Cost of Living in Bath for Students: 2025 Breakdown & Budget Tips

The cost of living in Bath is shaped by your lifestyle, where you stay, and how you manage your day-to-day expenses. Known for its Roman heritage, Georgian architecture, and thriving student community, Bath offers a blend of classic charm and modern convenience. Although smaller and calmer than London, it can be on the higher side, given the city’s popularity and historical appeal.

This guide gives a detailed breakdown of the cost of living Bath for students, covering everything from rent and food to transport, utilities, and entertainment. You’ll find up-to-date figures, realistic averages, and practical budgeting advice to help you plan better. Whether you’re studying at the University of Bath or the University of Bath School of Management, understanding the Bath cost of living helps you make smarter financial choices and still enjoy life in one of England’s most picturesque cities. If you’re looking to make the most of your time here, don’t miss our guide on things to do in Bath, packed with affordable local experiences to explore between classes.

Average Cost of Living in Bath

Before settling into student life, it’s worth understanding the cost of living Bath so you can budget smartly. On average, students spend between £1,250 and £1,750 per month, depending on lifestyle, location, and type of housing. Rent tends to be the biggest monthly cost, especially for those staying in city-centre areas or near the University of Bath. Groceries, public transport, and utilities come next, but can be managed easily with a student budget and a few money-saving habits. If you share a flat, cook most of your meals, and choose cheap student accommodation in Bath close to campus, you can significantly lower your Bath living cost. Here’s a breakdown of the average living expenses in Bath for students in 2025:

These figures reflect the living cost in Bath UK, as of 2025. While it’s slightly higher than in nearby cities like Bristol or Exeter, students often find that Bath’s quality of life, walkability, and close-knit community make it well worth it. Your Bath cost of living will vary depending on where you stay, how often you eat out, and how much you travel, but planning ensures you make the most of your student experience.

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is the largest factor influencing the cost of living in Bath, often making up more than half of a student’s total expenses. Rent prices vary depending on your proximity to the University of Bath or Bath Spa University, the property type, and whether bills are included. The city offers a wide selection of student accommodation, ranging from en-suite rooms and shared flats to stylish studios that offer more privacy and convenience.

If you prefer living closer to the city centre, near Bathwick or Widcombe, expect to pay slightly higher rents due to the area’s demand and easy access to shops and cafes. For more affordable options, neighbourhoods like Oldfield Park, Bear Flat, and Southdown are popular among students, offering a great balance of comfort and cost. Below is a breakdown of average weekly rent across Bath’s main student neighbourhoods.

Students who opt for shared living or cheap student accommodation Bath can expect to pay between £180 and £250 per week, while private studios range between £300 and £450 per week. Living near your campus or along key bus routes to the University of Bath School of Management can save both time and transport costs. Choosing wisely ensures you keep your Bath living cost manageable without compromising on comfort or community.

Food and Grocery Costs

Food expenses make up a major part of the cost of living in Bath, and how much you spend will depend on your eating habits and lifestyle. Cooking at home most days can significantly reduce your Bath living cost, while frequenting cafes and restaurants will quickly raise your monthly bills. Fortunately, Bath has a good mix of affordable supermarkets, local grocers, and student-friendly markets near Oldfield Park, Widcombe, and the University of Bath campus.

Weekly Grocery Budget

Dining Out Costs

Dining out in Bath’s favourite student spots like The Scallop Shell, Cascara, or The Green Rocket is a great way to experience the city’s food culture, but eating out too often can easily push up your living cost in Bath UK. Balancing home-cooked meals with the occasional treat helps students manage their living expenses in Bath for students more effectively.

Money-Saving Tips
1. Shop smart at Aldi, Lidl, or Sainsbury’s Local for affordable groceries and student-friendly prices.
2. Visit Bath Farmers Market or Green Park Station Market for fresh local produce at fair prices.
3. Use UNiDAYS or Totum to score discounts at cafés and eateries near SouthGate Bath.
4. Plan weekly meals and cook in batches to minimise waste and stretch your budget.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Bath is simple, affordable, and one of the best parts of living in this picturesque city. The compact size of Bath makes it easy for students to walk or cycle between their student accommodation and the university. Regular First West of England buses connect key areas like Oldfield Park, Combe Down, and the City Centre with the University of Bath and Bath Spa University campuses. For weekend trips or day travel, Bath Spa Railway Station offers quick connections to Bristol, Cardiff, and London, making it convenient for students.

