Cost of Living in Shetland Islands

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city centre: £500 - £600 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £400 - £500 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city centre: £800 - £1,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £600 - £800 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square metre in city centre: £1,500 - £2,000 Price per square metre outside city centre: £1,000 - £1,500
Transportation	One-way local bus ticket: £2.50 Monthly bus pass: £50 - £60 Taxi starting tariff: £3.00 Taxi 1km tariff: £1.50 Gasoline (1 litre): £1.30 - £1.40
Groceries	Milk (1 litre): £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 Tomato (1kg): £1.50 - £2.50 Potato (1kg): £0.50 - £1.50 Onion (1kg): £0.50 - £1.50 Water (1.5-litre bottle): £0.50 - £1.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10.00 - £15.00 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40.00 - £60.00 McMeal at McDonald's: £5.00 - £7.00 Domestic beer (0.5-litre draught): £3.00 - £4.00 Imported beer (0.33-litre bottle): £3.00 - £4.00 Cappuccino: £2.00 - £3.00 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-litre bottle): £1.00 - £1.50 Water (0.33-litre bottle): £0.50 - £1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: £100 - £150 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): £0.10 - £0.20 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20.00 - £30.00 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: £500 - £1,000 per month Elementary school tuition: £1,000 - £2,000 per month Middle school tuition: £1,500 - £3,000 per month High school tuition: £2,000 - £4,000 per month

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within the Shetland Islands and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Shetland Islands

"The cost of living in the Shetland Islands, is generally lower than in many other parts of the UK. Housing is relatively affordable, with prices significantly lower than the national average. However, the cost of utilities such as electricity and heating can be higher due to the remote location. Groceries and other everyday items can also be more expensive due to transportation costs. Eating out and entertainment options are limited and can be pricier than in larger cities. Transportation costs can vary. While owning a car can be expensive due to high fuel costs, public transportation is limited and may not be a viable option for everyone. Healthcare is generally free under the National Health Service, but private healthcare options are limited. Overall, while some costs are higher due to the islands' remote location, the lower housing costs can make the Shetland Islands an affordable place to live," said one expat living in Shetland Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Shetland 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 higher than in other parts of Scotland, mainly due to its remote location. Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. I'd recommend looking for a flat or a small house in Lerwick, the main town on the island. It's where most of the amenities and job opportunities are, and you can find a one-bedroom flat for around £400-£500 per month. Avoid areas like Scalloway and Brae, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to groceries, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at local supermarkets like Tesco and Co-op can help you save money, but be prepared to pay more for certain items due to the cost of transportation to the islands. I usually try to buy local produce when possible, as it's often cheaper and fresher.Eating out and socializing can be quite expensive here, so you might have to cut back on that. There are a few affordable pubs and restaurants in Lerwick, but it's best to cook at home most of the time. Transportation can also be a significant expense, especially if you need to travel between the islands. I'd recommend getting a car, as public transport is limited and can be unreliable. Petrol prices are higher than on the mainland, so try to carpool or use your car only when necessary.Lastly, be prepared for the high cost of utilities, especially heating. The weather can be quite harsh, and you'll need to keep your home warm. I'd recommend investing in energy-efficient appliances and insulation to help reduce your bills.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in the Shetland Islands is doable, but you'll need to be frugal and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable accommodation, being mindful of your spending on groceries and utilities, and cutting back on socializing, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Shetland Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Shetland Islands 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 to your lifestyle. 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, let's talk about housing. If you're looking for affordable neighborhoods, I'd recommend checking out Lerwick, the main town in Shetland. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom flat for around £500-£700 per month. However, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider Scalloway or Brae, but keep in mind that the prices there can be higher, around £800-£1,000 per month.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around £100-£150 per month for electricity, gas, and water. Internet and phone services can be a bit more expensive than on the mainland, but you should be able to find a decent package for around £50 per month.Groceries can be a bit pricey, especially for fresh produce, as most of it has to be imported. However, if you shop smart and take advantage of local products like seafood, you can keep your monthly grocery bill around £200-£300.Transportation is another area where you might have to make some sacrifices. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel prices and insurance costs. However, public transportation is limited, so having a car might be necessary if you plan to explore the islands or commute to work. If you can manage without a car, you'll save a significant amount of money.Entertainment and dining out can also be more expensive than in larger cities, but there are still plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore. Local pubs and restaurants offer reasonably priced meals, and there are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and fishing that are either free or low-cost.In summary, living on $3,000 a month in the Shetland Islands is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping smart for groceries, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can live comfortably and enjoy the unique beauty of the Shetland Islands," said one expat living in Shetland Islands.

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

"I've been living in the Shetland Islands 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. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to avoid living in the more expensive neighborhoods like Lerwick, which is the main town in Shetland. Instead, consider looking for a place in more affordable areas like Scalloway, Brae, or even some of the smaller villages. These areas still have access to modern amenities, but the cost of living is generally lower.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is adjusting to the limited shopping options available on the islands. There are a few supermarkets and local shops, but you won't find the same variety of products as you would in a larger city. This means you might have to be more creative with your meal planning and be prepared to cook more at home.Another thing to consider is the cost of transportation. While public transport is available, it's not as frequent or extensive as you might be used to. Owning a car is pretty much essential if you want to get around easily, but keep in mind that petrol prices can be higher than on the mainland.In terms of entertainment, there's a decent selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, but you won't find the same level of nightlife as in a larger city. This means you might have to adjust your social life and find new ways to spend your free time, like joining local clubs or exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces the islands have to offer.Lastly, the weather in Shetland can be quite unpredictable, with strong winds and rain being common throughout the year. This might mean you'll have to invest in good quality outdoor clothing and be prepared to spend more time indoors during the colder months.Overall, living in the Shetland Islands on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments to your lifestyle and expectations. If you're willing to make those sacrifices, you'll be rewarded with a unique and beautiful place to call home," commented an expat living in Shetland Islands.