The areas of Scotland that are the most affordable for solo living have been named. New research has revealed which parts of the country renters can save the most money. When it comes to choosing a place to live in Scotland, affordability is the most important factor to consider. Rent prices vary significantly across the country, with costs in certain regions being much lower than others. A new study carried out by Financial Interest looked into the most affordable places in Scotland to live on your own, based on council tax, average living costs, net earnings, and estimated disposable income. Topping the list as the best place in the country for solo renters is East Renfrewshire. Situated near Glasgow , East Renfrewshire offers net earnings of £29,868 along with relatively low rent costs of £8,064 annually. According to the experts, this equates to 22 per cent of earnings. Council tax was found to be lower in East Renfrewshire compared with other areas, at £1,146 for a solo Band D household. Both gas and electricity bills were also named as “reasonable” compared to the national average. Financial Interest stated: “By saving 20 per cent of your disposable income here, you’d put away £3,685 a year which adds up to £18,425 over five years and £40,661 over 10.” Elsewhere, South Ayrshire was named as the second best area in Scotland for solo renters to save. Here, net earnings were found to be £28,042 and rental costs were revealed to be £6,912—20 per cent of income. On the other hand, council tax in South Ayrshire is slightly higher at £1,177. However, other living costs like gas and electricity “remain affordable” according to the experts. Financial Interest states that solo renters in South Ayrshire can put away £3,565 per year by saving 20 per cent of their disposable income. They can save £17,826 and £39,624 over five and 10 years respectively. Following behind in third place on the list is North Ayrshire. Net earnings in the area were found to be lower at £26,688, though average rent for a solo renter is £6,912 annually—equating to 21 per cent of income. North Ayrshire also offers some of the cheapest gas costs in Scotland according to Financial Interest at £799 per year, while council tax is £1,165. Saving 20 per cent of disposable income here would mean putting away £3,303 a year, £16,513 in five years, and £36,730 after ten. Rounding out the top five areas in Scotland where solo renters can save the most are East Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire. Setting aside 20 per cent of disposable income would net around £3,291 a year in East Dunbartonshire and £3,281 in North Lanarkshire. Other areas in Scotland named among the best for solo renters to save are West Lothian and South Lanarkshire, placing sixth and seventh respectively. Rounding out the top 10 are East Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, and Stirling. Financial Interest stated: “Living alone has many perks: independence, peace, and the freedom to do things your way. But it can also mean higher expenses, especially when you’re not sharing rent, utility bills, or groceries. “That doesn’t mean you can’t still make smart financial decisions, though—from putting money away to finding ways to reduce monthly costs. Solo living can still be affordable with a few smart habits and lifestyle tweaks. “However, where you live makes a big difference, with solo renting much more affordable in some areas than others. We looked into the most affordable places to live on your own, based on council tax, average living costs, net earnings, and estimated disposable income.” See below for the full list of the areas in Scotland where “solo renters can save the most”. The full study can be found on the Financial Interest website .