Cost Of Living in Aberdeen, UK (2025): Complete Guide For Students

Welcome to Aberdeen, the “Granite City” that’s got way more sparkle than the nickname suggests. Sitting pretty on Scotland’s northeast coast, Aberdeen mixes beach views, chill student vibes, and a surprisingly affordable lifestyle for a UK city. Whether you’re heading to the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, or some of the oldest colleges in the UK, this city gives you the perfect mix of academics, adventure, and affordability.

But before you dive into uni life here, it’s smart to understand what the cost of living in Aberdeen looks like, from rent and groceries to transport and weekend hangouts. Think of this guide as your pocket playbook to surviving (and thriving) in Aberdeen without your bank account crying halfway through the semester.

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Average Cost of Living in Aberdeen

If you’re comparing student cities in Scotland, Aberdeen sits in that sweet spot, cheaper than Edinburgh, not as quiet as Dundee, and much more student-focused than Glasgow’s fast pace. The Aberdeen living cost is pretty balanced, especially when you factor in student discounts, free healthcare (thank you, NHS), and walkable neighbourhoods.

On average, the cost of living in Aberdeen for students ranges between £950 and £1,400 per month, depending on your lifestyle, accommodation type, and how often you’re ordering takeout or catching a bus to the beach.

If you’re sharing your place or living in a private student accommodation, your total living cost in Aberdeen can drop closer to £850–£1,000 per month — a great deal for a city that’s both coastal and cosmopolitan.
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Cost of Living in Aberdeen: Rent & Housing

Let’s be honest,  rent is where your budget either thrives or dies. But good news: Aberdeen’s housing market is super student-friendly. The city is packed with Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSAs), shared flats, and cosy studios, many with bills included.

Here’s what you can expect to pay on average:

If you’re hunting for cheap flats to rent, look in areas like Old Aberdeen, Rosemount, or Garthdee. They’re close to major unis, full of coffee shops, and have everything from vintage stores to weekly farmers markets.

Pro tip: Book early! Prices start creeping up around August–September as students return for the new academic term.

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Cost of Living in Aberdeen: Utilities

Utilities aren’t glamorous, but they’re non-negotiable. In Aberdeen, these costs stay pretty standard compared to the rest of the UK. If you’re lucky enough to land an all-inclusive PBSA, you can skip worrying about fluctuating bills altogether.

If you’re living in shared accommodation, split bills with roommates or use apps like Splitwise to keep track, no one likes being the “who forgot to pay Wi-Fi?” person.

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Cost of Living in Aberdeen: Food & Groceries

Food in Aberdeen is affordable, diverse, and surprisingly good. You’ll find student staples like Tesco Express, Aldi, and Lidl for cheap groceries, and an amazing mix of eateries from traditional Scottish pubs to vegan brunch spots.

If you’re trying to save, meal prepping is your best friend. A Sunday cook-up can keep you sorted for the week, and sharing ingredients with your flatmates can save you £20–£30 a month.

Some student-favourite food spots? Try The Bobbin (cheap and cheerful pub grub near the University of Aberdeen), Cup Café (great for chill brunches), or Maggie’s Grill for a proper taste of Scotland.

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‍Cost of Living in Aberdeen: Transportation

One major perk of studying in Aberdeen — you barely need to spend much on transport. The city is compact and walkable, with plenty of cycle-friendly paths.

Tip: Students under 21 can apply for a Young Scot National Entitlement Card, which gives them free bus travel across Scotland. That’s a major win for Aberdeen living cost for students.

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Living Cost in Aberdeen by Neighbourhood

Where you live matters, and Aberdeen’s got a neighbourhood for every type of student vibe.

If you want easy access to uni and nightlife without breaking your budget, Old Aberdeen and Garthdee are where it’s at.

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Cost of Living in Aberdeen: Lifestyle & Entertainment

Aberdeen’s not just about academics — it’s got a fun, laid-back student scene. Nights out on Belmont Street, free entry art galleries, concerts at The Lemon Tree, and beach bonfires? Yes, please.

Plus, there are tons of free things to do, hiking at Cairngorms National Park, strolling through Duthie Park, or attending free music gigs at student bars. Aberdeen knows how to keep students entertained without draining their wallets.

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Average Cost of Living in Aberdeen Per Year

Here’s what your annual budget might look like, depending on your lifestyle:

Compared to the average cost of living in the UK, Aberdeen comes out as one of the more affordable student cities, around 20–25% cheaper than London or Edinburgh, especially when it comes to rent and food.

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Managing the Cost of Living in Aberdeen Smartly

Okay, let’s be real: budgeting isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Here are a few quick hacks to keep your Aberdeen living cost for students in check:

1. Use student discounts – Your student ID gets you deals everywhere, from restaurants to travel.
2. Cook at home – You’ll eat better and spend less.
3. Book accommodation early – Prices shoot up as the term starts.
4. Share subscriptions – Split Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+ with friends.
5. Use all-inclusive student housing – No surprise bills.

And if you’re looking for reliable, affordable student housing, amber’s got tons of great options that take the stress out of budgeting.

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Final Thoughts

So, what’s the takeaway? The cost of living in Aberdeen Scotland for students is one of the most student-friendly in the UK, with affordable rent, manageable bills, and a lifestyle that doesn’t force you to pick between fun and finance.

If you plan your budget wisely, take advantage of student perks, and choose accommodation smartly, Aberdeen can easily give you the ultimate UK student experience,  minus the stress.

Aberdeen = coastal views, good vibes, great education, and a student budget that actually works. The living cost in Aberdeen is affordable, the people are lovely, and the city gives you a lifestyle that’s both exciting and sustainable.

Welcome to Granite City, where studying doesn’t mean sacrificing living.