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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Dundee 2024
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Cost of Living in Dundee

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Dundee, understanding the the cost of living in Dundee helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Dundee
Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Dundee is £521 per month. A two-bedroom apartment costs an average of £637 per month. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Dundee is £90,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs an average of £110,000. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Dundee is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs £1.50, and a day pass costs £3.50. A monthly bus pass costs £50. Taxis are also available, with the average fare for a 5-mile journey costing £15.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Dundee is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs £1.50, a liter of milk costs £1.00, and a dozen eggs costs £2.00. Prices can vary depending on the store and the quality of the product.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Dundee is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around £5, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around £15. Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the food.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Dundee is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is £50 per month, while the average cost of gas is £30 per month. Prices can vary depending on the provider and the amount of usage.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Dundee varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is £2,000 per year, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is £4,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is £6,000 per year, and the average cost of high school tuition is £8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dundee

"The cost of living in Dundee, is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other cities in the UK. Housing is quite reasonable, with rental prices being significantly lower than in cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet is also relatively low.When it comes to groceries, prices are on par with the national average. Eating out in restaurants or cafes in Dundee can be quite affordable, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets. Public transportation in Dundee is also reasonably priced, and the city is compact enough to walk or cycle around, which can save on transportation costs.However, like any city, the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. For instance, frequent nights out, gym memberships, and other leisure activities can add to your monthly expenses. Overall, Dundee is considered a cost-effective choice for living in Scotland," said one expat living in Dundee.

Can I live in Dundee on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Dundee for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a flat in areas like Stobswell, Hilltown, or Lochee. These neighborhoods are generally more affordable than the West End or City Centre, where rent can be quite high. You can find a one-bedroom flat in these areas for around £400-£500 per month, which is roughly $550-$700.Next, you'll need to budget for utilities, groceries, and transportation. Utilities can cost around £100-£150 per month ($140-$210), depending on your usage. Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, where you can spend around £200-£250 per month ($280-$350) on food. As for transportation, a monthly bus pass in Dundee costs around £50 ($70), but if you live close to your workplace, you might be able to walk or cycle and save on transportation costs.Eating out and entertainment will be the areas where you'll have to make the most sacrifices. Dundee has a lot of great restaurants, pubs, and events, but you'll need to limit your spending in these areas to make your budget work. Try to cook at home most of the time and look for free or low-cost events and activities around the city.Lastly, keep in mind that the exchange rate between the US dollar and the British pound can fluctuate, so your $1,500 might be worth more or less in pounds at any given time. It's important to keep an eye on the exchange rate and adjust your budget accordingly.Overall, living in Dundee on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of entertainment and dining out. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and being frugal with your expenses, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful Scottish city," commented an expat living in Dundee.

Can I live in Dundee on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Dundee for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxury apartment in the city center, but there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods where you can find a nice place to live.One of the more affordable areas in Dundee is the Stobswell neighborhood. It's a bit further from the city center, but it's still well-connected by public transport, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom flat for around £500-£600 per month. Another option is the Lochee area, which is also quite affordable and has a good selection of shops and amenities nearby.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like the West End or Broughty Ferry if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 a month budget. These areas are known for their higher-end properties and can be quite pricey.When it comes to other expenses, you'll find that groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Dundee compared to other cities in the UK. You can expect to spend around £200-£300 per month on groceries, and utilities will likely be around £100-£150 per month, depending on your usage.Eating out and entertainment can be a bit more expensive, but there are still plenty of budget-friendly options if you know where to look. For example, there are some great pubs and restaurants in the city center that offer affordable meals and drinks, and you can also find cheap cinema tickets and other entertainment options if you're willing to do a bit of research.In terms of transportation, you can save money by using public transport or cycling instead of relying on a car. Dundee has a decent bus network, and a monthly bus pass will cost you around £50. If you prefer to cycle, there are plenty of bike lanes and paths throughout the city, making it a bike-friendly place to live.Overall, living in Dundee on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make a few sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. However, if you're willing to put in the effort, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities in this beautiful Scottish city," said one expat living in Dundee.

Can I live in Dundee on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Dundee for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other cities in the UK, so you won't have to make too many sacrifices. When it comes to housing, you'll find that there are plenty of affordable options in nice neighborhoods. Some areas you might want to consider are Broughty Ferry, which is a lovely suburb with a nice beach and a good selection of shops and restaurants, or the West End, which is close to the city center and has a more bohemian vibe. Both of these areas have a mix of modern and traditional housing, so you should be able to find something that suits your taste.If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, you might want to check out the City Quay area, which has some luxury apartments with great views of the River Tay. However, these can be quite expensive, so you might need to adjust your budget accordingly if you want to live there.In terms of transportation, Dundee has a decent public transport system, with buses running throughout the city. A monthly bus pass costs around £50, which is quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, you'll find that petrol prices are a bit higher than in the US, but it's still manageable within your budget.Eating out and entertainment options are also quite affordable in Dundee. You can find a good meal at a restaurant for around £10-£15, and there are plenty of pubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink without breaking the bank. There are also several cinemas, theaters, and galleries in the city, so you won't be short of things to do.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Dundee on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few small adjustments to your lifestyle, but you'll still be able to enjoy all the modern amenities you're used to," commented an expat living in Dundee.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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