Cost of Living in Harrogate

Joshua Wood

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

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city centre: £650 – £850 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £550 – £750 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city centre: £1,000 – £1,500 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £800 – £1,200 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square metre in city centre: £2,500 – £3,500 Price per square metre outside city centre: £1,800 – £2,500
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: £2.50 – £3.50 Monthly local transport pass: £50 – £70 Taxi starting tariff: £3.00 – £4.00 Taxi 1km tariff: £1.50 – £2.00 Gasoline (1 litre): £1.20 – £1.35
Groceries	Milk (1 litre): £0.80 – £1.10 Bread (500g): £0.80 – £1.50 Rice (1kg): £1.00 – £2.00 Eggs (12): £1.50 – £3.00 Cheese (1kg): £5.00 – £10.00 Chicken breast (1kg): £5.00 – £8.00 Beef round (1kg): £7.00 – £12.00 Apples (1kg): £1.50 – £3.00 Bananas (1kg): £0.80 – £1.50 Oranges (1kg): £1.00 – £2.50 Tomatoes (1kg): £1.00 – £2.50 Potatoes (1kg): £0.50 – £1.50 Onions (1kg): £0.50 – £1.50 Water (1.5 litre bottle): £0.50 – £1.00
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 85m2 apartment: £100 – £200 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20 – £40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: £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 these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in your specific area before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Harrogate

“The cost of living in Harrogate, is relatively high compared to other towns in the region. Housing prices and rent are above average, with a mix of both affordable and luxury properties available. The cost of groceries, transportation, and utilities are also slightly higher than the national average. Dining out and entertainment options can be expensive, but there are also budget-friendly choices available. Overall, Harrogate offers a high quality of life, with its picturesque surroundings and excellent amenities, but it comes at a higher cost compared to other nearby towns,” said one expat living in Harrogate.

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

“I’ve been living in Harrogate 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 more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas in Harrogate, like the Duchy and the Stray, are definitely out of the question. Instead, you should consider looking for a flat in areas like Bilton, Starbeck, or Jennyfields. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer decent amenities.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on utilities and groceries. Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and try to cook at home as much as possible. Eating out in Harrogate can be quite expensive, especially in the town center. If you do want to treat yourself to a meal out, look for deals and discounts at local pubs and restaurants.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Harrogate is a relatively small town, so it’s possible to walk or cycle to most places. If you do need to use public transport, consider getting a monthly bus pass to save on fares. Owning a car can be quite expensive, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.Finally, you’ll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Harrogate, like visiting the beautiful parks and gardens, or going for walks in the nearby countryside. However, you’ll need to be selective about paid attractions and events, as these can quickly eat into your budget.In conclusion, living in Harrogate on $1,500 a month is possible, but you’ll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your grocery and utility expenses, and finding low-cost or free activities, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Harrogate.

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

“I’ve been living in Harrogate 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, let’s talk about housing. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods to avoid would be the Duchy area and the south side of Harrogate, near the Stray. Instead, I’d recommend looking for a place to live in the Bilton or Starbeck areas, which are more affordable and still have good access to public transport and amenities.When it comes to utilities and bills, you’ll need to be conscious of your usage to keep costs down. For example, try to limit your heating and electricity usage, and consider getting a water meter installed to save on water bills. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home instead of eating out will also help you stick to your budget.For transportation, consider getting a monthly bus pass if you’ll be using public transport frequently, as this can save you money compared to buying individual tickets. If you have a car, be prepared for the cost of petrol, insurance, and parking, which can add up quickly. You might want to consider using a bicycle for shorter trips around town to save on transportation costs.When it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Harrogate. You can enjoy the beautiful parks and gardens, like Valley Gardens and RHS Harlow Carr, or take advantage of the free events and festivals that take place throughout the year. If you enjoy going out for drinks, try to stick to pubs with cheaper prices or look for happy hour deals to save money.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Harrogate is achievable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities. By being budget-conscious and taking advantage of the more affordable options in the area, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful town,” said one expat living in Harrogate.

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

“I’ve been living in Harrogate 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 afford a large house in the most expensive neighborhoods, like the Duchy or the Stray. Instead, you could consider living in more affordable areas like Bilton, Starbeck, or Jennyfields. These neighborhoods still offer a good quality of life, but the housing costs are more reasonable.One of the sacrifices you might have to make is cutting back on eating out at fancy restaurants, as Harrogate has quite a few high-end dining options that can be pricey. Instead, you could explore the local markets and cook at home more often, or try some of the more affordable pubs and cafes in town.Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Harrogate can be expensive, especially when you factor in petrol costs, insurance, and parking. You might want to rely on public transportation, like buses and trains, or even consider cycling or walking to get around town. This can help you save money and also allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Harrogate has to offer.In terms of entertainment, you might have to be more selective about the events and activities you attend. Harrogate has a lot of cultural offerings, like the theatre, art galleries, and festivals, but some of these can be quite expensive. Instead, you could look for free or low-cost events, like local music performances, outdoor movie screenings, or community gatherings.Overall, living in Harrogate on $5,000 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 dining out, relying on public transportation, and being selective about entertainment options, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming town,” commented an expat living in Harrogate.

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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