Cost of Living in Bolton for Students 2025
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Thinking about moving to Bolton for uni? Good news—you’ve picked one of the most affordable student cities in the UK! Whether you’re budgeting every pound or just want to make the most of your student loan, Bolton makes student life easier on your wallet.
While cities like London can cost over £1,500 per month, students in Bolton typically manage comfortably on £630 to £900/month. From rent and groceries to weekend fun and late-night takeaways, we’re breaking down exactly what you’ll spend—so you can plan smarter, save more, and still enjoy every bit of your uni experience. Let’s get into it.
What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Living for Students in Bolton?
If you’re planning to study in Bolton in 2025, you’re in luck—this northern English town is one of the most budget-friendly student cities in the UK. While major cities like London or Manchester may see student budgets hitting £1,200–£1,500/month, Bolton’s average student monthly living cost is significantly lower, ranging between £630 and £900 per month.
According to Numbeo and LivingCost.org, Bolton ranks well below the national UK average in terms of rent, grocery prices, and transportation costs. The city’s compact layout, affordable student accommodation, and access to student discounts make it ideal for those looking to balance academic and financial goals. This cost estimate includes all your basic student needs—rent, food, travel, bills, mobile plan, and even the occasional night out. Let’s break it down further.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Accommodation | £400 – £550 |
| Food & Groceries | £100 – £150 |
| Transportation | £30 – £50 |
| Utilities & Internet | £50 – £80 |
| Mobile Phone Plan | £10 – £20 |
| Leisure & Entertainment | £50 – £70 |
| Study Materials | £15 – £25 |
| Miscellaneous/Toiletries | £15 – £25 |
| Total Estimated Range | £630 – £900 |
How Much Does Student Accommodation in Bolton Cost in 2025?
Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions for any student—and in Bolton, the options are both affordable and diverse. In 2025, students can expect to pay between £90 to £139 per week for housing, depending on the location, room type, and whether bills are included. This makes Bolton significantly more affordable than nearby cities like Manchester or Leeds, where weekly rents can easily exceed £180.
The most popular student areas include Deane Road, Great Lever, and Town Centre, all of which offer excellent connectivity to the University of Bolton. Whether you’re after the convenience of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) or prefer the independence of a private flatshare, there’s something to match every budget. Below are the key details of various types of student accommodation & average costs in Bolton:
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Rent (GBP) | Monthly Rent (GBP) | Features & Inclusions |
| University Halls (Orlando Village) | £139 | £556 | Fully furnished, on-site laundry, study rooms, Wi-Fi, all bills included |
| Private Student Housing | £110 – £117 | £440 – £468 | Modern ensuite/studio rooms, social spaces, gym access, utility bills included |
| Shared Private Rentals (Houses/Flats) | £90 – £120 | £360 – £480 | Shared kitchen & bathroom, may require separate utility payments, more independence |
| Studio Apartments (Premium option) | £150 – £180 | £600 – £720 | Ideal for privacy; includes kitchen and ensuite, usually bills included |
| Homestay/Live-in Landlord Options | £85 – £100 | £340 – £400 | Meals sometimes included, quiet environment, good for short-term stays |
What Is the Average Cost of Food and Groceries for Students in Bolton?
When it comes to managing your budget as a student, food is one area where smart choices can make a big difference. In Bolton, the cost of groceries is lower than in most major UK cities, making it easier for students to eat well without breaking the bank. On average, students spend between £100 to £150 per month on groceries when cooking at home regularly.
