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

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Oban, understanding the the cost of living in Oban 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 Oban
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Oban is around £500 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around £750 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around £400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around £650 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Oban is around £90,000. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around £130,000. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around £80,000. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around £120,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Oban is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs around £2.50. A monthly bus pass costs around £50. Taxis are also available and the cost of a taxi ride within the city center is around £5.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Oban is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around £1.50. A liter of milk costs around £1. A dozen eggs costs around £2. A kilogram of apples costs around £2.50.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Oban is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around £5. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around £15. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around £30.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Oban is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage for a 915 square foot apartment is around £100. The average monthly cost for internet is around £30.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Oban is relatively high. The average annual tuition for preschool is around £3,000. The average annual tuition for elementary school is around £5,000. The average annual tuition for middle school is around £7,000. The average annual tuition for high school is around £10,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Oban

"The cost of living in Oban, is considered moderate compared to other parts of the UK. Housing is relatively affordable, with rental prices being lower than in major cities such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. The cost of groceries and dining out is also reasonable, although it can be slightly higher than in other parts of Scotland due to the town's remote location. Utilities such as electricity, heating, and internet are on par with the national average. Transportation costs are also moderate, with affordable public transport options and petrol prices similar to the rest of the UK. However, owning a car can be more expensive due to the higher cost of insurance in this area. Overall, while Oban is not the cheapest place to live in Scotland, it offers a good balance between cost and quality of life," said one expat living in Oban.

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

"I've been living in Oban for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably 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 the neighborhoods of Glencruitten or Soroba, as they tend to be more budget-friendly. You might have to settle for a smaller place or one that's a bit older, but it's definitely doable.On the other hand, I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Dunollie or Ganavan, as the rent prices there can be quite high. When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your usage to keep costs down. For example, try to limit your heating and electricity usage, and be conscious of your water consumption.As for transportation, owning a car might be a bit too expensive on your budget, so I'd recommend relying on public transportation or even walking or biking when possible. Oban is a small town, so getting around shouldn't be too difficult. For groceries and other essentials, try to shop at discount stores like Lidl or Aldi, and keep an eye out for sales and deals at local shops.Eating out and entertainment will likely be the areas where you'll have to make the most sacrifices. Limit dining out to special occasions and try to cook at home as much as possible. For entertainment, take advantage of the beautiful nature and outdoor activities that Oban has to offer, like hiking, biking, or exploring the nearby islands. There are also some free or low-cost events and attractions in town, like the Oban Distillery tour or the local museum.Overall, living in Oban on $1,500 a month will require some adjustments and sacrifices, but it's definitely possible if you're mindful of your spending and prioritize your expenses," commented an expat living in Oban.

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

"I've been living in Oban 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, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to look for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods. I'd recommend areas like Soroba, Glencruitten, or Pulpit Hill. These neighborhoods are still close to the town center and have a good mix of housing options, but they tend to be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Dunollie or Ganavan, as the housing prices there can be quite steep.When it comes to transportation, Oban is a small town, so you can easily walk or cycle to most places. This will save you money on transportation costs, as you won't need to rely on a car or public transport as much. However, if you do need a car, consider getting a fuel-efficient one to save on petrol costs.For groceries and other essentials, you'll find that shopping at local markets and discount stores can help you save a significant amount of money. There are also several supermarkets in town, like Aldi and Lidl, which offer affordable prices on groceries.Eating out can be quite expensive in Oban, especially if you're used to dining at high-end restaurants. However, there are plenty of affordable options available, such as local pubs and cafes, where you can enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank. You might also want to consider cooking at home more often to save on dining costs.Finally, when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options available in Oban. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery by going for walks or hikes, visit local attractions like McCaig's Tower, or take advantage of the town's many parks and green spaces. Additionally, there are often community events and festivals that you can attend for little to no cost.Overall, living in Oban on a $3,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing affordable housing, being smart about transportation, shopping wisely, and taking advantage of low-cost entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming Scottish town," said one expat living in Oban.

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

"I've been living in Oban for a few years 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 generally lower than in larger cities, so you'll find that your money goes further. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to make a few adjustments, but nothing too drastic.For example, you might need to downsize your living space a bit, as housing can be a bit more expensive in the more desirable neighborhoods. I'd recommend looking for a flat in the areas of Glencruitten or Soroba, as they tend to be more affordable while still offering a good quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Dunollie or Ganavan, as they can be quite pricey.In terms of transportation, you might find that you don't need a car as much as you might think. Oban is a small town, so it's quite walkable, and there's also a decent public transportation system. If you do decide to keep a car, you'll find that petrol prices are higher than in the US, so that's something to keep in mind.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries and dining out are generally more affordable than in larger cities. There are plenty of local shops and markets where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at reasonable prices. And while there aren't as many options for dining out as you might be used to, there are still some great restaurants and pubs in town that offer delicious food at reasonable prices.One thing to keep in mind is that the weather in Oban can be quite different from what you might be used to. It's often rainy and cool, so you'll need to invest in some good quality rain gear and warm clothing. But on the plus side, the beautiful scenery and friendly locals more than make up for the less-than-ideal weather.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Oban on $5,000 a month is not only doable but can be quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments and sacrifices, but the lower cost of living and the beautiful surroundings make it well worth it," commented an expat living in Oban.

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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