Lerwick South, Shetland Islands: Living Costs
Cost of Living
Living costs in Lerwick South sit around £597 a month — roughly in line with the UK average. Council tax and transport costs are lower here, which balances out slightly higher utilities and internet bills.
Council tax runs £135 a month, about £12 below the UK average. Transport is notably cheaper too at £70 compared to £103 nationally — that's a real saving if you're commuting around Lerwick. Utilities and internet are a bit pricier than average, which you'd expect on an island.
For landlords, the lower overall cost base works in your favour. Tenants face fewer financial pressures than in many mainland areas, which means more stable tenancies and shorter void periods. That directly affects your rental yields.
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Living cost comparison
Lower than
UK Average
Lower than
Lerwick North and Bressay
Lower than
Shetland Central
Lower than
Shetland South
Estimated Living Costs
Annually
Monthly
Utilities
£1,680
Internet
£384
Council Tax
£1,473
Groceries
£2,640
Transport
£840
Council tax in Lerwick South, 2026-27
In Lerwick South (Shetland Islands), estimated 2026-27 council tax is about £123 a month for a couple and £92 for a single person (Band D: £1,488 a year, excluding water and sewerage).
| Household | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | £92 | £1,105 |
| Couple | £123 | £1,473 |
| Family | £123 | £1,473 |
| Single parent | £92 | £1,105 |
| Band | Per year |
|---|---|
| Band A | £991.93 |
| Band B | £1,157.26 |
| Band C | £1,322.58 |
| Band D | £1,487.90 |
| Band E | £1,954.94 |
| Band F | £2,417.84 |
| Band G | £2,913.80 |
| Band H | £3,645.36 |
- Ward averages based on the mix of homes in each band, not a bill for a specific home.
- Single person and single parent figures include the 25% single-person discount.
- Excludes water and sewerage charges, which Scottish councils bill alongside council tax.
- Estimated from ONS, Ofgem and Census data. Council: Shetland Islands.
