×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Aberdeen 2024
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


Cost of Living in Aberdeen

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Aberdeen helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living Aberdeen
Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Aberdeen is £717 per month. A two-bedroom apartment costs an average of £845 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Aberdeen is £125,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs an average of £150,000.
Transportation A monthly bus pass in Aberdeen costs £50. A monthly train pass costs £90. A gallon of gasoline costs £1.30.
Groceries A loaf of bread costs £1.50. A gallon of milk costs £1.50. A dozen eggs costs £2.00. A pound of chicken costs £3.00.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs £10. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs £50.
Utilities Basic utilities for a 915 square foot apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage, costs an average of £150 per month.
Private School Tuition Preschool tuition costs an average of £2,000 per year. Elementary school tuition costs an average of £3,000 per year. Middle school tuition costs an average of £4,000 per year. High school tuition costs an average of £5,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Aberdeen

"The cost of living in Aberdeen, can be considered moderate compared to other major cities in the UK. Housing tends to be more affordable than in cities like London or Edinburgh, with a variety of options available from city apartments to suburban homes. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage are also relatively affordable.When it comes to groceries, prices are on par with the national average, with local markets and supermarkets offering a range of prices. Eating out in Aberdeen can vary greatly, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant being quite affordable, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be more expensive.Transportation costs in Aberdeen are reasonable, with options including buses, trains, and taxis. Owning a car can be more costly, with expenses such as petrol, insurance, and maintenance to consider. Healthcare in Scotland is publicly funded, so residents have access to free healthcare services. However, private healthcare is also available for those who prefer it, at an additional cost.Overall, while Aberdeen is not the cheapest city in the UK to live in, it offers a good quality of life with a cost of living that is manageable for many," said one expat living in Aberdeen.

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

"I've been living in Aberdeen for a few years 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 flatshare or a small apartment in areas like Torry, Woodside, or Kincorth. These neighborhoods are generally more affordable than places like West End, Cults, or Rosemount, which are more expensive and might be out of your budget.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help you save money on groceries. When it comes to eating out, you might have to limit yourself to cheaper options like fast food or takeaway, as dining in restaurants can quickly add up.Transportation is another expense you'll need to consider. If you can, try to walk or cycle to work, as this will save you money on bus fares or petrol. If you do need to use public transport, consider getting a monthly bus pass, which will be more cost-effective than paying for individual journeys.When it comes to entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be selective about what you spend your money on. Going to the cinema, attending concerts, or joining a gym can be expensive, so you might need to find cheaper alternatives like watching movies at home, going for walks or runs outdoors, or joining a local sports club.Finally, you'll need to be prepared for unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs. It's a good idea to have some savings set aside for emergencies, as these can quickly eat into your monthly budget.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Aberdeen is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and be prepared to make some sacrifices," commented an expat living in Aberdeen.

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

"I've been living in Aberdeen for a few years 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. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas, like Cults, Milltimber, and Bieldside, are probably out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a flat in areas like Torry, Kincorth, or Northfield. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer decent amenities.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. I'd recommend using public transportation, like buses, or even cycling to get around the city. Aberdeen is relatively small, so it's easy to get around without a car.Eating out can also be quite pricey, especially in the city center. To save money, I'd suggest cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local supermarkets, like Tesco or Asda, for groceries. If you do want to eat out, there are some more affordable options, like chain restaurants or smaller local eateries.For entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Aberdeen. You can visit the many parks and gardens, like Duthie Park or Hazlehead Park, or take a walk along the beach. There are also several museums and art galleries that offer free admission, like the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery.In terms of utilities and bills, you'll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down. Make sure to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and try to conserve water and heating as much as possible. You can also look into getting a more affordable phone and internet plan to save some money.Overall, living in Aberdeen on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably and still enjoy the city," said one expat living in Aberdeen.

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

"I've been living in Aberdeen for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. 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 area I'd recommend is Rosemount. It's a bit more affordable than the city center, but still close enough to enjoy all the amenities. You can find a decent two-bedroom flat for around £800-£1,000 per month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses. Another option is the Ferryhill area, which is also quite affordable and has a nice community feel to it.On the other hand, you might want to avoid neighborhoods like Cults and Milltimber, as they tend to be more expensive. Properties in these areas can easily go for £1,500 or more per month, which might be a bit too much if you're trying to stick to a $5,000 budget.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Aberdeen. You can expect to spend around £200-£300 per month on groceries, and utilities should be around £100-£150 per month. Public transportation is also quite affordable, with a monthly bus pass costing around £60.Eating out and entertainment can be a bit pricey, but if you're smart about it, you can still enjoy a good night out without breaking the bank. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants that offer affordable meals, and you can always take advantage of happy hour deals or special promotions.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Aberdeen on a $5,000 per month budget is definitely doable. You might have to make a few sacrifices, like living in a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending on entertainment, but it's certainly possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities," commented an expat living in Aberdeen.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute to Scotland Network Contribute
Help others in Scotland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Scotland.

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides