One app for all your study abroad needs
Aberdeen, located in the northeast of Scotland, is known for its beautiful coastal setting and vibrant city life. The cost of living in Aberdeen is influenced by its status as an oil and gas hub, making it relatively higher compared to other cities in the country. Housing expenses, both renting and buying, can be significant, particularly in the city centre. However, the city offers a range of amenities and services, including quality healthcare, education and recreational activities. With its stunning coastal landscapes and a mix of urban and natural attractions, Aberdeen provides a unique living experience for residents.
This Blog Includes:
Why Choose to Study in Aberdeen?
There are several compelling reasons to choose Aberdeen as your study abroad destination. Firstly, the city boasts a strong economy, particularly in the oil and gas industry, providing ample job opportunities. Aberdeen is also renowned for its excellent education and healthcare systems, making it an ideal place to raise a family. Additionally, the city offers a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene and stunning coastal landscapes that provide opportunities for outdoor activities. With a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, Aberdeen offers a high quality of life and a unique living experience for its residents.
Also Read: Cost of Living in London for Students
Cost of Living in Aberdeen
Aberdeen offers a unique blend of vibrant city life and stunning coastal landscapes. While the cost of living in Aberdeen can be relatively higher, the city provides excellent job opportunities, quality amenities and a high standard of living. Understanding the factors below is crucial for individuals planning to relocate or live in Aberdeen. Here are some factors explained for the cost of living:
Restaurants
Below are the estimated expenses for dining out and enjoying restaurants in Aberdeen with the average range in price of various food and drinks:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | £7.00 – £30.45 | £16.18 |
| Three-course meal for two | £29.78 – £62.10 | £48.91 |
| Combo meal at McDonald’s | £3.83 – £6.82 | £5.12 |
| Regular cappuccino | £1.61 – £4.04 | £3.44 |
| Bottle of Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre) | £1.14 – £2.28 | £1.72 |
| Bottle of water (0.33 litre) | £0.93 – £2.28 | £1.55 |
Markets
Here is the information about the cost of living related to markets in Aberdeen:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| Regular milk (1 litre) | £0.49 – £2.69 | £1.46 |
| Fresh white bread (500g) | £0.49 – £2.19 | £1.36 |
| White rice (1kg) | £0.60 – £3.14 | £1.65 |
| 12 eggs (regular) | £1.56 – £4.97 | £3.46 |
| Local cheese (1kg) | £4.36 – £29.00 | £7.10 |
| Chicken fillets (1kg) | £3.48 – £13.05 | £7.49 |
| Beef round (1kg) | £3.63 – £18.18 | £8.83 |
| Apples (1kg) | £1.31 – £5.51 | £2.78 |
| Bananas (1kg) | £1.02 – £4.62 | £1.66 |
| Oranges (1kg) | £1.46 – £9.22 | £3.03 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | £0.87 – £4.38 | £3.10 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | £0.74 – £2.21 | £1.20 |
| Onions (1kg) | £0.87 – £2.89 | £1.44 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | £0.58 – £1.45 | £1.14 |
| Bottle of water (1.5 litre) | £0.74 – £2.94 | £1.28 |
| Bottle of mid-range wine | £6.00 – £14.00 | £10.50 |
Transportation
Aberdeen offers an efficient and reasonably priced public transportation system, making it affordable for residents and visitors to explore the city. Here’s information about the cost of transportation in Aberdeen:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | £1.84 – £3.88 | £2.35 |
| Monthly pass for public transport | £45.99 – £129.15 | £72.98 |
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | £1.84 – £2.01 | £2.01 |
| Taxi fare per km (normal tariff) | £0.93 – £1.06 | £1.06 |
| Taxi waiting time per hour (normal tariff) | £23.60 – £37.23 | £37.23 |
| Price of gasoline (1 litre) | £1.21 – £1.48 | £1.29 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (new car) | £20,205.06 | £20,205.06 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (new car) | £1,720,056.25 – £2,511,888.75 | £2,074,618.63 |
Utilities (Monthly)
The city provides residents with moderately priced utilities, encompassing electricity, water, heating and waste disposal while offering various communication options to choose from.
