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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Bath 2024
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Cost of Living in Bath

By Betsy Burlingame

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Summary: If you're moving to Bath, understanding the the cost of living in Bath 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 in Bath - Cost of Living in Bath

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: £800 - £1,200 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £650 - £900 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city centre: £1,500 - £2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £1,200 - £1,800 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square metre in city centre: £4,000 - £6,000
  • Price per square metre outside city centre: £2,500 - £4,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: £2.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: £50 - £70
  • Taxi starting tariff: £3.50, plus £1.60 - £2.00 per km
  • Gasoline (1 litre): £1.25 - £1.35
Groceries
  • Milk (1 litre): £0.80 - £1.10
  • Bread (500g): £0.80 - £1.50
  • Rice (1kg): £1.00 - £2.50
  • Eggs (12): £1.50 - £3.00
  • Cheese (1kg): £5.00 - £12.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): £5.00 - £10.00
  • Beef round (1kg): £7.00 - £15.00
  • Apples (1kg): £1.50 - £3.00
  • Bananas (1kg): £0.80 - £1.50
  • Oranges (1kg): £1.00 - £3.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): £1.00 - £3.00
  • Potatoes (1kg): £0.50 - £2.00
  • Onions (1kg): £0.50 - £1.50
  • Water (1.5-litre bottle): £0.50 - £1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10.00 - £20.00
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40.00 - £70.00
  • Fast food meal: £5.00 - £8.00
  • Cappuccino: £2.00 - £3.50
  • Beer (0.5-litre draught): £3.50 - £5.00
  • Soft drink (0.33-litre bottle): £1.00 - £2.00
  • Water (0.33-litre bottle): £0.80 - £1.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: £100 - £200 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20 - £40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: £800 - £1,500 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: £10,000 - £15,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: £12,000 - £18,000 per year
  • High school tuition: £15,000 - £25,000 per year

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bath

"The cost of living in Bath, is relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Housing costs, particularly rent, can be quite expensive, with prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center being significantly higher than those in other areas. Utilities, such as electricity, heating, and water, are also relatively pricey.Transportation costs in Bath are moderate, with options including buses, trains, and taxis. Owning a car can be expensive due to fuel prices, insurance, and parking fees. However, the city is quite walkable, and many residents choose to cycle, which can help reduce transportation expenses.Groceries and food prices in Bath are comparable to those in other UK cities, with a wide range of supermarkets and local markets available. Eating out at restaurants can be costly, especially in the city center, but there are also affordable options such as cafes and pubs.Entertainment and leisure activities in Bath can vary in price, with options such as cinemas, theaters, and sports facilities available. The city is known for its rich history and cultural attractions, many of which are free or have a small entrance fee.Overall, the cost of living in Bath is higher than the national average, but it offers a high quality of life, with excellent amenities, beautiful surroundings, and a vibrant cultural scene," said one expat living in Bath.

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

"I've been living in Bath for a few years 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 Oldfield Park, Twerton, or Weston. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they're more affordable than living in the heart of Bath. You can expect to pay around £500-£600 per month for a room in a shared house or a small studio.Next, you'll need to budget for utilities and other monthly expenses. If you're sharing a house, utilities will likely be split among the housemates, so you can expect to pay around £50-£100 per month for your share. If you're in a studio, it might be a bit more expensive, but still manageable. For groceries, I'd recommend shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, where you can get most of your essentials for a reasonable price. You should be able to keep your grocery bill under £200 per month if you're careful with your spending.Transportation is another expense to consider. Bath is a small city, so it's possible to walk or cycle to most places. However, if you need to take public transport, a monthly bus pass costs around £50. If you have a car, you'll need to factor in the cost of petrol, insurance, and parking, which can add up quickly.As for entertainment and socializing, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Eating out and going to pubs can be expensive in Bath, so try to limit these activities and look for cheaper alternatives. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in the city, like the parks, museums, and art galleries. You can also take advantage of student discounts if you're studying at the University of Bath or Bath Spa University.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Bath is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. Look for affordable housing in neighborhoods like Oldfield Park, Twerton, or Weston, and be mindful of your spending on utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Bath.

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

"I've been living in Bath 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 make some adjustments and be smart about your spending. First, you'll want to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Areas like Oldfield Park, Twerton, and Southdown are generally more budget-friendly than the city center or more upscale neighborhoods like Lansdown or Widcombe. You can expect to pay around £800-£1,000 per month for a one-bedroom flat in these areas, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, Bath is a pretty walkable city, so you can save money by walking or cycling instead of relying on public transport or a car. If you do need to use public transport, a monthly bus pass costs around £50. Groceries can be a bit pricey in Bath, but if you shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, you can keep your food costs down. Eating out can also be expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible and save dining out for special occasions.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Bath. You can visit the beautiful parks, like Royal Victoria Park or Alexandra Park, or take advantage of the many free events and festivals that take place throughout the year. If you're a fan of museums and art galleries, many of them offer free admission or discounted entry fees for residents.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the more luxurious amenities you're used to, like a gym membership or regular spa treatments. However, there are affordable alternatives, like joining a local sports club or using the public leisure centers, which offer gym and pool access for a lower cost.Overall, living in Bath on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on non-essential expenses, and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Bath.

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

"I've been living in Bath 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. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to live in the most expensive neighborhoods, like the Royal Crescent or Lansdown, where the rent can be quite high. Instead, you could consider more affordable areas like Oldfield Park, Twerton, or Weston. These neighborhoods still have good access to public transport and local amenities, but the cost of living is more reasonable.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or house than you're used to, especially if you want to live closer to the city center. But, Bath has a lot of beautiful Georgian architecture, so even a smaller place can still be charming and full of character.When it comes to transportation, you might want to rely on public transport or cycling instead of owning a car, as parking can be quite expensive and difficult to find in the city center. The good news is that Bath is a very walkable city, and the public transport system is quite reliable.Eating out and entertainment can also be a bit pricey in Bath, especially in the more touristy areas. However, there are plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore a bit. You can find some great pubs and restaurants in the more residential neighborhoods, and there are also plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions to enjoy, like the beautiful parks and gardens, the Holburne Museum, or the Bath Skyline Walk.Overall, living in Bath on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make a few compromises. But, in my experience, the city's charm, history, and beautiful surroundings make it well worth it," commented an expat living in Bath.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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