Named after its Roman-built bathing facilities, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city in Somerset. It’s home to elegant Georgian buildings, natural hot springs and history-drenched streets that inspired the work of Jane Austen. While Bath is considered one of the best places to live in the UK, it has a reputation for being expensive.
In this article, discover if Bath lives up to its reputation and the approximate cost of living in the city. It touches on everything from housing to utilities and transport, as well as highlighting three of the best areas to stay in Bath to enjoy everything it has to offer.
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Living costs in Bath
While Bath might be one of the most expensive cities to live in the United Kingdom, compared to London, it is still relatively affordable in terms of housing, goods and services. Electricity bills in Bath are slightly above the UK average at £87 per year while a monthly public transport pass is around £70. A pint of beer is roughly £4 in the city and a mid-range bottle of wine will set you back £9.
Average rental prices in Bath
The average cost of a rental in Bath is currently around £2,240 per month, which is roughly what you can expect to pay for a three-bedroom property. For two bedrooms, the current average is £1,700 while a one-bedroom apartment will set you back £1,200. This is still more affordable than London where a room in a sharehouse is now £970 a month. Families looking for more space should budget around £3,100 per month for a four-bedroom home, with an extra bedroom costing an additional £300.
When rental properties come on the market in Bath, they don’t stay available for long. Interestingly, the number of bedrooms appears to affect how long a property stays on the market. One-bedroom apartments are often snapped up within a week while four-bedroom properties are on the market for an average of 20 days. Furnished rentals in Bath tend to be leased quicker than unfurnished properties, so it’s important to act swiftly if you see something you like.
The best areas to live in Bath
While the Royal Crescent and The Circuit are among Bath’s most iconic (and expensive) areas to live, there are several more affordable neighbourhoods to call “home”. The following three areas combine affordability with great community facilities and easy access to green spaces.
Larkhall
Around 10 minutes’ drive northeast of Bath is Larkhall, a former working-class district that now has a distinctly bohemian vibe. It’s a popular place for young professionals to live, with eclectic restaurants, independent stores and a fringe theatre. The district’s main green space is the Larkhall Recreation Ground where you’ll find sporting courts and a children’s playground. But Larkhall also enjoys easy access to Kensington Meadows and Bathampton Meadows on the banks of the River Avon. The average price of a rental in Larkhall is currently £1,400 per month.
Bear Flat
Located to the south of Bath’s city centre, Bear Flat is a popular area for families to live and made “The Sunday Times” list of Best Places to Live in 2020. It is home to several high-performing public and private schools, as well as great local restaurants and convivial pubs. Carving through the heart of Bear Flat is a lively high street and there are plenty of green spaces with children’s playgrounds and city views. Bear Flat is particularly renowned for its annual Open Studios, which showcases local artists and creatives. The average asking price for a two-bedroom apartment in Bear Flat is £1,300 per month.
Weston
Surrounded by nature, Weston is a popular area for active retirees and seniors in Bath and lies just 10 minutes’ drive northwest of the city centre. It was once a distinct village and remains separated from Bath by the green expanse of Royal Victoria Park. Weston lies on the doorstep of Bath’s main medical facility, the Royal United Hospital, and enjoys convenient bus connections from its high street into the city centre. Weston is known for its strong community spirit, which is on display at its traditional eateries and pubs. The average asking price for a two-bedroom house in Weston is £1,450 per month.
Make the move to Bath
If you’re thinking about moving to the ceremonial county of Somerset, you can find plenty of properties to rent in Bath at Renthero. This user-friendly platform boasts the largest number of private listings in the United Kingdom, ensuring there is something for all tastes and budgets. After registering at Renthero, you can search for properties based on location, price and number of bedrooms, then browse high-quality images before committing to an inspection.
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