Moving to Aberdeen

[MovingSoon]

Hello,

I'll be moving to Aberdeen next year for an expat assignment. My company has not made a formal offer yet, but can anybody tell me what is a decent salary to sustain 1 person comfortably?

Thanks,
MovingSoon

[UnLandais]

Hi, Aberdeen is probably Scotland's most expensive city along with parts of Edinburgh, but I'm guessing if you've been posted there on assignment from Texas then you're probably in the oil industry (excuse my nosey assumptions if they're wrong!) In that case, I imagine just about anything such a company give you will be sufficient despite the prices of property to let.

You can probably find a reasonable one bedroom flat @ £550 per month. But prices can soar into the £700 or £800 range easily if you don't look hard enough or if you want a bit of space. If you're frugal maybe you could find a little studio flat or something for £400-ish if you're lucky, but don't expect much room. I imagine in the States there is plenty room, but appartments can get pretty cramped and poky in Britain (and Europe), unless you pay a small fortune, that's just the way it is I'm afraid.

If you want 2 bedrooms expect to go over £600 and beyond. Of course, you will have to pay council tax unless you and/or your landlord meet certain unlikely conditions. If the price for a months rent seems very high maybe the landlord has included the council tax in the rent. Make sure you ask who is responsible to pay! It will probably be around £1200 or more per year in a reasonable property in Aberdeen.

Utility bills vary obviously depending on your situation. Maybe £30 a month for phone and Internet together. About £20-30 on gas and electricity. Food could cost you between £120-£200 a month depending on what you buy and how frugal you are. Drink and household goods would push up that figure. These are consevative estimates.

I can't really say how many pennies you would want for leisure time but basically:

Rent = roughly £7000 per year
Council tax = £1200 per year
Bills (could vary wildly) = £700 and upwards per year
Food, household goods = 2500 per year easily

You'd need near enough £10 grand just to breathe, but there are lots of hidden stuff I've missed out (car or other transport for example, tv licence, mobile phone blah blah.) If you actually want to surpass the bread line then you need £15 grand. If you want to start enjoying your life you'll want more than that.

It's a very rough figure to give you, but whatever £20 grand is in American dollars, I'd ask for it. It seems to me at the lower end of a fair deal.

Good luck and don't forget to do the malt whisky tour in Morayshire not far to the west!

[MovingSoon]

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply!

Yeah, your assumptions about Texas and oil company are right . I should be getting an offer pretty soon. Your information will help me make a decision.

Thanks and good luck to you too!

[UnLandais]

No probs MovingSoon, and while you're there in Aberdeen make sure you go to the baker's and get a few "rowies". It's a type of flattened croissant particuler to the region. It's slightly salted, very heavy heavy and full of fat. It sounds horrible but they are TASTY. Put them in the toaster and when they're hot, spread some butter or jam or something on them. Eat them with some cheddar cheese in the morning and down with a cup of tea.

Food of the gods.

They are also called "butteries", you can find them in the supermarkets sometimes too. But eat in moderation, they will push your cholesterol through the roof. Three or four a week is enough.

[MovingSoon]

Thanks for the tip AND the warning!!!

Originally Posted by UnLandais

No probs MovingSoon, and while you're there in Aberdeen make sure you go to the baker's and get a few "rowies". It's a type of flattened croissant particuler to the region. It's slightly salted, very heavy heavy and full of fat. It sounds horrible but they are TASTY. Put them in the toaster and when they're hot, spread some butter or jam or something on them. Eat them with some cheddar cheese in the morning and down with a cup of tea.

Food of the gods.

They are also called "butteries", you can find them in the supermarkets sometimes too. But eat in moderation, they will push your cholesterol through the roof. Three or four a week is enough.

[whartonlee]

What is your position right now? Have you made any headway in your package? I too have been offered to go to Aberdeen for a 2 year assignment for an oil company in Houston. My problem is that I know no one that's been there, therefore, I have no idea what the cost of living is there. I will be going there with a family of 4 (spouse and 2 kids). do you have any resources that could help me?
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Originally Posted by MovingSoon

Hello,

I'll be moving to Aberdeen next year for an expat assignment. My company has not made a formal offer yet, but can anybody tell me what is a decent salary to sustain 1 person comfortably?

Thanks,
MovingSoon