Cost Of Living For a Couple in Kirkwall 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Kirkwall

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: GBP
1,100 3,300 18,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,400 $4,200 $23,000

Average monthly spending for couples in Kirkwall

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Kirkwall?

Couples in Kirkwall spend around 3,300 GBP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,100 GBP or as high as 18,000 GBP. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kirkwall


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Kirkwall

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.5 GBP 7.1 GBP 12 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $8.9 $15

Restaurant meal for one

11 GBP 17 GBP 33 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $42

Fine dining meal for one

22 GBP 33 GBP 130 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $42 $170

Cappuccino or latte

2.9 GBP 4.7 GBP 7.1 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $6 $8.9

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.4 GBP 2.8 GBP 3.5 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $3.6 $4.5

12 eggs

1.8 GBP 2.4 GBP 3.5 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.5

Fresh whole chicken

4 GBP 5.2 GBP 7.3 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.6 $9.3

Pack of beef

4.7 GBP 7.1 GBP 14 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $8.9 $18

Medium bag of rice

1.9 GBP 2.6 GBP 3.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.3 $4.7

Bag of tomatos

0.71 GBP 0.94 GBP 1.8 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.2 $2.2

Bag of apples

1.3 GBP 1.6 GBP 2.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Kirkwall


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2.8 GBP 3.3 GBP 6.6 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $4.2 $8.4

Average car full tank

18 GBP 24 GBP 47 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $60

Average car 1-day rental

16 GBP 21 GBP 31 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $26 $40

Average car price

8,800 GBP 18,000 GBP 24,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $22,000 $30,000

Bus ticket one way

0.52 GBP 0.78 GBP 1.6 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.99 $2

Car Service

21 GBP 31 GBP 62 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $40 $79
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Kirkwall


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

45 GBP 150 GBP 980 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $190 $1,200

Internet and cable

18 GBP 35 GBP 47 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $45 $60

Mobile phone charges

14 GBP 24 GBP 71 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $30 $89

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

8.8 GBP 12 GBP 18 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $15 $22

One month gym membership

25 GBP 31 GBP 62 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$32 $40 $79
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Kirkwall


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

18 GBP 26 GBP 39 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $33 $49

Woman dress

17 GBP 24 GBP 78 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $30 $99

Woman shoes

16 GBP 22 GBP 52 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $66

Men's shoes

14 GBP 17 GBP 35 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $22 $44

Men suit

16 GBP 20 GBP 100 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $25 $130

Regular t-shirt

7.8 GBP 10 GBP 31 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.9 $13 $40
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Kirkwall


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

260 GBP 390 GBP 1,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment

390 GBP 620 GBP 1,600 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $790 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment

520 GBP 780 GBP 2,100 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

52,000 GBP 78,000 GBP 160,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $99,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment

62,000 GBP 100,000 GBP 390,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $490,000

2-bedroom apartment

100,000 GBP 310,000 GBP 620,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $790,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Kirkwall


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

350 GBP 440 GBP 590 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $560 $750

Double Bed

240 GBP 350 GBP 440 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $450 $560

Single Bed

210 GBP 270 GBP 350 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $340 $450

Living Room

390 GBP 500 GBP 1,800 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$500 $640 $2,200

Dining Table

180 GBP 240 GBP 440 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $300 $560

Sofa or Couch

240 GBP 320 GBP 710 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $410 $890
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Kirkwall


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

240 GBP 350 GBP 710 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $450 $890

Fridge or Freezer

210 GBP 320 GBP 440 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $410 $560

Washing Machine

270 GBP 390 GBP 710 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340 $500 $890

Stove or Cooker

250 GBP 320 GBP 440 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$320 $410 $560

Mobile Phone

290 GBP 350 GBP 500 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$370 $450 $640

Laptop or Computer

320 GBP 390 GBP 710 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $500 $890
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Kirkwall

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Kirkwall

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Kirkwall

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

72%

64% to 81%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Kirkwall spend around 72% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 64% of their income while some as high as 81%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Kirkwall

How do couples spend their money in Kirkwall?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost30%

30% of total expenses on average (23% to 40%)

