UK Answers

Cost of Living in West Lothian: Rent, House Prices, Council Tax and Pay

A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £1,214 a month, 50% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 5.7 times the median full-time salary.

Official data: HM Land Registry, ONS and the council tax releases · checked 8 October 2026

CostWest LothianMore detail
Average house price£227,354House prices
Median full-time salary£40,134Salary
Take-home pay a month on the median£2,696
Council tax, Band D, a month (12 payments)£136Council tax
Mortgage on the average home a month (10% deposit)£1,214at 5.15% over 25 years

What the numbers add up to

  • A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £1,214 a month, 50% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 5.7 times the median full-time salary.

These are averages and medians for the whole area, so your own costs will differ. The comparison of rent with pay is illustrative: the rent figure covers all tenancies, and the median is for full-time employees.

Work out your own budget

Sources: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, ONS Price Index of Private Rents, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and the official 2026-27 council tax releases. Each page above gives the date and licence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in West Lothian?

In West Lothian the average house price is £227,354 and Band D council tax is £136 a month, against a median full-time salary of £40,134.

Is it better to rent or buy in West Lothian?

Rent averages less than a mortgage a month, against about £1,214 a month for a mortgage on the average home (before upkeep). The right choice depends on how long you will stay. Try the rent or buy calculator.

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