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Cost of Living in Inverness

Understanding the the cost of living in Inverness helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Inverness is £541 per month. A two-bedroom apartment costs around £637 per month. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Inverness is £90,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs around £110,000. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Inverness is relatively low. A single bus ticket costs £1.50, and a day pass costs £3.50. A monthly pass costs £50. Taxis are also available, with the average fare for a 5-mile journey costing around £15.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Inverness is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around £1.50, a liter of milk costs £1.20, and a dozen eggs costs £2.50. Prices can vary depending on the store and the quality of the product.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Inverness is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around £15 per person. Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the food.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Inverness is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, gas, and water for a two-bedroom apartment is around £150 per month. Prices can vary depending on the provider and the amount of usage.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Inverness varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around £2,000 per year. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around £3,500 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around £4,500 per year. The average cost of high school tuition is around £5,500 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Inverness

“The cost of living in Inverness, is considered to be relatively moderate compared to other cities in the UK. Housing is more affordable than in larger cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also moderate. Internet services are quite affordable and offer good value for money. Groceries in Inverness can be slightly more expensive than in other parts of the UK, due to its remote location. However, there are several supermarkets where one can find reasonably priced goods. Eating out in Inverness can range from inexpensive to pricey, depending on the restaurant. Public transportation in Inverness is reliable and affordable, with regular bus services running throughout the city. Owning a car can be more expensive, with costs including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Healthcare in Scotland is provided by the National Health Service (NHS) and is free at the point of use for all UK residents. However, private healthcare is also available and can be quite costly. Overall, while the cost of living in Inverness is generally lower than in larger UK cities, it is still higher than in many other parts of the world,” said one expat living in Inverness.

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

“I’ve been living in Inverness 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. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I’d recommend looking for a flat in neighborhoods like Dalneigh, Merkinch, or South Kessock. These areas tend to have lower rent prices compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Crown or Culduthel.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on utilities and groceries. I’ve found that shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help save a lot on groceries. Also, try to conserve energy at home to keep your utility bills low.Transportation can be another significant expense, so I’d recommend walking or cycling whenever possible. Inverness is a relatively small city, so it’s quite easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you need to use public transport, consider getting a monthly bus pass to save on costs.Eating out and entertainment can also add up quickly, so you’ll need to be selective about how often you go out and what activities you choose to do. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in Inverness, like visiting the local parks or attending community events.Lastly, if you’re used to traveling frequently, you may need to cut back on that as well. Traveling within Scotland can be relatively affordable, but international trips can quickly eat into your budget.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Inverness is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment,” commented an expat living in Inverness.

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

“I’ve been living in Inverness for a while 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 sacrifices. The cost of living in Inverness is generally lower than in larger cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, but it’s still not the cheapest place to live.First, you’ll want to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Inverness include Dalneigh, Merkinch, and South Kessock. These areas have a mix of housing options, from flats to semi-detached houses, and you can find a decent place to rent for around £600-£800 per month. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Crown, Culduthel, and Lochardil, where rents can be significantly higher.Next, you’ll need to budget for utilities, groceries, and other living expenses. Utilities can cost around £100-£150 per month, depending on your usage and the size of your home. Groceries can be relatively affordable if you shop at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi, but you’ll still need to budget around £200-£300 per month for food.Transportation is another expense to consider. Inverness has a decent public transportation system, with buses being the primary mode of transport. A monthly bus pass costs around £50, which is quite reasonable. If you prefer to drive, you’ll need to factor in the cost of petrol, insurance, and maintenance for your car.As for sacrifices, you might have to cut back on dining out, entertainment, and travel. Eating out in Inverness can be quite expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around £15-£20 per person. Entertainment options like cinema tickets, gym memberships, and other leisure activities can also add up. And while Inverness is a great base for exploring the Scottish Highlands, you’ll need to budget for travel expenses if you want to take weekend trips or go on holidays.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Inverness is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping smartly for groceries, and cutting back on non-essential expenses, you can live comfortably in this beautiful Scottish city,” said one expat living in Inverness.

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

“I’ve been living in Inverness 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. In fact, I think you’ll find that your money goes quite a bit further here than in many other places. As for sacrifices, I haven’t had to make too many, but I can give you some tips on how to make the most of your budget.First, let’s talk about housing. There are some more expensive neighborhoods, like the Crown area or the area around the Ness Islands, where you might find it difficult to find something within your budget. However, there are plenty of more affordable options in neighborhoods like Dalneigh, Hilton, or Culloden. I live in Culloden myself, and I’ve found it to be a great balance of affordability and convenience. It’s a bit further out from the city center, but it’s still well-connected by public transport, and there are plenty of shops and amenities nearby.When it comes to utilities and other monthly expenses, I’ve found that they’re generally quite reasonable in Inverness. For example, my monthly gas and electricity bills usually come in at around £100-£150, which is quite manageable. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, with plenty of options to choose from depending on your needs.As for groceries and eating out, I’ve found that it’s quite easy to keep costs down if you’re willing to shop around a bit. There are several supermarkets in Inverness, including Tesco, Asda, and Lidl, and I’ve found that I can usually keep my weekly grocery bill under £100 by shopping at a mix of these stores. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, but there are still plenty of affordable options if you know where to look. For example, there are some great pubs and cafes in the city center where you can get a good meal for under £10.One area where you might have to make some sacrifices is in terms of entertainment and leisure activities. While there are plenty of things to do in Inverness, it’s not quite as bustling as some larger cities, so you might find that there are fewer options for things like theater, concerts, or high-end shopping. However, there’s still plenty to enjoy, especially if you’re a fan of the outdoors. The beautiful Scottish Highlands are right on your doorstep, and there are countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Inverness on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. You might have to make a few small sacrifices, but I think you’ll find that the benefits of living in this beautiful and friendly city more than make up for any drawbacks,” commented an expat living in Inverness.

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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