A single person renting in Bath should budget roughly £1,800 to £2,300 a month in total. Rent is the biggest cost: Numbeo user data from October 2026 shows a one-bedroom flat at about £1,351 in the city centre and £1,040 outside it. The rest of the budget covers bills, transport, food and leisure.
The total is our own estimate built from the figures below. Your costs will depend on where you live and how you spend.
Cost of Living in Bath: Monthly Breakdown
| Item | Typical monthly cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed rent, city centre | about £1,351 | Numbeo, Oct 2026 |
| 1-bed rent, outside centre | about £1,040 | Numbeo, Oct 2026 |
| Basic utilities (85 m² flat) | about £222 | Numbeo, Oct 2026 |
| Broadband | about £29 | Numbeo, Oct 2026 |
| Public transport pass | about £101 | Numbeo, Oct 2026 |
| Food and groceries | roughly £250 to £350 | Our estimate |
| Leisure, phone and extras | roughly £150 to £250 | Our estimate |
Source: Numbeo, Bath (user-contributed, updated 24 October 2026). Council tax is extra unless you are exempt, for example as a full-time student.
Rent in Bath
Bath is a popular, compact city with strong student and tourist demand, so rents are high for the South West. Areas such as Oldfield Park, Bear Flat and Twerton are often cheaper than the centre. For more detail see our guide to 1-bed flat rent in Bath.
Food and Eating Out
Cooking at home is far cheaper than eating out. Numbeo puts a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant at about £75. Supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Tesco keep a weekly shop manageable.
Transport
Bath is easy to walk and cycle, and many residents need no car. A monthly public transport pass is about £101 on Numbeo. Parking in the centre is limited and costs extra.
How to Save Money in Bath
- Rent outside the centre and walk, cycle or take the bus.
- Share a flat to cut rent and bills.
- Choose all-bills-included lets if the price is fair.
- Cook at home and use discount supermarkets.
Wondering what income you need? Read the salary needed to live in Bath. For another take on the same budget, see our Bath monthly expenses and rent guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Bath per month?
A single renter should budget roughly £1,800 to £2,300 a month in total, based on Numbeo rent and bills data from October 2026 plus our estimates for food and extras.
How much is rent in Bath?
Numbeo shows about £1,351 a month for a one-bedroom in the city centre and £1,040 outside it.
How much are utilities in Bath?
Numbeo reports about £222 a month for basic utilities in an 85 m² flat, plus about £29 for broadband.
Do students pay council tax in Bath?
Full-time students are normally exempt with a certificate from their university. Check with the council.
