Cost of Living in Bournemouth
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Bournemouth helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Bournemouth is £845 per month. A two-bedroom apartment costs an average of £1,095 per month. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Bournemouth is £180,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs an average of £220,000. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Bournemouth is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs £2.50, and a day pass costs £4.50. A monthly pass costs £50. Taxis are also available, with the average fare for a 5-mile journey costing around £15. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Bournemouth is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around £1.50, a liter of milk costs £1.20, and a dozen eggs costs £2.50. Prices can vary depending on the store and the quality of the product. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Bournemouth is relatively low. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around £30. Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the food. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Bournemouth is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, gas, water, and garbage is around £150. Prices can vary depending on the provider and the amount of usage. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Bournemouth varies depending on the school. The average cost for preschool is £2,500 per year, elementary school is £4,000 per year, middle school is £5,000 per year, and high school is £6,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bournemouth
"The cost of living in Bournemouth, is relatively moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing prices are more affordable than in London, but still higher than in some other regions. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is generally more expensive than in the outskirts. Grocery prices are reasonable, with a variety of supermarkets offering competitive prices. Eating out at restaurants can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the type of establishment. Public transportation is available, with bus and train services connecting Bournemouth to other cities, but owning a car can be more convenient for some residents. Utility costs, such as electricity, heating, and water, are generally in line with the national average. Internet and mobile phone services are widely available, with various providers offering different plans to suit individual needs. Entertainment and leisure activities, such as cinema tickets, gym memberships, and sports events, can vary in price, but there are options to suit different budgets. Overall, the cost of living in Bournemouth is manageable for those with a moderate income, but it is essential to consider individual lifestyle choices and preferences when determining the overall affordability of living in the city," said one expat living in Bournemouth.
Can I live in Bournemouth on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Bournemouth for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a flatshare or a small studio apartment in areas like Boscombe, Pokesdown, or Winton. These neighborhoods are generally more affordable than the more expensive areas like Westbourne, Southbourne, or the town center.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save money on groceries. When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of affordable options in Bournemouth, but you'll need to avoid the more expensive restaurants and stick to places like Wetherspoons or local cafes.Transportation costs can also add up, so I'd recommend getting a monthly bus pass if you need to travel around the town regularly. This will save you money compared to buying individual tickets. If you're able to walk or cycle to work, that's even better for your budget.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Bournemouth. You can enjoy the beach, parks, and gardens without spending a penny. There are also free events and festivals throughout the year, like the Bournemouth Air Festival and Arts by the Sea. For nights out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on drinks and entry fees, but there are plenty of pubs and bars with affordable prices if you know where to look.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Bournemouth is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your grocery and dining expenses, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Bournemouth.
Can I live in Bournemouth on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Bournemouth for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. First, you'll want to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Bournemouth include Boscombe, Pokesdown, and Winton. These areas have a mix of houses and flats, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom flat for around £800-£1,000 per month. I'd avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs, and Westbourne if you're trying to stick to your budget.When it comes to transportation, Bournemouth has a pretty good public transport system, so you can save money by not owning a car and using buses and trains instead. A monthly bus pass costs around £50, and you can get around most of the town and surrounding areas with it. If you do decide to own a car, keep in mind that petrol, insurance, and parking can add up quickly.For groceries, you can shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, which offer good quality products at lower prices. Eating out can be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible and limit dining out to special occasions or when you find good deals. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Bournemouth, like going to the beach, visiting parks, or attending local events.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on luxury items and expensive hobbies. You'll need to prioritize your spending and focus on necessities like rent, utilities, and groceries. It's also a good idea to set aside some money for emergencies and unexpected expenses.Overall, living in Bournemouth on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, and being mindful of your spending on groceries and entertainment, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that Bournemouth has to offer," said one expat living in Bournemouth.
Can I live in Bournemouth on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Bournemouth for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is generally lower than in bigger cities like London, so you'll find that your money goes further.In terms of housing, you'll want to look for a place in an affordable neighborhood. Some of the more budget-friendly areas include Boscombe, Pokesdown, and Winton. These neighborhoods have a good mix of housing options, from flats to houses, and you should be able to find something within your budget. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Sandbanks, Canford Cliffs, and Talbot Woods, as these areas tend to have higher property prices and rental rates.When it comes to transportation, Bournemouth has a decent public transport system, with buses and trains connecting the town to other parts of the UK. If you're planning on commuting to work, you might want to consider getting a monthly bus or train pass to save on transportation costs. Alternatively, you could also consider cycling or walking to work if you live close enough, as Bournemouth is quite a bike-friendly town.For groceries and other essentials, you'll find that there are plenty of supermarkets and local shops where you can find affordable products. You might want to consider shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, as they tend to have lower prices than some of the bigger chains like Tesco and Sainsbury's.In terms of entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Bournemouth. The town has beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens that you can explore, as well as a number of cultural attractions like museums and art galleries. If you're into sports and fitness, you'll find that there are several affordable gyms and sports clubs in the area, as well as public sports facilities like tennis courts and swimming pools.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Bournemouth on a $5,000 a month budget is quite doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation, and you should be able to enjoy a comfortable life in this lovely coastal town," commented an expat living in Bournemouth.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.