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Cost of Living in Brighton

If you're moving to Brighton, understanding the the cost of living in Brighton helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
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Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Brighton is £1,000 per month. The cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment is around £1,400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Brighton is £250,000. The cost of purchasing a two-bedroom apartment is around £350,000.
Transportation The cost of a monthly bus pass in Brighton is £50. The cost of a monthly train pass is around £100.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Brighton is £50 per week.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Brighton is £20.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Brighton is £100 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Brighton is £2,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is £4,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is £6,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is £8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Brighton

“The cost of living in Brighton, 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 Brighton are moderate, with options like buses and trains available for daily commuting. Owning a car can be expensive due to fuel prices and parking fees. However, the city is quite walkable and bike-friendly, which can help reduce transportation expenses.Groceries and food prices in Brighton are comparable to those in other UK cities, with a wide range of supermarkets and local markets available for shopping. Eating out at restaurants can be costly, especially in the city center, but there are also affordable options like cafes and pubs.Entertainment and leisure activities in Brighton can be both affordable and expensive, depending on one’s preferences. There are free or low-cost attractions like the beach, parks, and museums, while other activities like cinema, theater, and sports events may come with higher price tags.Overall, the cost of living in Brighton is higher than the national average, but it offers a vibrant and diverse lifestyle with numerous amenities and attractions,” said one expat living in Brighton.

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

“I’ve been living in Brighton 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 Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, or Whitehawk. These neighborhoods are generally more affordable than the more central areas like Hove, Kemptown, or the city center. You can expect to pay around £500-£600 per month for a room in a shared flat or a small studio in these areas.Next, you’ll need to budget for groceries and other essentials. I usually spend around £200-£250 per month on groceries, toiletries, and household items. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save money on your grocery bill. You can also save money by cooking at home and packing lunches instead of eating out.Transportation costs can add up, so I’d recommend getting a monthly bus pass if you need to travel around the city regularly. A monthly pass costs around £60-£70, depending on the zones you need to travel in. If you’re able to walk or cycle to work, you can save even more money on transportation.As for entertainment and socializing, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending. Going out for drinks or meals can be expensive in Brighton, so try to limit these outings or look for deals and discounts at local pubs and restaurants. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities in the city, like visiting the beach, going for walks in the South Downs, or attending free events and festivals throughout the year.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Brighton is doable, but you’ll need to be frugal and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being mindful of your spending on groceries and transportation, and seeking out low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Brighton.

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

“I’ve been living in Brighton 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. Areas like Kemptown, Hanover, and Elm Grove are popular among expats and have a good mix of housing options. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Hove, Seven Dials, and Preston Park, as they can be quite pricey.When it comes to housing, you’ll probably need to rent a smaller flat or consider sharing a flat with roommates to keep costs down. You can expect to pay around £800-£1,200 per month for a one-bedroom flat in a more affordable area, which is roughly $1,100-$1,600. Keep in mind that council tax and utility bills will add to your monthly expenses, so make sure to factor those in as well.As for transportation, Brighton is a very walkable city, and you can save money by walking or cycling instead of relying on public transport or driving. If you do need to use public transport, a monthly bus pass costs around £80 ($110), which is still relatively affordable.Eating out can be expensive in Brighton, so you’ll want to cook at home as much as possible. There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can find affordable groceries. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, there are plenty of budget-friendly options, like street food stalls and cafes.Entertainment can also be a significant expense, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Brighton. You can spend time at the beach, visit the many parks and gardens, or explore the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene. There are also plenty of free events and festivals throughout the year, so you’ll never be short of things to do.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Brighton is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Brighton.

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

“I’ve been living in Brighton 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 in terms of location and housing size. Brighton is a lovely city with a mix of affordable and expensive neighborhoods, so you’ll have to choose wisely.Firstly, I’d recommend looking for a place to live in areas like Hanover, Elm Grove, or Hollingdean. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer a good quality of life. You can find a decent 2-bedroom flat for around £1,200 to £1,500 per month, which is roughly $1,600 to $2,000. This will leave you with enough money for other expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation.On the other hand, I’d avoid areas like Hove, Kemptown, or the city center, as these tend to be more expensive. Rent prices in these neighborhoods can easily go up to £2,000 to £2,500 per month ($2,700 to $3,300) for a 2-bedroom flat, which might stretch your budget.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to compromise on the size of your living space. Flats in Brighton can be smaller compared to what you might be used to, especially in the more affordable neighborhoods. Additionally, you might have to give up on having a garden or a private parking space, as these are not very common in the city.Transportation in Brighton is quite good, with reliable bus services and a well-connected train station. However, if you’re used to having a car, you might find parking to be a bit of a challenge, especially in the city center. You could consider using public transportation or cycling instead, as Brighton is a very bike-friendly city.Overall, living in Brighton on $5,000 a month is doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises. It’s a beautiful city with a great quality of life, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here,” commented an expat living in Brighton.

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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