Cost of living in Brighton for students
Brighton is known for having a buzzing student life and is a popular destination for fun university living.
Of course, expenses like accommodation, groceries and social activities can start to add up when you live in such a popular city. That’s why it’s important to understand the cost of living in Brighton before deciding to study or live there.
Here, we’ll break down what expenses you can expect to pay for as a student, and tips on how to manage your budget.
Average student living costs in Brighton
On average, you can expect to pay around £1,200 per month in Brighton as a student.
This average includes costs for rent, groceries, transport and going out, but could increase depending on what type of accommodation you choose, where you shop and how often you go out. Let’s explore each of these student living costs in more detail.
Housing and accommodation costs
How much you spend on rent in Brighton will depend on whether you choose to live in a student home or privately rented accommodation.
Living in university accommodation like student halls can cost you between £480 and £900 per month on average. If you want to rent privately, you’ll pay around £1,300 per month for a 1-bedroom flat or around £750 for a room in a shared house.
The average gas and electric bill in Brighton is between £222 and £237, but if you choose to live with someone like iQ, your bills are included in your rent, giving you one less thing to worry about when it comes to your monthly budget.
With purpose-built student accommodation, you won’t need to pay council tax as you’ll only be living with other students. However, if you decide to stay in private accommodation and live with non-students, then you may have to pay council tax. The average Brighton and Hove council tax bill will depend on the value of the property and which band it falls under, for example, you can expect to pay £1,559 per month (for 2 or more adults) for a property worth up to £40,000.
Food and grocery costs
A student typically budgets between £40 and £50 per week for groceries in Brighton, according to whatuni. If you want to really save money on groceries, do your shopping at low-cost supermarkets like Aldi and Asda.
When it comes to eating out, you can find cheap restaurants in Brighton that will cost you around £15 for a meal, as well as more expensive ones that can cost up to £35 for a meal. On average, a beer or glass of wine will cost between £6 and £11.
Transportation costs
Most students take advantage of Brighton’s well-connected railway network and bus routes to get around the city. Plus, when you’re living in a university town like Brighton, cycling is a great option too as it’s super cost-efficient (and healthy!).
How much you’ll need to budget for travelling in and around UK cities like Brighton will depend on how often you’re planning on travelling and how far. A one-way ticket on local transport costs about £2, whereas a monthly travel pass can put you back between £66 and £90. At iQ, our student homes are in great spots in the city which means you can get to uni with just a walk from your room, helping you to save on monthly travel costs, and keeping you fitter too.
Tip: If you know you’ll be travelling on trains frequently, we recommend getting a student railcard, which offers up to 30% off fares.
Entertainment and social life costs
Brighton’s vibrant culture and high-quality nightlife can mean that it’s a bit more expensive than other seaside towns like Bangor or Bristol.
Here are a few examples to give you a good idea of what it may cost to go out with your friends.
- Two tickets to the movies will cost about £24
- Entry to Brighton Pier is £1
- Two tickets to the theatre are around £109
- A gym membership will cost between £38 and £46 per month
Budgeting tips for students in Brighton
Learning to stay within your student budget will help you have the most stress-free time at university, especially when the cost of living in Brighton is quite steep.
Not sure where to start when it comes to saving money as a student? Here are some of our top tips.
- Create a detailed budget to track your earnings, expenses and savings
- Get a part-time job to earn some extra cash
- Start meal prepping to save on eating out at expensive restaurants
- Make use of available student discounts when shopping
FAQs
Is Brighton good for student life?
Yes, Brighton has a record for being a great place for students to study and live. It’s known for having a diverse, accepting culture that celebrates those from all walks of life. There are also tons of things to do in Brighton as a student, so whether you enjoy picnics on the beach or exploring the art scene, there’s something for everyone.
Where do most students live in Brighton?
There are lots of places to stay in Brighton when you’re a student. According to The Argus, some of the best areas to live in Brighton include Coldean and Mousecoomb North, Round Hill and Hanover.
If you live with iQ, we have three centrally located buildings: Abacus House, Sawmills, and iQ Brighton. If you need a place to stay, check out all the available rooms.
Is Brighton a nice place to live for students?
Brighton is a fantastic place to live if you’re attending university there. As a matter of fact, the most recent data from Brighton & Hove Council states that there are over 37,700 students living in the area, so you’ll be joining a bustling student community when you move here. Whether you attend the University of Brighton or the University of Sussex, you’re bound to meet other students enjoying the town’s ocean views and relaxed university living.
Managing the cost of living in Brighton as a student can be challenging, but with careful budgeting and planning, you can enjoy everything this vibrant seaside city has to offer.
To make student life even easier, live with iQ. Our purpose-built accommodation in Brighton offers all-inclusive bills and fun social spaces in great locations for uni. Visit our website to find your perfect room and kickstart your best move yet.
