The average cost of living in Exeter for students is around £1,000–£1,600 per month, including accommodation, food, transport, bills, and leisure expenses. Student accommodation is the highest monthly cost, with university accommodation typically ranging from £150–£345 per week and private student accommodation costing around £174–£300 per week, depending on the room type and location. With careful budgeting, choosing affordable housing, and making use of student discounts, most University of Exeter students can manage their living costs comfortably in this compact South West city.
Overall Cost of Living in Exeter for Students
The average cost of living in Exeter for a student is around £1,000–£1,600 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and leisure expenses. The final amount depends mainly on accommodation choice, lifestyle, and personal spending habits, with housing usually making up the largest share of the budget.
Here is a clear overview of typical monthly living costs in Exeter for students:
| Expense Category | Monthly Expenses |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £650–£1,500 |
| Food & groceries | £150–£220 |
| Utilities & internet | £40–£80 |
| Transport | £30–£50 |
| Social & leisure | £100–£150 |
| Estimated total | £1,000–£1,600+ |
Students can reduce their monthly costs by choosing affordable accommodation, cooking at home, using student discounts and taking advantage of Exeter’s compact city layout. Many popular student areas are within walking or cycling distance of the University of Exeter campuses, helping keep daily transport expenses manageable.
Student Accommodation Costs in Exeter
Student accommodation is the largest part of the cost of living in Exeter, with average prices ranging from around £150 to £300 per week depending on the room type, location, and whether bills are included.
University Accommodation Costs in Exeter
University of Exeter accommodation provides a range of options across its campuses, with prices depending on catering arrangements and room facilities.
Typical weekly costs for university accommodation are:
- Self-catered rooms: £150–£270 per week
- Catered accommodation: £250–£345 per week
Self-catered accommodation is generally the more affordable option, allowing students to prepare their own meals and manage food spending independently. Catered accommodation costs more because meals are provided, making it a convenient choice for students who prefer a structured living arrangement.
Private Student Accommodation Costs in Exeter
Private student accommodation in Exeter typically costs around £174–£300 per week, depending on the property location, room type and included facilities. Many purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) include bills such as electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi, making monthly budgeting easier.
Average prices for private student accommodation in Exeter:
- Studios: £258 per week
- En-suite rooms: £212 per week
- Shared rooms: £198 per week
- 1-bedroom apartment: £312 per week
Areas such as St David’s and Heavitree usually offer cheap student accommodation Exeter, around £180 per week. In comparison, areas closer to Streatham Campus, including parts of Pennsylvania, tend to have higher rental prices, with some rooms reaching £250–£300 per week due to their convenient location, quieter residential environment and shorter walking distance to campus. Booking accommodation early can help students secure better-value rooms before demand increases.
Food and Grocery Expenses in Exeter
Food and groceries in Exeter cost most students £150–£220 per month when cooking at home. Staples remain reasonable: milk around £0.90–£1.20 per litre, bread £1.10–£1.40, a dozen eggs £2.50–£3.50 and chicken fillets roughly £6–£8 per kilo. Aldi, Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are well placed, and the covered market plus independent greengrocers help weekly shops stay at £40–£50.
A basic lunchtime meal averages £13, a fast-food combo £6–£8 and a mid-range dinner for two £60–£80. Campus outlets such as the Super Savour Kitchen offer hot meals from about £2.35, giving further easy savings.
Transport Costs Around Exeter
Transport costs stay low because Exeter is compact. A single bus fare averages £3–£3.50, and a monthly Stagecoach student pass for the local area costs roughly £50–£80. Many students walk or cycle between residences, the city centre and Streatham Campus, a journey of 15–25 minutes for the most popular areas. Bike storage is standard in halls and private student housing, so monthly transport spending often stays under £40 once a pass is in place.
Utilities, Internet and Everyday Bills
When not included in rent, utilities for a single person in shared accommodation usually cost around £40–£80 per month. Gas, electricity, water and broadband for a small shared house typically total £150–£250 per month, which is then divided between housemates. Many purpose-built student residences offered by providers like Study Inn and private student houses now offer bills-included packages, helping students avoid unexpected increases in heating and energy costs during colder months.
uhomes.com offers all-inclusive student housing in Exeter, covering essential costs such as electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi within the weekly rent. This makes it easier for students to plan their monthly budget without worrying about additional household expenses after moving in. Internet plans usually cost around £25–£40 per month, while mobile SIM-only deals start from approximately £4–£10 per month. Full-time students living in qualifying accommodation are also exempt from council tax.
Social Life, Leisure and Extra Costs
Social and leisure spending averages £100–£150 per month. A pint in a student venue is around £4.90–£5.50, cinema tickets £9–£12 and a gym membership £25–£40. University societies, Guild events, riverside walks and free campus activities keep options open without large outlay. Course materials and occasional extras usually fit within another £30–£50 once the core budget is set.
How uhomes.com Helps Students Reduce Housing Costs in Exeter?
Finding affordable student accommodation is one of the most effective ways to manage the cost of living in Exeter. uhomes.com helps students compare verified accommodation options near the University of Exeter campuses, including en-suite rooms, studios and shared apartments, with many properties offering all-inclusive bills covering utilities and Wi-Fi. Some rooms are available from around £174 per week, helping students find accommodation that fits different budgets and preferences.
With verified listings, transparent pricing, no agency fees on many properties and filters for budget, location and room type, uhomes.com makes it easier for students to compare accommodation options across Exeter. Whether students prefer lower-cost areas such as St David’s and Heavitree or want accommodation closer to the University of Exeter campuses, the platform helps them make informed choices and reduce overall living expenses.
Practical Ways to Manage the Cost of Living in Exeter
Students who keep the cost of living in Exeter under control usually follow a few consistent habits across every major expense area. The approaches below cover accommodation, food, transport, bills and social spending in practical steps.
- Secure accommodation early and prioritise bills-included contracts or lower-cost areas such as St David’s and Heavitree to lock in the biggest monthly saving.
- Cook most meals at home, use the covered market and supermarket own-brands, and take advantage of campus hot-meal deals starting from around £2.35.
- Walk or cycle for short trips and buy a student bus pass if you travel regularly; the compact city layout keeps most journeys under 25 minutes.
- Choose residences that include utilities and broadband so winter heating and internet costs do not create unexpected bills.
- Limit paid social activities by joining university societies, using Guild events and exploring free riverside and green-space options.
- Track the first month’s actual spending on a simple weekly basis so small adjustments can free up room for course materials or occasional extras.
Summary
The cost of living in Exeter remains realistic for students who plan ahead. Monthly totals of £1,000–£1,600 cover rent, food, transport, bills and leisure for most people, with accommodation as the decisive variable. University halls, private house shares and purpose-built residences offer a clear spread of prices by room type, while everyday expenses stay moderate thanks to the city’s compact size and student discounts. Choosing lower-cost housing early and using practical daily habits keeps the overall budget manageable and supports both study and social life.
FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Exeter as a student?
The cost of living in Exeter as a student averages £1,000 to £1,600 per month. This includes accommodation of £600–£1,000, food of £150–£220, transport of £30–£50, utilities and internet of £40–£80, and social spending of £100–£150. University estimates place the typical figure between £1,300 and £2,000. Shared housing and bills-included contracts keep most students toward the lower half of the range.
Is Exeter expensive for students compared with other UK cities?
Exeter sits in the mid-to-upper range for South West student cities but ranks among the more affordable overall in recent national student cost comparisons. One-bedroom rents and purpose-built rooms are higher than many northern locations yet lower than London or some larger southern cities. Everyday grocery and transport costs remain competitive, and the walkable layout reduces daily travel spending.
What is the average student rent in Exeter?
The average student rent in Exeter is £150–£300 per week, depending on accommodation type and location. University halls cost £150–£345 per week, while private student accommodation usually ranges from £174–£300.
Are bills included in Exeter student accommodation?
Yes, uhomes.com’s Exeter student accommodation includes bills such as electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi in the rent.
