Dundee, UK
Scotland's sunniest city, a vibrant waterfront destination on the Tay known for the V&A Dundee museum, video game industry, and its medieval Old Town.
Overview
Dundee is a city in Scotland with a population of 148,000. Scotland’s sunniest city, a vibrant waterfront destination on the Tay known for the V&A Dundee museum, video game industry, and its medieval Old Town. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. Sunshine is limited, with about 135 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs UK Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Dundee vs UK Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20.0%
- Sales Tax: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: £30,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 148,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 135/year
- Summer High: 65°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: £160,000
- 1BR Rent: £650/mo
Cost of Living
Dundee's cost of living index is 105 (UK average = 100).
| Category | Dundee | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Data source: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | £160,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | £650/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | £813/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | £106 |
Data source: Rightmove, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Dundee:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | £180 | Based on ~2,900 kWh/year typical UK household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | £97 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | £45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | £35 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | £357 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: Ofgem, UK Energy Statistics 2024, Water UK, Ofcom
Remote Work Score
Dundee scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Dundee has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 50°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 65°F | 40°F | 1.5" |
| October | 45°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Dundee faces the following natural hazards:
River and coastal flooding.
The UK experiences occasional tornadoes.
UK experiences winter storms.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 20%
- Sales Tax: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Half-term breaks of 1 week in October, February, and May. Scotland has a different calendar.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Dundee is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: National Records of Scotland (NRS) Census 2022 (2022)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dundee, UK?
The cost of living index in Dundee is 105, which is Higher the UK national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Dundee?
The median home price in Dundee is £160,000. The housing index is 88.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dundee is approximately £650/mo.
Does Dundee, SCT have income tax?
Dundee is in SCT, which has an income tax rate of 20%.
What is the climate like in Dundee?
Dundee enjoys approximately 135 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 65°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2026
- Housing Data: Rightmove, 2026
- Income & Employment: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2024
- Utilities Ofgem, UK Energy Statistics 2024, Water UK, Ofcom
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.