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Cost of Living in Isle of Arran

Understanding the the cost of living in Isle of Arran 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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Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: £500 – £700 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £400 – £600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: £800 – £1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center: £700 – £1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in the city center: £1,500 – £2,500
  • Price per square meter outside the city center: £1,000 – £2,000
Transportation
  • One-way local bus ticket: £2.50
  • Monthly local bus pass: £50 – £70
  • Gasoline (1 liter): £1.30 – £1.50
  • Taxi starting tariff: £3.00 – £4.00
  • Taxi 1km tariff: £1.50 – £2.00
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): £0.90 – £1.20
  • Bread (500g): £0.80 – £1.50
  • Rice (1kg): £1.00 – £2.00
  • Eggs (12): £1.50 – £3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): £5.00 – £8.00
  • Apples (1kg): £1.50 – £3.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): £1.50 – £3.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): £0.50 – £1.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10 – £15
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40 – £60
  • Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s): £5 – £7
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): £3.50 – £5.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): £3.50 – £5.00
  • Cappuccino: £2.00 – £3.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: £100 – £200 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20 – £40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool: £500 – £1,000 per month
  • Elementary School: £3,000 – £6,000 per year
  • Middle School: £4,000 – £8,000 per year
  • High School: £5,000 – £10,000 per year
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within the Isle of Arran, as well as the current economic climate. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Isle of Arran

“The cost of living in Isle of Arran, can be considered moderate. Housing tends to be the most significant expense, with prices varying depending on the size and location of the property. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a considerable part of the monthly budget. Groceries in Isle of Arran are relatively affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out in restaurants can range from inexpensive to high-end dining, depending on the establishment. Transportation costs are also a factor to consider. While owning a car can be costly due to fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, public transportation is a more affordable option. Healthcare in Scotland is largely covered by the National Health Service, but private health insurance can also be an additional cost. Lastly, leisure activities such as sports, cinema, and outings also contribute to the cost of living but vary greatly depending on personal preferences. Overall, while the cost of living in Isle of Arran can be higher than in some other parts of Scotland, it is generally balanced by the high quality of life and beautiful surroundings the island offers,” said one expat living in Isle of Arran.

Can I live in Isle of Arran on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in the Isle of Arran for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other parts of the UK, but you’ll still need to be mindful of your spending.Firstly, you’ll need to find affordable accommodation. I’d recommend looking for a flat or a small house in the villages of Lamlash or Whiting Bay, as they tend to have lower rental prices compared to the more touristy areas like Brodick. You can expect to pay around $600-$800 per month for a one or two-bedroom flat in these areas.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at local supermarkets like the Co-op and buying fresh produce from the local farmers’ market can help you save money. Eating out can be quite expensive, so I’d recommend cooking at home most of the time and treating yourself to a meal out occasionally.Transportation on the island is limited, so having a car is quite essential. However, petrol prices can be high, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget. Alternatively, you can rely on the local bus service, which is quite affordable but has limited routes and schedules.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy on the island, such as hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful beaches. These activities are mostly free or low-cost, so they won’t put a strain on your budget. However, if you’re used to modern amenities like cinemas, shopping malls, and a wide variety of restaurants, you might find the options on the island quite limited.In conclusion, living on $1,500 a month in the Isle of Arran is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and be prepared to make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable accommodation, being budget-conscious with groceries and transportation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Isle of Arran.

Can I live in Isle of Arran on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in the Isle of Arran for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you’re used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like Brodick, Lamlash, or Whiting Bay, as they tend to have more reasonably priced housing options. These areas also have a good selection of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.On the other hand, I’d avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Lochranza or Corrie, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher. These areas are beautiful, but they might not be the best choice if you’re trying to stick to a budget.In terms of transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive on the island, so I’d recommend using public transport or cycling whenever possible. The island has a decent bus network, and it’s also quite bike-friendly, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting around.As for other expenses, you might need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and shopping. While there are plenty of options on the island, they can be a bit pricey, so it’s a good idea to set a budget for these activities and stick to it.One thing to keep in mind is that the cost of living on the Isle of Arran can be higher than in other parts of Scotland, mainly due to its remote location. This means that some goods and services might be more expensive than you’re used to. However, if you’re willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending, you should be able to live comfortably on $3,000 a month,” said one expat living in Isle of Arran.

Can I live in Isle of Arran on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in the Isle of Arran 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. The cost of living here is generally lower than in big cities, so you’ll find that your money goes further. However, there might be some sacrifices you’ll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you’ll need to choose the right neighborhood. Some of the more affordable areas to consider are Brodick, Lamlash, and Whiting Bay. These towns have a good mix of local amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities, while still being relatively affordable in terms of housing. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive areas like Lochranza and Corrie, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. The Isle of Arran is quite rural, so you might find that you need to rely on a car more than you’re used to. Public transport options are limited, and while there are buses that run between the main towns, they might not be as frequent or convenient as you’re used to. However, if you’re willing to embrace a more relaxed pace of life and plan your journeys in advance, this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.Another thing to consider is that while the Isle of Arran has a good range of local amenities, you might find that you need to travel to the mainland for certain things, such as specialist healthcare or larger shopping centers. This can add to your monthly expenses, so it’s worth factoring this into your budget.In terms of entertainment and leisure, you might find that there’s less variety than you’re used to in a big city. However, the Isle of Arran is a beautiful place with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and watersports. If you’re willing to embrace a more outdoorsy lifestyle, you’ll find that there’s plenty to keep you occupied.Overall, I’d say that living on $5,000 a month in the Isle of Arran is definitely achievable, as long as you’re willing to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle and choose the right neighborhood. It’s a beautiful place to live, and the lower cost of living means that you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank,” commented an expat living in Isle of Arran.

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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