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

By Betsy Burlingame

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Cheltenham helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Details Cost
Apartment Rentals 1-bedroom apartment in city centre £700 - £900 per month
1-bedroom apartment outside city centre £550 - £750 per month
Apartment Purchases Price per square meter in city centre £3,000 - £4,000
Price per square meter outside city centre £2,000 - £3,000
Transportation One-way local transport ticket £2.50
Monthly local transport pass £50 - £70
Taxi starting tariff £3.00
Gasoline (1 litre) £1.30 - £1.40
Groceries Milk (1 litre) £0.80 - £1.10
Bread (500g) £0.80 - £1.50
Rice (1kg) £0.70 - £1.50
Chicken breasts (1kg) £5.00 - £8.00
Restaurants Meal at an inexpensive restaurant £10.00 - £15.00
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant £40.00 - £60.00
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) £5.00 - £7.00
Utilities Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment £120 - £200 per month
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) £20 - £40 per month
Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) £0.10 - £0.20
Private School Tuition Preschool (or Kindergarten) £800 - £1,200 per term
Elementary School £2,000 - £4,000 per term
Middle School £3,000 - £5,000 per term
High School £4,000 - £6,000 per term
Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on various factors such as location, time of the year, and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cheltenham

"The cost of living in Cheltenham, is considered to be relatively high compared to other towns in the region. Housing prices and rent tend to be more expensive, especially in the town center and popular neighborhoods. However, there are more affordable options in the outskirts and surrounding areas. Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport options like buses and trains available, as well as taxis and private car usage. Owning a car can be expensive due to fuel prices, insurance, and parking fees.Grocery prices are comparable to the national average, with a variety of supermarkets and local shops offering a range of prices. Eating out at restaurants and cafes can be pricey, but there are budget-friendly options available as well.Utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, are generally in line with the UK average, while internet and mobile phone plans can vary depending on the provider and package chosen. Leisure activities, such as cinema tickets, gym memberships, and sports clubs, can also add to the overall cost of living, but there are often discounts and promotions available to help reduce expenses.Overall, the cost of living in Cheltenham is higher than in some other areas of the UK, but it offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a vibrant cultural scene," said one expat living in Cheltenham.

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

"I've been living in Cheltenham 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 Hesters Way, St. Paul's, or Whaddon. These neighborhoods tend to have lower rent prices compared to more expensive areas like Montpellier, The Park, or Leckhampton.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often will also help keep your expenses down. When you do eat out, look for cheaper options like cafes, pubs, or takeaway places instead of more expensive restaurants.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider walking or cycling whenever possible. Cheltenham is a relatively small town, so it's often feasible to get around without a car. If you do need to use public transport, look into getting a bus pass to save on fares.Finally, you'll need to be selective about your entertainment and leisure activities. There are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Cheltenham, like visiting parks, attending local events, or going for walks in the nearby Cotswolds. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the theatre, concerts, or sporting events.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Cheltenham is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and focusing on affordable options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Cheltenham.

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

"I've been living in Cheltenham 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 a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Hatherley, St. Marks, or Whaddon. These neighborhoods tend to have more reasonably priced housing options compared to more expensive areas like Montpellier or The Park.When it comes to transportation, you might want to consider using public transport or cycling instead of owning a car. Cheltenham is a relatively small town, so getting around by bus or bike is quite feasible, and it'll save you a significant amount on car payments, insurance, and petrol.As for groceries and eating out, you'll want to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often will also help keep your expenses down. When you do eat out, try to stick to more affordable restaurants or take advantage of special offers and discounts.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you might need to cut back on some of your hobbies or find more affordable alternatives. For example, instead of going to the cinema, you could have movie nights at home with friends. Or, instead of joining an expensive gym, you could take advantage of the many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces in Cheltenham for exercise.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Cheltenham is doable, but you'll need to be conscious of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about transportation, and cutting back on discretionary spending, you should be able to live comfortably and enjoy your time in this lovely town," said one expat living in Cheltenham.

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

"I've been living in Cheltenham 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. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic.Firstly, you'll want to look for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods. I'd recommend areas like Hatherley, Up Hatherley, or Benhall, where you can find a decent 2-3 bedroom house or flat for around £1,000-£1,500 per month. These areas are still close to the town center and have good access to public transport, so you won't feel too isolated.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Montpellier, The Park, or Leckhampton, where rents can be significantly higher. These areas are lovely, but you'll likely be paying a premium for the location.When it comes to utilities and bills, you can expect to pay around £200-£300 per month, depending on your usage. This includes gas, electricity, water, and council tax. You can save some money by being mindful of your energy consumption and choosing energy-efficient appliances.For groceries, you can shop at affordable supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, where you can find good quality products at lower prices. If you prefer more upscale options, there's also a Waitrose in town, but it can be a bit more expensive.Eating out and entertainment can be quite affordable if you take advantage of local deals and discounts. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafes in Cheltenham that offer reasonably priced meals, especially during lunchtime or early evening. You can also find cheaper cinema tickets on weekdays or by signing up for a membership.As for transportation, if you're living close to the town center, you can easily walk or cycle to most places. If you need to use public transport, a monthly bus pass costs around £50. If you have a car, petrol prices can be quite high, so you might want to consider using it only when necessary.Overall, living in Cheltenham on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be mindful of your spending and make a few compromises when it comes to housing and entertainment, and you should be able to make it work," commented an expat living in Cheltenham.

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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