Cost of living

One of the biggest concerns about moving to another country is the cost of living. 

In general, the cost of living in Scotland is lower than many other regions across the UK. 

Average salaries

In April 2011, according the Office of National Statistics, the average weekly salary for full time employees in the UK grew in the financial year 2010/2011 by 0.4 per cent to reach £501.

View the Reed Recruitment salary calculator

Minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage is a legal right which covers nearly all workers in the UK.

If you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, your employer cannot force you to accept a lower rate of pay.

From October 2011, the minimum wage is:

  • £6.08 - the main rate for workers aged 21 and over
  • £4.98 - the 18-20 year old rate
  • £3.68 - the 16-17 year old rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18

View the Careers Scotland website for more information

Health

The UK has a National Health Service (NHS) which is free for everyone, but you can choose to opt in to a health insurance programme if you wish or pay for specific treatments, for instance physiotherapy.

Not everything is covered on the NHS, e.g. dental treatment, eye test and chiropody, although for those on no or low incomes it may be possible apply for free treatment.

Visit our page on Healthcare in Scotland 

Tax

The most common tax in Scotland is Income Tax which is based on your salary and National Insurance, Salaries are currently taxed from the basic rate of 20%. 

This increases depending on your salary.

Other forms of tax include National Insurance and Council Tax.

Visit our page on Benefits and Taxes in Scotland

Accommodation

When moving to Scotland you're likely to rent accommodation before you buy. 

Shared accommodation in cities ranges from around £300 per month (out of the city centre) to £400 or more per month (city centres). Landlords usually ask for one month's rent as a deposit plus your first month's rent.

There are a wide variety of types of accommodation to buy in Scotland.  Average house prices are generally lower than those in other parts of the UK.

Visit our page on Accommodation in Scotland

Food

The cost of weekly groceries is hard to predict as it depends on your food preferences and how many people you are shopping for.

Visit MySupermarket for up to date prices and useful information on food shopping

Transport

Scotland has an extensive transport network of rail, coach and ferry services.

If you are good at finding bargains, advanced bookings from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness (a journey which takes 3.5 hours) cost as little as £10.30 one way.

Tickets to London from Edinburgh or Glasgow can be found for £15 one way.

Visit our page on Transport in Scotland 

Car prices

Car prices are generally similar around the UK and there are plenty of bargains to be found if you know what you're looking for.

There are many online car dealers in Scotland where you can research the cost of buying a new or used car.

Visit Car Finder Scotland for an indication of used car prices

Fuel prices

Fuel prices are high across the UK, especially in rural areas.

Thankfully due to excellent roads and the size of the country journey times are short.  

For up to the minute petrol prices visit PetrolPrices