Shetland Central, Shetland Islands: Living Costs
Cost of Living
Monthly living costs in Shetland Central come to around £660, which is roughly in line with the UK average of £640. Transport is the exception — it costs £120 a month here versus £103 nationally.
Utilities and groceries sit close to the UK average. Internet runs to £35 a month, slightly above the £29 national figure. Council tax at £145 is marginally cheaper than the UK average of £147.
The higher transport costs reflect the rural location and reliance on cars or ferries. At £120 a month, it's noticeably more than you'd pay elsewhere.
If you're buying to let, these costs are manageable. Running costs won't significantly dent your rental yields, but do factor in the higher transport spend when you're working out whether tenants can afford to live here.
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Living cost comparison
Similar to
UK Average
Similar to
Shetland North
Similar to
Lerwick North and Bressay
Higher than
Lerwick South
Similar to
Shetland South
Similar to
Shetland West
Estimated Living Costs
Annually
Monthly
Utilities
£1,680
Internet
£420
Council Tax
£1,453
Groceries
£2,640
Transport
£1,440
Council tax in Shetland Central, 2026-27
In Shetland Central (Shetland Islands), estimated 2026-27 council tax is about £121 a month for a couple and £91 for a single person (Band D: £1,488 a year, excluding water and sewerage).
| Household | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | £91 | £1,090 |
| Couple | £121 | £1,453 |
| Family | £121 | £1,453 |
| Single parent | £91 | £1,090 |
| 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.
