Quick Answer: International students in Brighton need approximately £1,200-1,800 per month for living expenses in 2026. This includes accommodation (£500-900), food (£250-350), transport (£50-80), and personal expenses (£200-300). Brighton offers excellent student life with beaches, vibrant culture, and easy London access, making it one of the UK's most popular student destinations.

Brighton, the vibrant seaside city on England's south coast, has become increasingly popular among international students seeking a unique blend of academic excellence and coastal lifestyle. Known for its creative atmosphere, diverse culture, and proximity to London, Brighton offers an exceptional student experience that attracts thousands of international students annually.

Understanding the true cost of living in Brighton is crucial for international students planning their UK education journey. This comprehensive guide breaks down all essential expenses, from accommodation to entertainment, helping you budget effectively for your studies in this dynamic coastal city.

Accommodation Costs in Brighton

University Halls of Residence

University accommodation typically represents the largest expense for international students in Brighton. Most universities offer various types of residence halls:

• Standard en-suite rooms: £140-180 per week (£560-720 per month)
• Premium en-suite with kitchenette: £180-220 per week (£720-880 per month)
• Studio apartments: £200-250 per week (£800-1,000 per month)
• Shared flats (university-managed): £120-160 per week (£480-640 per month)

University accommodation often includes utilities, internet, and sometimes meal plans, making budgeting more predictable for international students.

Private Accommodation Options

Many students, particularly in their second and third years, choose private accommodation:

• Shared house/flat (per room): £400-700 per month
• One-bedroom flat: £800-1,200 per month
• Studio apartment: £700-1,000 per month
• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): £150-200 per week (£600-800 per month)

Private accommodation costs vary significantly based on location, with areas closer to universities and the city center commanding higher prices.

Food and Grocery Expenses

Weekly Grocery Shopping

International students can expect to spend £50-80 per week on groceries, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits:

• Budget shopping (Lidl, Aldi): £35-50 per week
• Mid-range supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's): £50-70 per week
• Premium options (Waitrose, M&S): £70-100 per week

Many international students find that cooking at home significantly reduces food costs compared to frequent dining out.

Dining Out and Takeaways

• University cafeteria meal: £4-8
• Fast food meal: £6-10
• Mid-range restaurant: £12-20
• Fine dining: £25-40
• Coffee shop: £3-5
• Pub meal: £8-15

Brighton's diverse food scene caters to various international cuisines, making it easier for students from different backgrounds to find familiar foods.

Transportation Costs

Public Transport

Brighton's public transport system is well-developed, making it easy for students to navigate the city:

• Brighton & Hove bus day ticket: £4.80
• Weekly bus pass: £19
• Monthly bus pass: £65
• Student annual bus pass: £320-380

Most students find that a monthly bus pass offers the best value for regular commuting.

Alternative Transportation

• Bicycle purchase: £150-400 (one-time cost)
• Bicycle maintenance: £10-20 per month
• Train to London: £15-25 (advance booking)
• Taxi within city: £8-15
• Uber/ride-sharing: £6-12

Many students choose cycling as an economical and environmentally friendly option, especially given Brighton's relatively compact size.

Academic and Educational Expenses

Course Materials and Supplies

• Textbooks (new): £200-500 per year
• Textbooks (used/rental): £100-250 per year
• Digital resources and software: £50-150 per year
• Stationery and supplies: £30-60 per year
• Printing and photocopying: £20-50 per year

Many students save significantly by purchasing used textbooks or utilizing university library resources.

Technology and Equipment

• Laptop (if needed): £400-1,200
• Software licenses: £50-200 per year
• Internet (if not included): £25-35 per month
• Mobile phone plan: £15-40 per month

Personal and Lifestyle Expenses

Health and Wellbeing

• NHS surcharge (paid with visa): £470 per year
• Prescription medicines: £9.35 per item
• Dental checkup: £25-50
• Gym membership: £25-45 per month
• Sports activities: £20-40 per month

Entertainment and Social Activities

Brighton's vibrant cultural scene offers numerous entertainment options:

• Cinema tickets: £8-15
• Theatre/concert tickets: £15-50
• Club entry: £5-15
• Beach activities: Free-£20
• Museum visits: £5-12 (many offer student discounts)

Personal Care and Miscellaneous

• Haircut: £15-40
• Laundry (if not included): £3-5 per load
• Personal toiletries: £20-40 per month
• Clothing: £50-150 per month
• Emergency fund: £50-100 per month

Money-Saving Tips for International Students

Student Discounts and Deals

Brighton offers excellent student discount opportunities:

• Register for a Student Beans account for online discounts
• Use your student ID for local business discounts
• Take advantage of university-negotiated deals
• Look for student night specials at restaurants and entertainment venues

Smart Shopping Strategies

• Shop at budget supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi
• Buy seasonal produce from local markets
• Purchase household items in bulk with flatmates
• Use comparison apps to find the best deals

Accommodation Savings

• Consider living slightly further from campus for lower rent
• Share accommodation with other students
• Look for inclusive rent deals that cover utilities
• Book university accommodation early for better rates

Brighton Student Life and What to Expect

Brighton offers an exceptional quality of life for international students. The city combines academic excellence with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, creating an ideal environment for both studying and socializing. Students can enjoy beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene, numerous festivals, and easy access to London for weekend trips.

