Is Hove Expensive to Live? An In-Depth Look at the Cost of Living in Hove

by | Aug 31, 2023 | Uncategorized

Is Hove expensive to live?

As Hove continues to attract attention for its quality of life, picturesque seafront, and close proximity to Brighton, many people find themselves asking, “Is Hove the most expensive places to live?” Whether you’re a young professional considering a move, a family looking for a seaside residence, or a retiree contemplating a quieter life near the ocean, understanding the cost of living in Hove can offer valuable insights into whether it’s the right fit for you. In this blog post, we delve into various factors that contribute to Hove’s cost of living, from housing and utilities to entertainment and transportation.

Housing: A Significant Factor

As with rent in most locations, housing often represents the largest portion of monthly expenses. Hove is no exception, especially given its desirability and ongoing property value increase. Renters can expect to pay anywhere from £900 per week to £2,500 per month depending on the size and location of the property. If you’re looking to buy, house prices have shown a significant year-on-year increase, making it a potentially costly but solid investment.

Utilities: The Basic Costs

Utility costs in Hove are relatively on par with other parts of the country in the UK. On average, you can expect to pay spend around £150 per month on utilities like gas, electricity, and water for a two-bedroom apartment. Internet services typically cost an additional £30-£60 per month, depending on the provider and package you choose.

Transportation: Getting Around

Public transport in Hove is relatively efficient and links seamlessly with Brighton, making it easier to commute for work or leisure. A monthly travel pass will set you back about £80. If you own a car, petrol costs are comparable to other areas in the UK, but keep in mind that parking can be expensive and challenging to find, particularly near the seafront.

Food and Groceries: Daily Essentials

Grocery prices are largely similar to other areas in the South of England, with an average monthly grocery bill for a family of four estimated to be around £400. Dining out can be a different story, with the many high-end restaurants and cafés in Hove fetching a premium price for their culinary delights.

Entertainment and Leisure: The Fun Part

From theater performances to beachside activities, Hove offers a broad range of entertainment options. Costs can vary widely depending on your lifestyle, but it’s worth noting that cinema tickets, gym memberships, and other leisure activities often come at a higher price tag than in cheaper, less sought-after locations.

Health and Education: Necessary Expenditures

While the country and NHS provides for most people with healthcare needs, private healthcare options are available but can be pricey. Education costs can also vary, especially if you’re considering private schooling, which can run thousands of pounds per term.

Estimated Monthly Costs

The estimated monthly costs for living in Hove—or any other area—can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances, such as your housing needs, lifestyle, and personal spending habits.

House Prices

House prices can vary greatly depending on the location, land used, size, condition, and other factors such as local amenities and market demand. While I can’t provide real-time data due to my last update being in September 2021, I can offer general guidelines and factors that typically influence house and land prices.

In Hove:

  • One-bedroom Flats: Prices for one-bedroom flats in Hove could start as low as £200,000 and go up to £300,000 or more depending on location and condition.
  • Two-bedroom Flats: The prices generally range from £300,000 to £500,000. Seafront properties or newly renovated flats are likely to be on the higher end of the spectrum.
  • Two-bedroom Houses: Starting prices could be around £350,000 and go up to £600,000, depending on various factors like proximity to the seafront or train stations, and the condition of the property.
  • Three or Four-bedroom Houses: These can start from £450,000 and go well above £800,000, especially for premium locations and newly-built or renovated properties.
  • Luxury Properties: Premium homes, particularly those with sea views, large plots, or special historical features can easily exceed £1 million.

Factors Affecting House Prices:

  • Location: Being close to the seafront, schools, and public transport usually drive up prices.
  • Condition: Newly renovated or well-maintained properties fetch higher prices than those in need of renovation.
  • Economic Conditions: Interest rates, employment levels, and overall economic health can impact demand and, consequently, house prices.
  • Market Demand: High demand and low supply generally lead to increased prices.

Certainly, here are four estimated monthly costs you might encounter while living in Hove, UK:

  1. Rent or Mortgage Payment:
    • Estimated Cost: £800 – £2,500+
    • Description: The cost of your accommodation, whether you’re renting an apartment or paying off a mortgage for a house, will likely be your largest monthly expense. Prices can vary significantly based on the size, location, and type of property.
  2. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet):
    • Estimated Cost: £100 – £200
    • Description: This includes essential services like electricity, gas, water, and internet. The cost can vary based on the size of your home, your usage, and the service providers you choose.
  3. Transportation:
    • Estimated Cost: £50 – £150
    • Description: Transportation costs can include public transport fares, fuel if you own a car, and potential parking fees. Hove benefits from a well-connected public transport network, and if you rely on buses or trains, your monthly spending might fall within this range.
  4. Groceries and Dining Out:
    • Estimated Cost: £200 – £400+
    • Description: The cost of groceries and dining out can vary based on your eating habits and whether you cook at home or eat out frequently. Hove offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, which can impact your monthly food budget.

Remember, these estimates are just rough averages and actual costs can vary widely based on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and circumstances. It’s essential to create a detailed budget tailored to your situation to get a clearer picture of your monthly expenses while living in Hove.

Affordable Cities

The affordability of a city can depend on various factors such as housing costs, utilities, property prices, transportation, healthcare, and overall quality of life. While some cities expensive places may offer low housing costs, they may have higher transportation or healthcare expenses, so it’s essential to consider multiple variables when determining affordability. Here are some cities in various parts of the world that are often cited as being relatively affordable:

United States

  1. Des Moines, Iowa – Low cost of living, vibrant job market, and good quality of life.
  2. Indianapolis, Indiana – Affordable housing and low utility costs.
  3. Omaha, Nebraska – Reasonable cost of living with a stable economy.

Europe

  1. Lisbon, Portugal – Relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European capitals.
  2. Prague, Czech Republic – Affordable housing and public transport, though it’s becoming more expensive.
  3. Belgrade, Serbia – One of the more affordable capitals in Europe, but with a lower average salary.

Asia

  1. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Low cost of living, but the average income is also relatively low.
  2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Affordable living and rapidly developing infrastructure.
  3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Reasonable living costs with good quality of life.

South America

  1. Medellín, Colombia – Affordable and gaining popularity as a digital nomad hub.
  2. Lima, Peru – Relatively cheap public transportation and food costs.
  3. Quito, Ecuador – Affordable housing and utilities.

Africa

  1. Cairo, Egypt – Very affordable by international standards but comes with a unique set of challenges.
  2. Nairobi, Kenya – Lower cost of living compared to cities in South Africa but rising rapidly.
  3. Casablanca, Morocco – More affordable than most Western cities but relatively high for Moroccan standards.

Oceania

  1. Wellington, New Zealand – More affordable than Auckland but still on the higher end.
  2. Adelaide, Australia – Lower housing costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne.

So, Is Hove Expensive to Live?

In summary, the cost of living in Hove can be relatively high compared to other UK cities, particularly due to increasing property prices and a range of premium leisure activities. However, many residents find that the higher costs are offset by the quality of life, the natural beauty, and the amenities and businesses that the town has to offer.

Whether or not you’ll find a city of Hove expensive to live largely depends on your income, lifestyle choices, and what you’re willing to compromise on to afford it. If you prioritize a coastal, community-oriented lifestyle with access to numerous amenities, Hove might just be worth the cost.

You can find more information on our website, Weatherill Property Group