Scotland is one of the most popular destinations for students who want to study in the UK. With world-class universities like the University of Glasgow, beautiful weather, immense city experience and good job opportunities, the city attracts hundreds and thousands of students every year.

In this blog, we are going to cover the living cost in general and the living cost city wise as well and also have a look on some other important topics. After all, that’s what we do at Uninist, from finding flexible student accommodation to giving guides for students. So, let’s get in!

How much is the Cost of Living in Scotland?

The cost of living depends on the location, student housing, and spending habits. However, living in large cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen will cost more than it would in smaller towns and the countryside. Here are some some basis on which living cost in decided:

1. Food price
2. Average rent
3. Living cost

Let’s have a look at each of them in a little more detail.

1. Food Prices in Scotland

When it comes to food prices in Scotland, grocery expenses are a major portion of a student’s expenditure. On average, students will spend around £150-£250 monthly on groceries. This vary on your eating style like whether you cook at home, buy organic vegetables, etc. the Cost of Groceries in Scotland is:

• A loaf of bread: £1.00
• A liter of milk: £0.90
• 1 kg rice: £1.30
• 1 kg apples: £2.00
• 1 kg chicken breasts: £6.00

For city-dwelling students such as in Glasgow or Edinburgh, local markets and value stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl provide affordable sources.

2. Average Rent in Scotland

The affordability of rent in Scotland is also one of the key issues for students. Rent is dependent on the city and the accommodation type. Here is a general guide to the average rent city wise:

• Edinburgh: £700-£1,200 per month for a city-center one-bedroom flat.
• Glasgow: £500-£800 per month for a one-bedroom flat.
• Aberdeen: £500-£750 per month for a one-bedroom flat.

Living in student halls or shared flats can help lower rental expenses, with shared rooms costing between £250-£400 per month. Plus, if you are looking for something mid way, Glasgow is certainly your city.

3. Living Costs in Scotland

Aside from rent and food, there are several other living costs in Scotland to account for, such as utilities, transport, and leisure. On average, students spend £300-£500 per month on extra costs. The cost of living is:

• Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet): £100-£150 per month.
• Public Transport in Scotland: A monthly bus pass is around £40-£60 depending on the city and a single bus journey costs around £1.50-£2.00.

Which Are the Cheapest Cities in Scotland for Students?

While cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are popular student destinations, they tend to have higher living costs. If you’re looking for cheaper cities in Scotland to live in then here are some points for you:

• Glasgow: The city is known for its affordability, offering affordable student accommodation in UK compared to other cities.
• Stirling: It is a smaller city that offers lower housing costs and a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to major cities.

If you are someone who is looking for cheap and affordable living in Scotland then these two cities are the best.

What is the Cost of Living in Scotland for International Students?

If you are an international student in UK, then you will need to factor in some extra costs, including visa application application charges, healthcare contributions such as the NHS surcharge, and overseas travel costs. The living cost in Scotland for an international student will be approximately £10,000-£15,000 annually depending on your lifestyle.

There are many universities that provide scholarships and international student financial aid such as The University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and other Scottish universities that provide scholarships to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Two of them are:

• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship: This foundation provides financial support to students from certain countries who are seeking higher studies in the UK.
• Chevening Scholarship: This UK government scholarship offers funds to exceptional students from all over the globe. So, if you are an exceptional student then Chevening scholarship will take care of your expenses.

What is the Cost of Living in Scotland City Wise?

In considering the cost of living in Scotland, it’s imperative to contrast living costs between various cities since costs differ considerably. The cost of living of Scottish cities we are going to discuss are:

1. Edinburgh
2. Glasgow
3. Dundee
4. Aberdeen

1. Edinburgh

• Cost of living: The cost of living in Edinburgh is slightly higher than in other cities in Scotland, the cost of renting student housing in Edinburgh is between £700 and £1,200 per month and the cost depends on the area and nature of the accommodation.
• Food: You have to spend around £150 to £250 a month, depending on what you eat.
• Cost of utilities: The utilities like electricity, heating, water, and trash usually fall between £100 and £150 per month.
• Public transportation: In Edinburgh it is relatively convenient with an average monthly pass ranging from £40 to £60.

2. Glasgow

• Cost of living: The largest city in Scotland and living in Glasgow tends to be cheaper than Edinburgh, so it is a popular choice for students. The average student accommodation in Glasgow costs between £500 and £800 per month which is relatively cheap compared to Edinburgh.
• Food: The city’s monthly food budget varies between £150 and £250, depending on individual choices.
• Cost of utilities: It is between £100 and £150.
• Public transport: Although the public transport is relatively inexpensive, it costs between £40 and £60 for a monthly pass.

3. Dundee

• Cost of living: Dundee is the smallest city in Scotland and the price of living is one of the lowest. The rent of a one-bedroom apartment is usually between £400 and £600 a month.
• Food: Monthly food costs in Dundee are also less which is between £120 and £200.
• Cost of utility: Utility bills are also relatively low and costing between £80 and £120 a month.
• Public transport: The cost of transportation is also cheaper with monthly public transport passes usually costing between £30 and £50.

4. Aberdeen

• Cost of living: The largest city in Scotland and living in Glasgow tends to be cheaper than Edinburgh, so it is a popular choice for students. The average student accommodation in Glasgow costs between £500 and £800 per month which is relatively cheap compared to Edinburgh.
• Food: The city’s monthly food budget varies between £150 and £250, depending on individual choices.
• Cost of utilities: It is between £100 and £150.
• Public transport: Although the public transport is relatively inexpensive, it costs between £40 and £60 for a monthly pass.

Conclusion

Every city in the UK has its own cost of living, some cities like Manchester, Birmingham are very expensive, but they still have some parts which are kinda affordable. Just like that Scotland also has some parts which are very expensive like Edinburgh and some parts that are very affordable like Glasgow. Overall, Scotland is pretty much affordable and the city centre is well connected with great universities and tourist spots. So, before going to Scotland just read this blog so you can get the idea of how the cost of living in Scotland is going to be.

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