacturers of Irn Bru, the unofficial national soft drink that’s “made in Scotland from girders)
• Arnold Clark Automobiles
• Barclays Bank
• Farmfoods
• Harper Collins Publishing
• Morgan Stanley
• Scottish Power
• University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde
• Virgin Money

Moving to Glasgow to Study

The University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde are the two major universities in Glasgow. 

Glasgow is also home to other reputable higher education colleges, including:

• Central College Scotland
• Glasgow Caledonian University 
• Glasgow School of Art
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Between them, they educate 50,000+ students from over 130 countries!

Glasgow is a proper student town, with all the amenities you'd expect for a great student life.

Schools in Glasgow

If you are moving from London to Glasgow, the city has plenty of great schools to choose from. Many of them are in re-developed green spaces that have become increasingly popular with families. 

Here are the top rated state schools, according to the Sunday Times:

1. Jordanhill School, Jordanhill
2. St Ninian’s High School, Giffnock
3. Bearsden Academy, Bearsden
4. Williamwood High School, Clarkston
5. Eastwood High School, Newton Mearns
6. Woodfarm High School, Thornliebank
7. Mearns Castle High School, Newton Mearns

Arts and Culture in Glasgow

Glasgow is famous as a cultural centre. On any given day, you will find a whole range of arts, exhibitions, music, entertainment and sport.

Here are just some of attractions we recommend you check out in Glasgow

• George Square: A central square with 12 statues of famous Scottish figures, including Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott, and the iconic City Chambers, which can be visited on a free guided tour.
• Merchant City: A shopping destination with gin bars, cocktail lounges, and restaurants serving international and Scottish cuisine.
• Shopping: Argyle Street, Buchanan Street, and Sauchiehall Street are the main shopping streets, with Royal Exchange Square nearby.
• Glasgow Cathedral: A medieval building with fine stained glass windows and carved stone.
• Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA): The most visited modern art gallery in Scotland with exhibitions of colorful and thought-provoking artwork.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: A range of remarkable exhibitions, including artwork, historical objects, and interactive exhibits.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens: Beautiful gardens with the Kibble Palace, a glasshouse with orchids, carnivorous plants, and tree ferns.
• The West End: A beautiful part of the city with shops, restaurants, and bars.
• Charles Rennie Mackintosh Architecture: Glasgow is proud of its architectural gems, including the Lighthouse, Willow Tea Rooms, Queen's Cross Church, and Glasgow School of Art, all designed by Mackintosh.
• Riverside Museum: A museum packed with 3,000 objects on display, including trams, cobbled streets, and shops from the early 1900s.
• The River Clyde: Glasgow's famous river, stretching over 100 miles, is an ideal location for a morning walk or cycle.

Nightlife in Glasgow

Do you love to party? Then it’s worth moving to Glasgow for the nightlife alone. The West End will spoil you for choice. You’ll find everything from deep-fried Mars bars at the local chippie, to popular branded high street haunts and upscale clubs. 

Here are just a few highlights of Glasgow's nightlife:

• Theatre Royal: Glasgow's oldest theatre (dating back to 1867) with a mix of modern and historic charm, offering a variety of performances such as operas, stage plays, and ballets. Visitors can also access the rooftop terrace for a bird's-eye view of the city.
• Whodunnit Events: Dinner party organiser hosting murder mystery dining experiences with a professional cast, providing guests with a 3-course dinner and a chance to engage with locals and visitors.
• The 13th Note: A popular vegan gastropub and café with large meal portions, hosting gigs in the basement. Pet-friendly and accessible for disabled patrons.
• King Tut's Wah Wah Hut: One of the hottest live music venues in Glasgow, hosting up-and-coming bands and offering house lager and dining options.
• Metropolitan Cocktail Bar & Restaurant: A gastrobar in the Merchant City area with award-winning cocktails and resident DJs. Also has a piano bar for slower-paced drinks.
• Sub Club: The longest-running underground dance club in central Glasgow, established in 1987. Offers non-stop dance and music till sunrise.

Public Transport in Glasgow

There’s no need to worry about getting around once you’re in situ. Glasgow has the infrastructure and transport system in place to make smooth sailing of getting from A to B.

The subway is Glasgow’s very own version of the tube. There’s a vast bus service, too. Together, they make travel quick and convenient around the city centre and the suburbs, during the day and at night.

Depending on your route, Glasgow Central or Queen Street train stations are both at the heart of the action, for business and pleasure. 

And for trips to and from further afield, Glasgow Airport, approximately nine miles from the city centre, is a more accessible option than Edinburgh.

Cost of Living in Glasgow

In 2022, average property prices in Glasgow are £195,000 to buy and £1,000 per month to rent. These price points make Glasgow an attractive option when you compare them to UK averages (including property in Scotland), at £296,000 to buy and £1,175 per month to rent.

It’s a similar story with council tax in Glasgow. Whilst rates can vary massively by area, they go from £952.00 to £3498.60 in 2022-23. The UK average is £1,493, which can also be a lot more or less in different rate bands.

You can expect a meal at a regular inexpensive restaurant to have a price tag around the £20 mark. That said, you’ll be able to bag a much more economical meal deal if you’re in the market to shop around for bargains.


If you've now decided to live in Scotland - be that in Glasgow or elsewhere - and need storage to help with move, Stashbee has convenient local storage spaces all over the UK.