London and Brighton are two of the most popular destinations for tourism in the country – both home to delectable eateries, thriving theatre scenes, live music, cultural excursions and outstanding shopping districts, it is easy to see why!
So, how much does it cost to live there? Brighton has been increasing in expense for residents, but could it really be creeping up to the cost of living in London? Let’s break this down…
Rent
| Rent (monthly average) | Brighton | London | Percentage increase |
| 1-bed flat in the city centre | £1,350 | £2,217 | 64% |
| 1-bed flat outside of city centre | £1,175 | £1,628 | 39% |
| 3-bed flat in the city centre | £2,383 | £4,130 | 73% |
| 3-bed flat outside of the city centre | £1,863 | £2,708 | 45% |
Bills
| Bills (monthly average) | Brighton | London | Percentage increase |
| Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water) | £279 | £303 | 8.6% |
| Mobile phone plan | £12 | £15 | 25% |
| Wifi | £31 | £32 | 3% |
Cost to Buy a Property
| Cost to Buy a Property (average per square metre) | Brighton | London | Percentage increase |
| Flat outside of the city centre (per square metre) | £6,483 | £13,489 | 108% |
| Flat outside of the city centre (per square metre) | £5,332 | £7,669 | 44% |
Eating Out
| Eating Out (average) | Brighton | London | Percentage increase |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | £15 | £20 | 33% |
| Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | £67 | £80 | 19% |
| ½ litre draught domestic beer | £6 | £8 | 33% |
| ⅓ litre bottle of imported beer | £5 | £6.40 | 28% |
| Cappuccino | £3.40 | £3.60 | 6% |
| ⅓ litre bottle of Coke or Pepsi | £1.55 | £1.93 | 25% |
| ⅓ litre bottle of water | £1.24 | £1.62 | 31% |
Entertainment and Leisure
| Entertainment and Leisure (average) | Brighton | London | Percentage increase |
| Fitness club (monthly) | £35 | £51 | 46% |
| Tennis court rental (one hour) | £12 | £13.40 | 12% |
| Cinema ticket | £12.50 | £15 | 20% |
Transport
| Transport (average) | Brighton | London | Percentage increase |
| A one-way ticket on local transport | £2.80 | £2.80 | 0% |
| A monthly pass on local transport | £84 | £195 | 132% |
| Taxi starting tariff | £2.80 | £4 | 43% |
| Taxi fare for 1km | £1.40 | £1.90 | 36% |
| Taxi fare for 1 hour waiting | £20 | £30 | 50% |
| 1 litre petrol | £1.60 | £1.50 | – 6% |
On average London came out as 37% more expensive for residents than Brighton. Items such as rent showed the biggest differences, with London coming in at 55% more expensive on average. Buying a property was even more drastic, with London showing a 76% increase on Brighton prices.
Household bills showed a smaller variance, with London being roughly 12% more expensive. Eating out showed some difference as London was 25% more expensive than Brighton, and leisure activities came in at 26% pricier in London.
Transport varied, with single fares coming out the same but monthly passes were a lot more expensive in London. Taxi fares also came out far higher in London, whilst petrol was marginally cheaper in London. On average, transport was 43% more expensive in London.
It’s no surprise that both cities have their own charm and offer tranquil gardens, quirky shops, jackpot games, offbeat museums, or underground adventures which make them a great place to live in.
London is the most expensive place to live in the UK and Brighton comes in third, so whilst Brighton is still one of the pricier places in the country, there are significant savings when compared with London!
Figures according to Numbeo.
Cost of Living in London. Jan 2024. Prices in London (numbeo.com)
Cost of Living in Brighton. Jan 2024. Prices in Brighton (numbeo.com)
Cost of Living Comparison Between Brighton, United Kingdom And London, United Kingdom (numbeo.com)
London is 68% more expensive than Brighton and Hove. Jan 2024 Cost of Living. (expatistan.com)
Cost of Living in Brighton. Jan 2024. Prices in Brighton (numbeo.com)
Cost of living in Brighton compared to London (mylifeelsewhere.com)
