Cost of living in Kirkwall

Kirkwall, the largest town in Orkney, United Kingdom, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Kirkwall is crucial for anyone considering relocating or visiting this picturesque town.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $23.25 on average, with a range between $15.08 and $31.42.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100.55.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.06.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $4.65 to $5.66, imported beer $3.77 to $8.3, cappuccino $3.71 to $3.77, and Coke/Pepsi $3.14.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced at $0.75 per liter.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.51.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs average $3.02.
Local CheeseLocal cheese is priced at $6.28 per kg.
Water (1.5 liter bottle)A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs $1.01.
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)A mid-range bottle of wine costs $8.8.
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)A 0.5 liter bottle of domestic beer costs $2.51.
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)A 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs $3.14.
Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro)A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $18.85.
Chicken Fillets (1kg)Chicken fillets are priced at $8.8 per kg.
Lettuce (1 head)A head of lettuce costs $0.75.

Transportation

Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced at $2.01 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $6.28, with a cost of $25.14 per hour of waiting.
New Car (Volkswagen Golf)A new Volkswagen Golf costs approximately $37,706.54.
New Car (Toyota Corolla)A new Toyota Corolla costs approximately $43,990.96.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $754.13.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $754.13.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1068.35.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent averages $942.66.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $377.07.
InternetInternet services average $25.14.
Mobile Phone PlanA mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $37.71.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in April, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$23.25

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$100.55

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$10.06

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.03

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.14

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.26

Cappuccino (regular)

$3.74

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$0.75

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.51

Eggs (regular) (12)

$3.02

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.28

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$8.80

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.51

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.14

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$18.85

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.80

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.75

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

Gasoline (1 liter)

$2.01

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$37,706.54

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$6.28

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$25.14

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$43,990.96

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

$754.13

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

$754.13

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

$1,068.35

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

$942.66

Utilities (Monthly)

Avg / Range

Utilities (Monthly)

Avg

Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment

$377.07

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

$25.14

Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data

$37.71

Sports And Leisure

Avg / Range

Sports And Leisure

Avg

Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

$24.20

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

$8.80

Clothing And Shoes

Avg / Range

Clothing And Shoes

Avg

Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$163.39

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

$188.53

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

$150.83

Salaries And Financing

Avg / Range

Salaries And Financing

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,822.48

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

5.5%

Worldwide

United Kingdom

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for United Kingdom are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United Kingdom, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

Kirkwall Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Kirkwall offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and utility costs. Dining out can be relatively expensive, especially at mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are notable, particularly for fuel and taxi services. However, grocery prices remain affordable, making it easier to manage daily expenses.