Cost of Living in Chester

Betsy Burlingame

If you're moving to Chester, understanding the the cost of living in Chester 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: £600 – £800 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £450 – £600 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city centre: £900 – £1,200 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £700 – £900 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: £2.00 – £3.00 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): £0.70 – £1.50 Eggs (12): £1.50 – £3.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): £5.00 – £8.00 Apples (1kg): £1.50 – £3.00 Tomatoes (1kg): £1.00 – £2.50 Water (1.5 litre bottle): £0.50 – £1.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10 – £15 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40 – £60 Fast food meal: £5 – £7 Cappuccino: £2.00 – £3.00 Beer (0.5 litre draught): £3.00 – £4.50 Soft drink (0.33 litre bottle): £1.00 – £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 – £1,200 per month Elementary school tuition: £3,000 – £5,000 per term Middle school tuition: £4,000 – £6,000 per term High school tuition: £5,000 – £7,000 per term

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in different areas of Chester to find the best options for your budget and needs.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Chester

“The cost of living in Chester, is relatively moderate compared to other cities in the country. Housing costs, such as rent and property prices, are generally more affordable than in larger cities like London or Manchester. However, they can still be quite high in some areas, particularly in the city center or in more desirable neighborhoods.Transportation costs in Chester are also reasonable, with public transport options like buses and trains being relatively inexpensive. Owning a car can be more costly due to fuel prices, insurance, and parking fees.Grocery prices in Chester are comparable to the national average, with a wide range of supermarkets and local shops offering competitive prices. Eating out at restaurants and cafes can vary in price, with more affordable options available alongside more upscale establishments.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 events, can also vary in price, but there are often discounts and special offers available for residents.Overall, the cost of living in Chester is manageable for most people, with a good balance between affordability and quality of life,” said one expat living in Chester.

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

“I’ve been living in Chester 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 neighborhoods like Blacon, Lache, or Saltney. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Hoole, Upton, or the city center.You’ll also 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 costs down. When you do eat out, look for cheaper options like cafes or pubs with meal deals.Transportation costs can also add up, so consider walking or cycling whenever possible. Chester is a compact city, so it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you need to use public transport, consider getting a monthly bus pass to save on fares.As for entertainment and socializing, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Chester. You can visit the city’s parks, walk the city walls, or explore the Roman ruins without spending a penny. For nights out, look for pubs with happy hour deals or student nights, as these will often have cheaper drinks and entry fees.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Chester is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your grocery and dining expenses, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Chester.

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

“I’ve been living in Chester 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 have to make some adjustments. First, you’ll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking at areas like Blacon, Lache, or Saltney. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around £600-£800 per month.On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Hoole, Handbridge, or Upton, as they tend to be more expensive. You’ll find that rent prices in these areas can easily go above £1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.As for other expenses, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries, and you can also find some great deals at local markets. For transportation, consider getting a monthly bus pass, which costs around £50, or even better, try cycling or walking to work if it’s not too far. This will not only save you money but also help you stay fit and healthy.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Chester. You can visit the beautiful Chester Cathedral, walk along the city walls, or explore the Roman Amphitheatre. There are also many parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re a fan of dining out, you might have to cut back a bit, but there are still plenty of affordable options, especially if you take advantage of lunchtime deals or early bird specials.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Chester is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being smart about your grocery shopping and transportation, and enjoying the many free or low-cost activities the city has to offer, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Chester.

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

“I’ve been living in Chester 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, luxurious house in the most expensive neighborhoods, but you can still find a nice, comfortable place to live in more affordable areas.In terms of neighborhoods, I’d recommend looking at places like Hoole, Upton, and Newton. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities. You can find a decent-sized house or flat for around £1,000 to £1,500 per month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Curzon Park, Westminster Park, and Handbridge, as these tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget. Properties in these areas can easily go for £2,000 or more per month, which might be too much if you’re trying to stick to a $5,000 monthly budget.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, utilities, and transportation costs are generally reasonable in Chester. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, and by using public transportation or cycling instead of driving. Eating out and entertainment can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options if you’re willing to explore and try new places.Overall, I think you can definitely make it work on a $5,000 monthly budget in Chester, as long as you’re willing to be a bit flexible with your housing choices and keep an eye on your spending in other areas. It’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy living here,” commented an expat living in Chester.

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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