Aberdeen — Scotland’s third-largest city and the historic capital of the North Sea oil industry — offers a unique cost of living shaped by its industrial heritage. Once among Scotland’s priciest cities due to oil-sector demand, Aberdeen’s housing market has softened since the 2014 oil crash, making it considerably more accessible today.
For city comparisons see our Cost of Living by City hub and our Cost of Living in Edinburgh guide.
Aberdeen Cost of Living Summary 2026
| Category | Single (monthly) | Couple (monthly) | Family (monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (average) | £700–£900 | £900–£1,150 | £1,050–£1,400 |
| Utilities | £130–£180 | £155–£210 | £185–£255 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | ~£210 | ~£210 | ~£210 |
| Transport | £60–£80 | £120–£160 | £140–£200 |
| Groceries | £180–£260 | £320–£420 | £410–£560 |
| Internet and mobile | £40–£60 | £50–£70 | £60–£90 |
| Entertainment | £80–£160 | £130–£260 | £160–£320 |
| Total (excl. rent) | £700–£1,000 | £985–£1,330 | £1,165–£1,635 |
| Total (incl. rent) | £1,400–£1,900 | £1,885–£2,480 | £2,215–£3,035 |
Housing Costs in Aberdeen
Rental Prices by Area
| Area | 1-bed flat | 2-bed flat | 3-bed house | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre | £800–£1,050 | £1,000–£1,350 | £1,250–£1,700 | Granite architecture, vibrant |
| West End | £850–£1,100 | £1,050–£1,400 | £1,300–£1,750 | Affluent, leafy |
| Rosemount | £750–£1,000 | £950–£1,250 | £1,150–£1,550 | Popular residential |
| Ferryhill | £700–£950 | £900–£1,200 | £1,100–£1,480 | Victorian, sought-after |
| Torry | £580–£800 | £750–£1,000 | £920–£1,240 | South side, affordable |
| Tillydrone | £520–£720 | £670–£900 | £830–£1,100 | Budget-friendly |
| Mastrick | £500–£700 | £650–£880 | £800–£1,070 | Most affordable |
Buying in Aberdeen
| Area | Average house price | First-time buyer viable? |
|---|---|---|
| West End / Rubislaw | £320,000–£500,000 | Difficult |
| Rosemount | £200,000–£320,000 | With good deposit |
| Ferryhill | £220,000–£340,000 | With good deposit |
| Bridge of Don | £180,000–£280,000 | Accessible |
| Mastrick / Northfield | £110,000–£180,000 | Very accessible |
Aberdeen is one of the few UK cities with significant sub-£150,000 stock, making it one of the more accessible places to buy for first-time buyers relative to local salaries.
Everyday Costs
Food and Groceries
Aberdeen has a full range of supermarkets. Expect to pay slightly more than in Glasgow for the same basket due to transport costs and the higher-wage local economy historically. A weekly shop for one: £40–£65 at mid-range supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s). Farmers’ markets and independent fishmongers are well-represented given the city’s fishing heritage.
Transport
Aberdeen’s public transport is largely bus-based, operated by First Aberdeen. A monthly bus pass costs approximately £60–£75. Aberdeen does not have a tram or metro system. Cycling is increasingly viable on the growing network of cycle paths. Many residents rely on cars, with petrol and parking adding significantly to transport costs outside the centre.
| Transport option | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly bus pass | £60–£75 |
| Occasional bus use | £20–£40 |
| Car (fuel, insurance, parking) | £250–£500 |
| Cycling | Near-zero ongoing cost |
Council Tax 2026/27
Aberdeen City Council Band D rate is approximately £1,635/year (~£210/month before discounts). A single adult receives a 25% discount (approximately £157/month). Check Aberdeen City Council’s website for the current year’s rates.
What Salary Do You Need?
| Lifestyle | Required annual salary (single) |
|---|---|
| Minimum (shared house, basic) | £22,000–£24,000 |
| Comfortable (own 1-bed, some savings) | £26,000–£30,000 |
| Good quality of life (own flat, socialising, saving) | £30,000–£36,000 |
| Premium (good area, car, holidays) | £38,000+ |
Aberdeen’s oil and gas heritage means professional salaries above £40,000 are common in engineering and technical roles. Service and hospitality wages are typically at or near the National Living Wage.
Aberdeen vs Other Scottish Cities
| City | Typical 1-bed rent | Overall affordability |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen (city centre) | £800–£1,050 | Moderate |
| Edinburgh (city centre) | £1,100–£1,500 | More expensive |
| Glasgow (city centre) | £750–£1,000 | Similar to Aberdeen |
| Dundee | £600–£850 | Cheaper |
| Inverness | £650–£900 | Slightly cheaper |
See our Cost of Living in Edinburgh guide and Cost of Living in Glasgow guide for detailed comparisons.