Cost of Living in Shetland Islands: Rent, House Prices, Council Tax and Pay
A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £959 a month, 36% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 3.9 times the median full-time salary.
| Cost | Shetland Islands | More detail |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £179,493 | House prices |
| Median full-time salary | £46,527 | Salary |
| Take-home pay a month on the median | £3,024 | |
| Council tax, Band D, a month (12 payments) | £124 | Council tax |
| Mortgage on the average home a month (10% deposit) | £959 | at 5.15% over 25 years |
What the numbers add up to
- A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £959 a month, 36% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 3.9 times the median full-time salary.
These are averages and medians for the whole area, so your own costs will differ. The comparison of rent with pay is illustrative: the rent figure covers all tenancies, and the median is for full-time employees.
Work out your own budget
Sources: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, ONS Price Index of Private Rents, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and the official 2026-27 council tax releases. Each page above gives the date and licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Shetland Islands?
In Shetland Islands the average house price is £179,493 and Band D council tax is £124 a month, against a median full-time salary of £46,527.
Is it better to rent or buy in Shetland Islands?
Rent averages less than a mortgage a month, against about £959 a month for a mortgage on the average home (before upkeep). The right choice depends on how long you will stay. Try the rent or buy calculator.
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.