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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in St Ives 2024
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Cost of Living in St Ives

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Professional Property Finders
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Summary: If you're moving to St Ives, understanding the the cost of living in St Ives helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living St Ives
Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in St Ives is around £650 per month. A two-bedroom apartment will cost around £800 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in St Ives is around £150,000. A two-bedroom apartment will cost around £200,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in St Ives is relatively low. A single bus ticket costs around £2.50, and a monthly bus pass costs around £50.
Groceries The cost of groceries in St Ives is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around £1.50, a liter of milk costs around £1.00, and a dozen eggs costs around £2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in St Ives is relatively low. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around £30.
Utilities The cost of utilities in St Ives is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, gas, water, and garbage is around £150.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in St Ives is relatively high. Preschool tuition costs around £2,000 per year, elementary school tuition costs around £4,000 per year, middle school tuition costs around £6,000 per year, and high school tuition costs around £8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in St Ives

"The cost of living in St Ives, is considered to be relatively high compared to other parts of the UK, particularly due to its popularity as a tourist destination. Housing tends to be the most significant expense, with property prices being quite high, especially for homes with sea views or those located in the town centre. Rental prices are also above the national average, making it more expensive for those looking to rent rather than buy. The cost of groceries and dining out is also slightly higher than the national average, reflecting the town's status as a tourist hotspot. Transportation costs can vary, with public transport being reasonably priced, but owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to higher fuel prices. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are also a bit higher than the national average. However, internet and mobile phone costs are generally in line with the rest of the UK. Despite the higher cost of living, many residents feel that the benefits of living in such a beautiful and vibrant area outweigh the costs. The town offers a high quality of life with its stunning scenery, rich history, and thriving arts scene," said one expat living in St Ives.

Can I live in St Ives on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in St Ives 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 apartment in areas like Carbis Bay or Lelant, which are a bit more affordable than the town center. You might also want to consider living in nearby towns like Hayle or Penzance, where the cost of living is generally lower.As for transportation, you'll probably want to rely on public transport or cycling, as owning a car can be quite expensive with insurance, fuel, and parking costs. The bus system is pretty reliable, and there are also train stations in St Ives, Carbis Bay, and Lelant if you need to travel further afield.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your budget. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home will be more cost-effective than eating out. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, there are some more affordable options like pubs and cafes, but you'll want to avoid the more upscale restaurants in the town center.For entertainment and leisure, you'll need to be creative and take advantage of the free or low-cost activities available. St Ives has beautiful beaches and coastal walks that you can enjoy without spending a penny. There are also some local museums and galleries with free or low-cost entry, like the St Ives Museum and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.In terms of sacrifices, you'll likely need to cut back on non-essential expenses like shopping for clothes, going to the cinema, or taking weekend trips. You'll also need to be prepared to live in a smaller space and potentially share your living space with others to keep your housing costs down.Overall, it's possible to live comfortably in St Ives on $1,500 a month, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to make it work," commented an expat living in St Ives.

Can I live in St Ives on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in St Ives for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and be smart about your spending. First, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the town center and waterfront areas. Instead, look for housing in more affordable areas like the outskirts of town or nearby villages like Carbis Bay or Lelant.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. I'd recommend using public transportation like buses and trains, or even better, walking or cycling whenever possible. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and healthy.For groceries and household items, try to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and always keep an eye out for sales and special offers. You can also save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, and by packing your own lunch for work.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in St Ives and the surrounding areas. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and public parks without spending a penny. There are also many local events and festivals throughout the year that are either free or have a small entrance fee.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on international travel, as flights and accommodations can be quite expensive. Instead, consider exploring the UK and taking advantage of the beautiful countryside and historic sites that are right on your doorstep.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in St Ives is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing affordable housing, using public transportation, shopping smart, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work and still enjoy a great quality of life," said one expat living in St Ives.

Can I live in St Ives on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in St Ives for a while 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. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the town center and waterfront areas. These places tend to have higher rent prices and can quickly eat into your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place to live in more affordable areas like the outskirts of town or nearby villages like Carbis Bay or Lelant. You'll still have access to all the modern amenities you're used to, but at a more reasonable price.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive due to fuel costs, insurance, and parking fees. To save money, consider using public transportation like buses and trains, or even cycling or walking when possible. St Ives is a relatively small town, so getting around shouldn't be too difficult.Eating out can also be quite pricey, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, try cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. There are also plenty of affordable cafes and pubs where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in St Ives and the surrounding areas. You can spend your days exploring the beautiful beaches, coastal paths, and art galleries, or attend local events and festivals throughout the year.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some luxury items or experiences, like dining at high-end restaurants or staying in upscale hotels when traveling. However, with some careful budgeting and planning, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in St Ives without feeling like you're missing out on anything," commented an expat living in St Ives.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.


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