Cost Of Living In Brighton 2025: Student Life & Expenses Guide

Brighton is one of the UK’s most lively and visually striking student destinations featuring coastal charm, lively nightlife, and strong academic institutions like the University of Brighton, UK and the University of Sussex. But here’s the thing: the cost of living in Brighton can add up quicker than expected. Whether you’re budgeting for rent, food, transport or fun, your Brighton living cost depends heavily on where you live and how you choose to spend.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of living in Brighton for students, the numbers, the context, and the ways to keep your Brighton cost of living under control. With insights into student accommodation in Brighton, lifestyle tips, and local realities, you’ll be better prepared for your move and more confident about your budget. Whether you’re heading to the University of Brighton or the University of Sussex, let’s go through what your living expenses in Brighton for students really look like so you can make informed choices and enjoy student life with fewer financial surprises.

Average Cost of Living in Brighton

Getting a clear picture of the cost of living in Brighton helps you plan your student budget more confidently. On average, students in Brighton spend between £1,250 and £1,750 per month, depending on lifestyle, location, and accommodation choice. Rent makes up the biggest share of your Brighton living cost, followed by food, utilities, and transport.

Although it’s pricier than many cities in the United Kingdom, the cost of living in Brighton UK, is still more affordable than in London, roughly 20 to 25% lower. Students can easily manage their expenses by sharing flats, choosing cheap student accommodation in Brighton, and cooking meals at home instead of eating out frequently.

Here’s a breakdown of average living expenses in Brighton for students to help you estimate your monthly budget.

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Expense Category	Budget (£)	Mid-Range (£)	Premium (£)
Accommodation	£650 – £850	£950 – £1,200	£1,300 – £1,600
Food & Groceries	£200 – £280	£320 – £420	£450 – £550
Transport	£45 – £65	£70 – £90	£100 – £120
Utilities & Internet	£70 – £90	£100 – £130	£150 – £180
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	£70 – £120	£130 – £180	£200 – £300
Health Insurance (for international students)	£50 – £80	£90 – £120	£140+
Phone Plan	£10 – £20	£25 – £35	£40 – £50

If you plan wisely, like sharing an apartment near campus, biking to classes, and shopping smart, you can easily manage your monthly expenses. Most students in Brighton spend around £1,200–£1,400 per month while still enjoying everything the city offers.

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is by far the largest part of the cost of living in Brighton, often taking up more than half of a student’s monthly budget. Your rent will depend on where you live, the property type, and the facilities offered. Brighton has a broad range of student accommodation options, from modern purpose-built apartments and shared flats to cosy homestays near the Universities. Living near the seafront or city centre, close to areas like North Laine or Kemptown, can cost a bit more, while neighbourhoods like Hollingbury, Moulsecoomb, and Hanover are popular among students for their more affordable rent and easy transport links. The table below outlines average weekly rent prices across key student areas to help you plan your Brighton living cost better.

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Affordable Neighbourhood Options	1-Bedroom (£/week)	2-Bedroom (£/week)	3-Bedroom (£/week)
Hollingbury	£210 – £300	£350 – £470	£500 – £650
Moulsecoomb	£180 – £260	£320 – £450	£480 – £600
Hanover	£200 – £290	£340 – £480	£500 – £650
Kemptown	£230 – £320	£380 – £520	£550 – £700
North Laine	£250 – £350	£420 – £580	£600 – £800

Students opting for shared living or purpose-built student accommodation in Brighton can expect to pay around £180 to £270 per week, while private studios generally range between £300 to £450 per week. Choosing student apartments near your campus or along frequent bus routes can help reduce transport costs and make daily commutes easier.

Food and Grocery Costs

Food plays a major role in your cost of living in Brighton, and how much you spend depends largely on your eating habits. Cooking at home instead of dining out regularly can make a noticeable difference in your Brighton living cost, especially if you plan meals and make the most of student discounts.

Weekly Grocery Budget

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Household Size	Budget Range (£)	Premium Range (£)
Single Person	£40 – £70	£90 – £120
Couple	£80 – £120	£150 – £190

Dining Out Costs

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Dining Type	Average Cost (£)
Breakfast cafes	£7 – £12
Lunch specials	£10 – £18
Dinner mains	£15 – £25
Coffee	£3 – £4.50
Fast food/takeaway	£6 – £10

While grabbing a meal out in Brighton’s beachside cafes or student-favourite spots like North Laine or The Lanes is fun, doing it too often can quickly push your cost of living Brighton up. Batch cooking or sharing meals with flatmates can help you stay within budget while still eating well.

Money-saving Tips

1. Shop smart at Aldi, Lidl, or Asda for weekly groceries; they’re great for affordable produce and essentials.
2. Visit Brighton Open Market for cheap local fruits, vegetables, and bakery items.
3. Take advantage of student discounts through UNiDAYS or Totum at popular cafes near universities.
4. Cook large portions and freeze leftovers to reduce waste and keep your Brighton living expenses manageable.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Brighton is easy, affordable, and perfect for students who prefer walking, biking, or public transport. The city’s compact size, reliable bus network, and coastal cycling routes make daily commuting straightforward, helping you keep your cost of living in Brighton under control.