The city's diverse population makes international students feel welcome, with various cultural communities and support networks. Brighton's compact size means most amenities are within walking or cycling distance, helping to keep transportation costs manageable.

For international students looking to study in Brighton, it's essential to research universities thoroughly. You can discover universities offering courses in Brighton and compare their offerings, entry requirements, and student support services.

Annual Budget Summary

Based on the expenses outlined above, international students should budget:

• Conservative budget: £14,400-16,800 per year (excluding tuition)
• Comfortable budget: £16,800-21,600 per year (excluding tuition)
• Premium lifestyle: £21,600-28,800 per year (excluding tuition)

These figures provide a realistic framework for financial planning, though individual circumstances may vary based on lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and spending habits.

Understanding Brighton's cost of living helps international students make informed decisions about their education investment. With proper budgeting and smart spending strategies, students can enjoy all that Brighton offers while maintaining financial stability throughout their studies.

Key Statistics

📊 International students in Brighton need £1,200-1,800 monthly for living expenses in 2026, making it 15% more affordable than London

🏠 Accommodation represents 40-50% of total living costs, with university halls ranging £560-880 monthly

🚌 Brighton's student annual bus pass costs £320-380, providing unlimited city travel and representing excellent value

💰 Students can save 25-30% on groceries by shopping at budget supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi

🎓 Brighton hosts over 45,000 students across its universities, creating a vibrant international community

📈 Living costs in Brighton have increased by approximately 8% since 2025, primarily due to accommodation demand

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I budget effectively as an international student in Brighton?

Create a monthly budget allocating 40-50% for accommodation, 20-25% for food, 10-15% for transportation, and 15-20% for personal expenses. Track your spending using budgeting apps, take advantage of student discounts, and maintain an emergency fund of £200-300. Consider sharing accommodation and cooking at home to reduce costs significantly.

What is the average monthly rent for international students in Brighton?

Monthly rent varies significantly by accommodation type. University halls range from £560-880 per month for en-suite rooms, while private shared accommodation costs £400-700 monthly. Studio apartments range from £700-1,000 monthly. Areas closer to universities and the seafront command higher prices, but offer better convenience and lifestyle benefits.

How much should I budget for food and groceries in Brighton?

International students should budget £200-350 monthly for food, depending on lifestyle choices. Grocery shopping at budget supermarkets costs £35-50 weekly, while mid-range options cost £50-70 weekly. University cafeteria meals cost £4-8, and restaurant meals range from £12-40. Cooking at home can reduce food costs by up to 60% compared to frequent dining out.

Is Brighton more affordable than London for international students?

Yes, Brighton is approximately 15-20% more affordable than London for international students. While accommodation costs are significant, they're considerably lower than London rates. Transportation, food, and entertainment costs are also more reasonable. Brighton offers excellent value with its coastal lifestyle, vibrant student community, and easy London access for weekend visits.

What transportation options are available for students in Brighton?

Brighton offers comprehensive transportation options including buses, trains, cycling, and walking. The annual student bus pass costs £320-380 for unlimited city travel. Many students cycle due to Brighton's compact size and bike-friendly infrastructure. Train connections to London take 50-60 minutes and cost £15-25 with advance booking, making weekend trips very accessible.

How can international students save money while living in Brighton?

Students can save significantly by sharing accommodation, shopping at budget supermarkets, using student discounts extensively, cycling instead of using public transport, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free beach activities and events. Buying used textbooks, utilizing university resources, and participating in free cultural activities can reduce expenses by 20-30% monthly.

Key Takeaways

✅ Budget £1,200-1,800 monthly for comfortable living in Brighton, with accommodation being the largest expense

✅ University halls offer predictable costs and inclusive utilities, while private accommodation provides more independence

✅ Transportation costs are manageable with student bus passes or cycling being popular economical options

✅ Brighton offers excellent student life with beaches, culture, and easy London access at affordable costs

✅ Smart budgeting and student discounts can reduce living expenses by 25-30% compared to standard costs

✅ Annual living costs range from £14,400-21,600 excluding tuition, making Brighton competitively priced for UK study destinations