LOW$480   380 GBP
AVERAGE$1,400   1,100 GBP
HIGH$7,700   6,100 GBP
Per Month

Couples in Kirkwall typically spend from 23% to 40% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 30% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,100 GBP with expenditure ranging from 380 GBP to 6,100 GBP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$57   45 GBP
AVERAGE$190   150 GBP
HIGH$1,200   980 GBP
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Kirkwall ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 150 GBP with 45 GBP and 980 GBP being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$170   130 GBP
AVERAGE$510   400 GBP
HIGH$2,700   2,100 GBP
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 130 GBP to 2,100 GBP in a month on commuting with 400 GBP being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 10% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 15%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$200   160 GBP
AVERAGE$590   470 GBP
HIGH$3,200   2,500 GBP
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Kirkwall is 470 GBP. The cost of groceries can range between 160 GBP to 2,500 GBP. Couples spend on average about 16% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 21% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$160   120 GBP
AVERAGE$470   370 GBP
HIGH$2,500   2,000 GBP
Per Month

Couples in Kirkwall allocate 7% to 17% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 13%. The range of medical expenses range from 120 GBP to 2,000 GBP with 370 GBP being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping5%

5% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$85   67 GBP
AVERAGE$250   200 GBP
HIGH$1,400   1,100 GBP
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 67 GBP to 1,100 GBP with 200 GBP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 5% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$28   22 GBP
AVERAGE$85   67 GBP
HIGH$450   360 GBP
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 67 GBP per month with 22 GBP being the minimum spent amount and 360 GBP being the maximum.

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$240   190 GBP
AVERAGE$720   570 GBP
HIGH$3,800   3,000 GBP
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Kirkwall

What percentage of couples in Kirkwall are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
61%
Not Saving
39%

Almost 61% of surveyed couples in Kirkwall said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 39% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Kirkwall

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

440 GBP
$560
1,300 GBP
$1,700
7,100 GBP
$9,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%33%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%11%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to their savings, with 21% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 1,300 GBP with 440 GBP and 7,100 GBP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Kirkwall

Saving Challenges in Kirkwall

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping couples from maximizing their savings in Kirkwall. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans18%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 18% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% of couples blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Kirkwall

Typical saving choices for couples in Kirkwall

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings16%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for couples to live in Kirkwall

Affordable living in Kirkwall

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Kirkwall?


Yes
68%
No
33%

Around 68% of surveyed couples think that living in Kirkwall is affordable with proper budgeting while 33% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Kirkwall

Low-cost alternatives in Kirkwall

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options55%

Few low-cost options45%


Based on the survey, 55% of the couples living in Kirkwall have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked couples of Kirkwall whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes64%

No36%


Based on the survey, 36% of the couples living in Kirkwall said that they don't have an emergency fund while 64% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Kirkwall

Financial Literacy in United Kingdom

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy68%


We asked couple guardians and parents in Kirkwall whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 32% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 68% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether couples of United Kingdom have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 34% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 66% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance34%

Easily manages finances66%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Kirkwall

Financial goals of couples in Kirkwall

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Kirkwall, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction33%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses9%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 33% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 9% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Kirkwall

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Kirkwall


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
28%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 28% of the couples in Kirkwall have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Kirkwall

Debt-to-income ratio in Kirkwall

Debt to income ratio

25%

17% to 34%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 25% of a couple's monthly income in Kirkwall goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%15%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Kirkwall pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 15% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Kirkwall

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage13%
Auto Loan23%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card25%
Personal Loan36%

13% of debtors in Kirkwall confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 25% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 23% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Kirkwall.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Kirkwall

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Kirkwall how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never55%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Kirkwall

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Kirkwall

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Kirkwall

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

260 GBP 390 GBP 1,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $490 $1,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

390 GBP 620 GBP 1,600 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$490 $790 $2,000

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

520 GBP 780 GBP 2,100 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660 $990 $2,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

620 GBP 1,000 GBP 2,800 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790 $1,300 $3,600

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,200 GBP 3,100 GBP 6,200 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $7,900

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,000 GBP 1,600 GBP 4,500 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,300 $2,000 $5,700

House monthly rent cost

1,200 GBP 3,100 GBP 6,200 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,000 $7,900

Villa monthly rent cost

1,600 GBP 3,900 GBP 6,200 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $7,900

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Kirkwall ranges between 260 GBP and 1,000 GBP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 390 GBP to 1,600 GBP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 520 GBP and 2,100 GBP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 620 GBP to 2,800 GBP. The average rent of a townhouse in Kirkwall is around 1,600 GBP while house rental costs can be as high as 3,100 GBP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,600 GBP to 6,200 GBP per month.