Transport Type & Average Costs

Many students prefer walking or cycling to class since most student accommodations are within a 20-minute commute to campus. Choosing cheap student accommodation along main bus routes or near the university can help you cut transport expenses, keeping your cost of living in Bath for students efficient and affordable.

Utilities and Internet Costs in Bath

Utilities form a steady part of the cost of living Bath, especially for students renting private flats or shared houses. Many student accommodations in Bath now include bills such as Wi-Fi, water, and heating in the rent, helping you manage your monthly Bath living cost more predictably. If you’re in a property where utilities aren’t bundled in, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay monthly in 2025:

Utility & Average Monthly Cost

Money-saving tips:
1. Pick a cheap student accommodation Bath that offers all-inclusive rent to simplify budgeting.
2. Split bills evenly with flatmates to keep your living cost in Bath UK steady.
3. Use comparison sites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket to find better broadband and energy deals.
4. Manage heating smartly, unplug devices when not in use, and use LED lights to reduce your overall Bath cost of living.

Other Essential Expenses in Bath

Beyond rent, food, and transport, other day-to-day costs shape the overall cost of living Bath. These expenses vary depending on your lifestyle, course requirements, and how you like to spend your free time. Setting a monthly budget early can help you manage your Bath living cost smoothly throughout your studies.

Tip: Join student clubs or university societies; many organize affordable group activities, helping you enjoy Bath’s social life without overspending.

Safety and Proximity

Bath consistently ranks among the safest and most liveable cities in the UK, making it an ideal choice for students from around the world. According to 2025 Numbeo data, Bath holds a Safety Index of 70.8 and a Crime Index of 29.2, which reflects a calm, community-driven environment with low crime levels. The city also maintains a Happiness Index of 7.8/10 and an employment rate of 76.5%, showing strong career prospects and a supportive lifestyle for students and graduates alike. One of the biggest advantages of student life in Bath is the city’s compact layout. Most student accommodations in Bath are within a 10–20 minute walk or a short bus ride from the University of Bath and Bath Spa University. The local bus services are punctual and well-connected, reducing travel costs and helping you maintain a balanced cost of living in Bath.

Example Monthly Student Budget in Bath

Here’s a realistic mid-range breakdown of the cost of living Bath for international students in 2025:

These figures represent the average living expenses in Bath as of 2025. Actual costs may vary depending on your location, lifestyle, and whether you choose student accommodation in Bath near the University of Bath or Bath Spa University. Smart budgeting, like sharing a flat, cooking at home, and walking instead of taking frequent taxis, can help you keep your Bath living cost comfortably under control.

Saving Tips for Students

1. Choose student accommodation that includes bills and high-speed Wi-Fi to keep your Bath living cost predictable each month.
2. Get a BathRider Bus Pass or use a 16–25 Railcard for cheaper daily commutes and weekend trips across the UK.
3. Shop smart at Aldi, Lidl, or Sainsbury’s Local near Widcombe and Oldfield Park for affordable groceries and regular student discounts.
4. Use UNiDAYS and Totum to save on restaurants, gyms, and retail stores around SouthGate Bath and the city centre.
5. Explore free attractions like the Royal Crescent, Alexandra Park, or the Roman Baths (student discount entry), and join university clubs to enjoy Bath life without overspending.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Bath is moderate compared to larger UK cities like London or Oxford, offering students a good balance between quality of life and affordability. While rent and utilities take up the biggest share of your monthly Bath living costs, expenses like food, transport, and entertainment are easy to manage with smart budgeting and student discounts. Bath’s compact layout, scenic views, and excellent public transport make it simple to navigate without heavy commuting costs. The city’s strong academic environment, led by the University of Bath and the University of Bath School of Management, adds to its appeal for international students looking for both academic and personal growth. If you’re planning to move here, explore verified listings on amber to find student accommodation in Bath that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you prefer affordable shared flats or modern private studios close to campus, Bath offers a wide range of comfortable, convenient, and student-friendly housing options to make your stay memorable.