Cost of Living in Orkney Islands

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: £500 - £600 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: £400 - £500 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: £800 - £1,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: £600 - £800 per month
Apartment Purchases	Average price per square meter in city center: £1,500 - £2,000 Average price per square meter outside city center: £1,000 - £1,500
Transportation	One-way local bus ticket: £2.50 Monthly local bus pass: £50 - £60 Taxi starting tariff: £3.00 Taxi 1km tariff: £1.50 Gasoline (1 liter): £1.30 - £1.40
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): £0.90 - £1.10 Bread (500g): £0.80 - £1.20 Rice (1kg): £1.00 - £2.00 Eggs (12): £1.50 - £2.50 Cheese (1kg): £5.00 - £10.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): £5.00 - £8.00 Beef round (1kg): £7.00 - £12.00 Apples (1kg): £1.50 - £2.50 Bananas (1kg): £1.00 - £1.50 Oranges (1kg): £1.50 - £2.50 Tomatoes (1kg): £1.50 - £2.50 Potatoes (1kg): £0.50 - £1.50 Onions (1kg): £0.50 - £1.50 Water (1.5-liter bottle): £0.50 - £1.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10.00 - £15.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40.00 - £60.00 McDonald's combo meal: £5.00 - £7.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): £3.00 - £4.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): £3.00 - £4.00 Cappuccino: £2.00 - £3.00 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): £1.00 - £1.50 Water (0.33-liter bottle): £0.50 - £1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: £100 - £150 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20 - £30 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: £500 - £1,000 per term Elementary School: £1,000 - £2,000 per term Middle School: £1,500 - £3,000 per term High School: £2,000 - £4,000 per term

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within the Orkney Islands and individual preferences.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Orkney Islands

"The cost of living in the Orkney Islands, is generally lower than in many other parts of the UK. Housing is relatively affordable, with prices significantly lower than the national average. Utilities such as electricity and heating can be slightly higher due to the islands' remote location. The cost of groceries is comparable to the rest of the UK, although some items may be more expensive due to transportation costs. Eating out and entertainment are reasonably priced, and public transportation is affordable but limited. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to higher fuel costs. Overall, the cost of living is balanced by the high quality of life and the stunning natural beauty of the islands," said one expat living in Orkney Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Orkney Islands 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. The cost of living here is generally lower than in mainland Scotland, but some things can be more expensive due to the remote location.First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I'd recommend looking in towns like Kirkwall or Stromness, where you can find a decent one or two-bedroom flat for around £500-£600 per month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Burray or Deerness, as they tend to have higher rental prices.Next, you'll need to budget for utilities and groceries. Electricity and heating can be quite expensive here, especially during the winter months, so you'll need to be mindful of your usage. I'd budget around £150-£200 per month for utilities. Groceries can also be a bit more expensive due to the remote location, but if you shop at local markets and stick to a budget, you can keep your monthly grocery bill around £200-£250.Transportation is another expense to consider. Owning a car can be quite costly, especially with petrol prices and insurance. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses, which are relatively affordable and can get you around the islands. A monthly bus pass costs around £50.As for entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Going out to eat or having a drink at the pub can add up quickly. I'd recommend finding free or low-cost activities, like exploring the beautiful landscapes, visiting historical sites, or joining local clubs and groups to meet new people.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in the Orkney Islands is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Stick to a budget, find affordable housing, and enjoy the natural beauty and unique culture of the islands," commented an expat living in Orkney Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Orkney Islands for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. The cost of living here is generally lower than in big cities, but some things can be more expensive due to the remote location.First, you'll want to find affordable housing. I'd recommend looking in towns like Kirkwall or Stromness, where you can find a decent rental for around £500-£700 per month. Avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Burray or Deerness, as they can be quite pricey.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to shopping and dining out. There are fewer options here compared to a big city, and some items can be more expensive due to transportation costs. I'd recommend shopping at local markets and cooking at home more often to save money. Eating out can be a treat, but it's best to limit it to special occasions.Transportation can also be a bit of a challenge. Public transport is limited, so you might want to consider getting a used car to get around. Petrol can be expensive, so try to carpool or plan your trips efficiently to save on fuel costs.As for entertainment, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the beautiful coastline. These are usually free or low-cost, so you can save money while enjoying the natural beauty of the islands. There are also some local events and festivals throughout the year, but you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities.In terms of utilities and internet, you can expect to pay around £100-£150 per month, depending on your usage. It's worth shopping around for the best deals on these services to save money.Overall, living in the Orkney Islands on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Embrace the slower pace of life and the natural beauty of the islands, and you'll find it's a unique and rewarding experience," said one expat living in Orkney Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Orkney Islands for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month here, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living is generally lower than in big cities, so you'll find that your money goes further. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking at places like Kirkwall, Stromness, or Dounby, as they offer a good balance between affordability and access to amenities. These towns have supermarkets, shops, and other essential services, so you won't feel too isolated. On the other hand, avoid more expensive areas like Birsay or St. Margaret's Hope, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. Public transport is limited on the islands, so you might need to rely on a car to get around. This can be an additional expense, but if you budget for it, you should be able to manage. Alternatively, you could consider cycling or walking for shorter distances, which would not only save you money but also allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.Another thing to consider is that while there are modern amenities available, they might not be as extensive as you're used to. For example, you might not find as many options for dining out or entertainment, and you might have to travel further to access certain services. However, this can be a small price to pay for the peace and tranquility of island life.In terms of housing, you'll find that property prices are generally lower than in big cities, so you should be able to find a comfortable home within your budget. Just make sure to factor in the cost of utilities, as these can be higher due to the remote location.Overall, living in the Orkney Islands on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be prepared to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. In return, you'll get to enjoy a unique and beautiful environment that offers a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community," commented an expat living in Orkney Islands.