The main bus services are operated by Brighton & Hove Buses, connecting key student areas like Moulsecoomb, Kemp Town, and Hove with the University of Brighton UK and the University of Sussex campuses. For longer commutes, trains from Brighton Station run frequently to London, Lewes, and Eastbourne, often at student-discounted rates.

Transport Type & Average Costs

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Transport Type	Average Cost (£)	Notes
Single Bus Trip (student fare)	£1.70 – £2.50	Discount available with Brighton & Hove student card
Weekly Bus Pass	£16 – £22	Unlimited travel across Brighton & Hove
Monthly Bus Pass	£55 – £70	Ideal for regular commuters
Train (Brighton to London)	£15 – £30 (one way)	Off-peak tickets are cheaper
Taxi/Uber (short trip)	£6 – £10	Based on a 2–3 mile ride
Bike Rental	£15 – £25 per day	Santander Cycles offer student plans
E-scooter Rental	£1 + £0.20/min	Available through the Lime and Beryl apps

Most students live close enough to walk or cycle to class, which helps lower their overall Brighton living cost. Secure cycle storage is common in student accommodations, and Brighton’s seaside paths make biking both convenient and scenic. If you’re choosing where to stay, living near a bus route or close to campus can noticeably cut your cost of living in Brighton each month.

Utilities and Internet Costs in Brighton

Utilities form a crucial part of your monthly cost of living Brighton UK, particularly if you’re renting privately. Many student accommodations include essential bills like water, heating, and Wi-Fi within the rent, simplifying your budgeting. However, if you’re living in a shared house or private apartment, here’s a clear picture of average monthly expenses:

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Utility	Average Monthly Cost (£)
Electricity	£80 – £140
Gas	£40 – £80
Water	£25 – £50
Internet	£30 – £55
Mobile Plan	£12 – £30

Money-saving tips:
1. Choose cheap student accommodation in Brighton that includes all bills to avoid fluctuating expenses.
2. Split bills evenly with flatmates to keep your Brighton cost of living predictable.
3. Compare deals on energy and broadband using websites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket.
4. Turn off lights, unplug devices, and use smart thermostats to cut down on energy waste. Small savings add up over time.

Other Essential Expenses in Brighton

Besides rent, groceries, and transport, there are a few other essential expenses that shape your overall cost of living Brighton. These vary depending on lifestyle and university needs, but setting a clear budget will help you manage your living costs effectively.

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Category	Monthly Estimate (£)	Notes
Health Insurance	£55–£95	International students in the UK must pay the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge; optional private plans add extra coverage.
Study Materials	£40–£85	Includes textbooks, software subscriptions, and course-related materials. Art and media courses at the University of Brighton UK or the University of Sussex may have higher material costs.
Entertainment	£70–£140	Covers cinemas, pubs, weekend activities, or concerts along Brighton Pier and the seafront.
Gym/Fitness	£25–£60	Access to university gyms, PureGym, or The Gym Group; most offer student discounts and flexible plans.

Safety and Proximity

Brighton ranks among the UK’s safest and happiest coastal cities, making it ideal for students seeking a balance between academics and lifestyle. According to 2025 Numbeo data, Brighton holds a Safety Index of 61.4 and a Crime Index of 38.6, both reflecting a low-crime, community-driven environment. The city’s Happiness Index sits around 7.3/10, showing strong well-being among residents.

Student neighbourhoods like Kemptown, Hove, and Hanover are well-connected to the University of Brighton UK and the University of Sussex, with reliable bus routes and cycling paths linking to campuses and the seafront. Most student accommodation in Brighton are within a 15 to 20-minute ride to the universities, keeping transport costs low and ensuring easy access to supermarkets, cafés, and nightlife. Living close to your campus not only improves convenience but also helps reduce your overall cost of living Brighton UK, for students every month.

Example Monthly Student Budget in Brighton

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

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Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost (£)
Rent (shared flat)	£850
Utilities + Internet	£140
Food & Groceries	£240
Transport	£60
Entertainment	£100
Miscellaneous	£120
Total	£1,510/month

This estimate represents the average student living cost in Brighton in 2025, though actual expenses will depend on your neighbourhood, lifestyle, and how frequently you eat out or travel.

Saving Tips for Students

1. Choose student accommodation that includes utilities and Wi-Fi to avoid fluctuating bills.
2. Get a 16–25 Railcard or Brighton & Hove Bus Saver ticket to save on daily commuting.
3. Shop smart - Aldi, Lidl, and Co-op near Lewes Road offer budget-friendly groceries for students.
4. Use UNiDAYS or Totum for discounts at restaurants, gyms, and entertainment spots along North Laine or Western Road.
5. Join university clubs and free local events to socialise without overspending.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Brighton is higher than in some northern cities but remains reasonable when compared with London or Oxford. Students can expect an excellent quality of life, a lively social scene, and access to the sea, all while managing expenses smartly. While rent forms the biggest part of the Brighton living cost, food, transport, and entertainment stay fairly balanced if you plan your spending. With efficient public transport, walkable neighbourhoods, and a strong student community, Brighton offers an ideal environment for studying and living well. If you’re planning to move here, explore verified student accommodation through amber to find places that match your budget and lifestyle. From affordable shared flats to modern studios near the Universities, you’ll find plenty of great options.