Apartment and house prices in Kirkwall

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

52,000 GBP 78,000 GBP 160,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66,000 $99,000 $200,000

1-bedroom apartment price

62,000 GBP 100,000 GBP 390,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$79,000 $130,000 $490,000

2-bedroom apartment price

100,000 GBP 310,000 GBP 620,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130,000 $400,000 $790,000

3-bedroom apartment price

350,000 GBP 520,000 GBP 1.6M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$440,000 $660,000 $2M

Townhouse price

450,000 GBP 1M GBP 3.9M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$570,000 $1.3M $4.9M

House price

520,000 GBP 3.1M GBP 4.5M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $4M $5.7M

Villa price

620,000 GBP 3.5M GBP 5.2M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$790,000 $4.4M $6.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Kirkwall can range from 52,000 GBP to 160,000 GBP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 62,000 GBP to 390,000 GBP. A villa can cost you 3.5M GBP on average with prices ranging from 620,000 GBP to 5.2M GBP.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Kirkwall will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


40 x118 monthly income 201
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Kirkwall can be x118 to x201 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x118 multiples of the average monthly salary in Kirkwall.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


21% 31% of income 40%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Kirkwall is around 31%. This means that people pay 31% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 21% to 40% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
28%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.4%
AVERAGE
3.4%
TO
4.5%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


4.5 GBP 58 GBP 580 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Kirkwall

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Kirkwall

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

45 GBP 150 GBP 980 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$57 $190 $1,200

Internet and cable cost

18 GBP 35 GBP 47 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $45 $60

Mobile phone bill and charges

14 GBP 24 GBP 71 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $30 $89

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of couples is around 150 GBP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 18 GBP to 47 GBP with 35 GBP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 24 GBP but can range between 14 GBP and 71 GBP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


1.9% 4.6% of income 8.3%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Kirkwall is around 4.6%. This means that people pay 4.6% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.9% to 8.3% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Kirkwall

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Kirkwall

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3.5 GBP 7.1 GBP 12 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.5 $8.9 $15

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Kirkwall is approximatly 7.1 GBP with meal cost ranging from 3.5 GBP to 12 GBP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

11 GBP 17 GBP 33 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $21 $42

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 11 GBP and 33 GBP with 17 GBP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Kirkwall.

Fine dining meal for one price

22 GBP 33 GBP 130 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $42 $170

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 22 GBP to 130 GBP with the average cost being 33 GBP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Kirkwall.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.9 GBP 4.7 GBP 7.1 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $6 $8.9

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Kirkwall is around 4.7 GBP. Price ranges between 2.9 GBP and 7.1 GBP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.4 GBP 2.8 GBP 3.5 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3 $3.6 $4.5

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Kirkwall is 2.8 GBP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.5 GBP and the minimum being 2.4 GBP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.8 GBP 2.4 GBP 3.5 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.2 $3 $4.5

A dozen eggs costs around 2.4 GBP on average with 1.8 GBP and 3.5 GBP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

4 GBP 5.2 GBP 7.3 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.1 $6.6 $9.3

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Kirkwall is between 4 GBP and 7.3 GBP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 5.2 GBP.

Pack of beef price

4.7 GBP 7.1 GBP 14 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $8.9 $18

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 7.1 GBP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.9 GBP 2.6 GBP 3.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $3.3 $4.7

A bag of rice in Kirkwall costs around 2.6 GBP on average with prices rangeing between 1.9 GBP and 3.7 GBP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.71 GBP 0.94 GBP 1.8 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.89 $1.2 $2.2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.71 GBP to 1.8 GBP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.3 GBP 1.6 GBP 2.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $2.1 $3.4

A bag of apples costs 1.6 GBP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


16% 23% of income 29%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Kirkwall is around 23%. This means that couples spend 23% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 16% to 29% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 160 GBP to 2,500 GBP with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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