Cost of Living in Exeter for Students [Detailed Pricings 2025]

Exeter is a quiet, scenic town surrounded by spectacular views of the countryside and the coast. There is a vast student body, a lively community, and plenty of enjoyable activities to do in addition to its rich history, so students living in Exeter can still be amused. Students can enjoy the metropolitan lifestyle in this friendly and diverse city having access to the beautiful landscapes of South West England quickly and easily. Apart from the tuition costs at your uni, the monthly cost of living in Exeter for students lies approximately within the range of £1,505 and £1,703. Students who maintain this monthly budget will find it easy to meet necessary living costs in Exeter, UK such as student accommodation, food, books and equipment, and other necessities. Read further to know what your individual expenses in Exeter will look like and where you’ll be spending most of your money. For international students, during their visa application process, they are required to demonstrate access to £9,207 for the year to cover these living costs. This amount gives an overall picture of the financial requirements for students living in Exeter.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Exeter?

 Take a look at the monthly breakdown of different living expenditures in Exeter –

Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in the Exeter for Indian Students

 * The accommodation costs are dynamic in nature and are based on property availability

Exeter Accommodation

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £352 to £380 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

Cost Of Tuition Fees

The University of Exeter is one of the most prominent institutions in the city featuring fees ranging from £20,000 to £26,000 per year, depending on the programme of study.  University of St Mark & St John features similar tuition fee structures. However, tuition costs can vary basis the course and university that you opt for. 

Renting Cost

What is the average rent in Exeter? It would cost around £520 per month to rent a one-bedroom in Exeter, in the city centre. You can save a lot by making recommendations outside the city Centre, as the city is connected from the outside through different routes. The average Exeter cost of living to rent a room on campus is £600 per month. Many international students chose to stay inside the campus in the first year of their college but often shift to off-campus student accommodation in Exeter to reduce their average rent in Exeter.

Essential Services Charge

The majority of the University of Exeter’s students will live in private accommodations in and around Exeter. If you plan to live off-campus or in private/shared accommodation, you would need to consider the cost of utilities, such as gas, water, and electricity while calculating Exeter living costs. However, the budget should be £1,252 per month if you include all the above-mentioned costs.

The internet also comes in Essential Services nowadays making it an essential part of the living costs in Exeter UK. For job hunting, looking for accommodation, and making phone calls to keep in touch with relatives and friends back home, you’ll be using the internet. Internet cafes charge £ 1 an hour. Most coffee shops and bars even offer free wifi if you have your device. Also, you could pick from many distinct cellular and internet networks to get the lowest price, including EE, O2, and Vodafone for mobile sim cards, and TalkTalk, TPG, and BT-Fibre 2 for the internet. The average monthly cost of the internet is £30.90.

Cost Of Transport

Exeter offers seamless connectivity to the major university campuses along with convenient transportation alternatives to travel within and around the city including:

Bus: Exeter has an extensive bus network operated by Stagecoach. A single trip can cost around £2.50 which can vary depending on the distance. 

Train: Great Western Railway (GWR) operates train services in Exeter. Approximate fares are £25 for Exeter to Bristol and £15 for Exeter to Plymouth, both in standard class for a single trip.

Bike: Exeter is a bike-friendly city with designated cycling paths. Co-Bikes is a bike rental company that offers day passes for around £3 and weekly passes for £10.

Cost of Food and Groceries

A grocery haul for a single person will cost around £50 – £60 per week on average. Exeter offers a diverse range of dining options, from cosy cafés to upscale restaurants. 

A meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant is estimated to cost around £12 – £15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost £40 – £60.

Is Exeter Expensive To Live For Students?

While Exeter offers a bustling student life and top-notch educational institutions, the cost of living can be a significant consideration for those on a tight budget. Fortunately, the city provides various affordable options for students. Additionally, many scholarships offer financial assistance for students to cover their educational expenses which contribute to a major chunk of the costs. Thus, with the right planning, the living costs as a student in Exeter can be managed well. 

Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Exeter 

For students, the cost of living is influenced by a variety of factors specific to their lifestyle and needs. Here are some key factors that can impact the cost of living for students in Exeter:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Food & Groceries
• Entertainment & Leisure
• Health care expenses
• Study supplies
• Miscellaneous costs

How To Save Money As A Student In Exeter?

Saving money as a student in Exeter can seem to be challenging due to the higher living costs and several associated expenses. However, with some careful planning and mindful spending habits, there can certainly be scope for savings. Here are some helpful and practical tips:

• Go for purpose-built student accommodations as they are inclusive of the utility bills in the property pricing which makes them cost-effective and convenient.
• Travel through public transportation to reach your university campus and explore areas within and around the city.
• Leverage your university library resources such as textbooks and online study materials.
• Always ask for student discounts and deals at restaurants, retail outlets and gym memberships.
• Home-cooked meals are a great way to save money than dining out frequently.

FAQ’s on Cost of Living in Exeter

1. Is Exeter expensive to live in for students?

Exeter housing can be little bit costly, with prices varying according to location and house type. However, with proper budget management, choosing to live in Exeter can provide numerous advantages and be a rewarding decision due to the city’s many benefits and opportunities.

2. Is Exeter Good for student life?

Exeter is a tranquil, pleasant city surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastline. Aside from its rich history, Exeter has a huge student population, a dynamic atmosphere, and plenty of exciting things to do, so students who live in Exeter will never be bored.

3. How much does living as a student cost?

A single student in Exeter or Cornwall will require roughly £1,505 per month to cover basic living expenditures such as housing, food, books and equipment, and other needs. This amount is provided just as a guideline. The price you actually pay will be determined by your own lifestyle.

4. Is Exeter a nice place to live for students?

Exeter is a good place for students to live, with a thriving student community, a safe environment, and a high quality of life.

5. How much is the food costs in Exeter?

The average cost of food in Exeter is £414. However, it may vary depending on the regions.