Here is the approximate cost:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment | £72.60 – £324.00 | £200.69 |
| Monthly mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data | £13.21 – £14.88 | £13.56 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | £19.20 – £50.40 | £31.51 |
Sports and Leisure
Here’s the approximate information about sports and leisure activities in Aberdeen:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| Monthly fitness club fee for one adult | £18.82 – £66.15 | £38.62 |
| Renting a tennis court for 1 hour on the weekend | £5.50 – £9.18 | £8.01 |
| Cinema ticket for an international release | £5.50 – £9.18 | £8.36 |
Clothing and Shoes
The average price range of the cost for clothes and shoes is given in the table below:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| Pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) | £18.39 – £51.10 | £32.27 |
| Summer dress in a chain store | £10.41 – £28.23 | £19.32 |
| Pair of mid-range Nike running shoes | £19.96 – £70.38 | £39.73 |
| Pair of men’s leather business shoes | £20.68 – £88.80 | £54.06 |
Rent (Per month)
Here are the approximate cost of rent per month in Aberdeen:
| Item | Price Range (GBP) | Average Price (GBP) |
| 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre | £44,550.00 – £65,450.00 | £51,990.22 |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside of the centre | £36,645.00 – £51,687.50 | £43,945.82 |
| 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre | £75,600.00 – £141,750.00 | £102,638.38 |
| 3-bedroom apartment outside of the centre | £61,275.00 – £113,400.00 | £81,268.08 |
Also Read- Cost of Living in Barcelona
Average Tuition Fees
Ultimately, the decision to move to Aberdeen depends on how well all factors align with your preferences, lifestyle, and personal goals. Taking the time to reflect on these considerations will help you make an informed choice that suits your unique needs. However, the average tuition fees for studying in Aberdeen are mentioned below:
| Courses | Average Fee |
| MBA | GBP 16200 – GBP 18000 |
| Engineering | GBP 19000 – GBP 20700 |
| Arts | GBP 20700 |
| Science | GBP 23500 |
Things to Consider While Moving to Aberdeen
There are some things to consider while moving to Aberdeen, here are some pros and cons before you move to Aberdeen:
- Safety and Peace of Mind: Aberdeen’s low crime rate and recognition with the Purple Flag award provide a sense of security, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in the city.
- Convenient Transportation Options: A well-connected transport system, including trains, buses, cycle lanes and an airport, ensures easy accessibility and mobility within Aberdeen and beyond.
- Enjoyable Beachfront Activities: Aberdeen Beach offers a charming setting for leisurely walks, dining at cafes and restaurants, and engaging in water sports for those seeking outdoor adventures.
- Weather Variability: The city’s reputation for rainy and windy weather, especially during winter, should be considered for those who prefer milder climates and beach activities.
- Vibrant Student Community: Aberdeen’s two universities contribute to a thriving student population, creating a lively atmosphere that may appeal to students and recent graduates.
- Distinctive Granite Architecture: While the city’s granite buildings add character, the uniform grey appearance and weather conditions may affect the ambience for some individuals.
Relevant Reads:
FAQs
Aberdeen has a higher cost of living compared to other cities in Scotland, primarily influenced by its status as an oil and gas hub. However, the city offers a range of amenities and a high quality of life.
Yes, Aberdeen is known for its strong economy, particularly in the oil and gas industry. This provides ample job opportunities in various sectors, making it an attractive destination for professionals.
Rental costs in Aberdeen vary depending on the location and size of the property. City centre apartments tend to be higher in price compared to those outside the centre. It’s advisable to research and compare prices based on specific requirements.
Aberdeen offers a range of recreational activities, including coastal walks, parks, cultural festivals, and sports facilities. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities, visit museums, explore historic sites and indulge in a vibrant arts and music scene.
This concludes the information regarding the Cost of Living in Aberdeen. If you have further questions or need assistance with your study abroad journey, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at Leverage Edu. We are here to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for you.
45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.