This cost can rise to £200 or more if you frequently dine out or rely on takeaway. Local supermarkets like Tesco, ALDI, Lidl, and Asda are popular among students for their value deals and student-friendly prices. According to Save the Student and MSM Unify, meal prepping and shopping at discount stores can save students up to £500–£600 annually compared to eating out or using food delivery services regularly. Following are the various grocery prices in Bolton:
| Grocery Item | Average Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Milk (1 litre) | £1.62 | Available at ALDI, Tesco, and local convenience stores |
| Bread (500g loaf) | £1.47 | Price varies slightly for wholemeal, white, or multigrain |
| Rice (1kg) | £1.83 | Long grain, Basmati, and brown rice are commonly available |
| Eggs (12 medium) | £3.67 | Free-range and organic varieties may cost more |
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | £8.35 | Bulk buys or frozen packs offer better value |
| Apples (1kg) | £2.94 | Prices vary by variety—Granny Smiths and Pink Ladies are common |
| Potatoes (1kg) | £1.94 | Ideal for batch cooking, mashed, baked, or roasted |
| Cheddar Cheese (200g) | £2.20 | Staple in student kitchens—used in sandwiches and pasta dishes |
| Pasta (500g) | £1.10 | Often included in student meal deals |
| Canned Tomatoes (400g) | £0.95 | Great for sauces, curries, and stews |
| Cooking Oil (1 litre) | £3.00 | Sunflower and vegetable oil are commonly used |
| Instant Noodles (pack) | £0.60 | Quick meal fix for busy days |
How Much Should Students Budget for Transportation in Bolton?
Getting around Bolton is refreshingly affordable—especially compared to larger cities like London or Birmingham. Thanks to its compact layout, walkable town centre, and bike-friendly streets, many University of Bolton students can get to campus on foot or by cycle without spending a penny on daily transport. However, for those living in surrounding neighborhoods like Deane, Great Lever, or even Manchester (20 minutes away by train), public transport becomes essential.
The Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) system offers student-friendly discounts on bus and train travel. On average, students should budget around £30 to £50 per month if they’re using public transport regularly. Bolton is also well-connected by Northern Rail and National Express, offering easy weekend getaways to cities like Liverpool, Leeds, and Blackpool. Below are average monthly student transportation costs in Bolton:
| Mode of Transport | Average Cost (GBP) | Notes |
| Monthly Bus Pass | £35 – £45 | With TfGM Student Saver Card, valid across most local bus services |
| Single Bus Ticket | £2.50 – £2.60 | Contactless accepted; mobile app options available |
| Train to Manchester | £6.10 (one-way) | 20-minute journey; student railcards reduce cost to ~£4 |
| Weekly Train Pass | £23 – £28 | Ideal for part-time work or daily commute outside Bolton |
| Taxi (8 km ride) | £11.90 | Rates vary based on time and provider (Uber, local cabs) |
| Bicycle (Monthly upkeep) | £5 – £10 | For occasional repairs or inner tube replacements |
| Walking | Free! | Most student areas are within 15–20 minutes of campus |
What Are the Entertainment and Leisure Expenses for Students in Bolton?
Student life isn’t just about lectures and assignments—it’s also about unwinding, meeting new people, and exploring the city you now call home. Luckily, Bolton offers a mix of affordable and fun leisure activities that won’t drain your wallet. From grabbing a popcorn bucket at Cineworld Bolton, to lifting weights at JD Gyms or catching a live gig at The Venue, there’s plenty to do after class.
Students generally spend between £50 to £80 per month on entertainment, though your budget can stretch further by using student discounts, NUS cards, or 2-for-1 offers available through apps like UNiDAYS and TOTUM. Bolton’s proximity to Manchester also means you can easily hop on a train for weekend nightlife or concerts while still saving money by living in a cheaper town. Following are the key details of entertainment & leisure costs for students in Bolton:
| Activity/Leisure Option | Average Cost (GBP) | Notes |
| Cinema Ticket (Standard) | £10 – £11 | Cineworld, Vue; student discounts available with NUS/UNiDAYS |
| Monthly Gym Membership | £20 – £30 | JD Gyms, PureGym, and local leisure centres offer flexible plans |
| Night Out (pub/club) | £20 – £35 | Includes entry + 2–3 drinks; can vary by venue |
| Bowling (per person) | £6 – £9 | Hollywood Bowl and AMF Bowling are popular with students |
| Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify) | £5 – £10 | Student packages available |
| Takeaway (Pizza, Chinese, etc.) | £8 – £12 per meal | Popular chains and local joints offer budget deals |
| Live Music/Comedy Shows | £8 – £15 | Held at The Venue, Albert Halls, or pubs with live music nights |
| Cafes & Casual Dining Out | £10 – £15 | Includes Starbucks, Costa, and indie cafes near campus |
Are Utility Bills and Internet Expensive for Students in Bolton?
When it comes to utility bills, the good news is that many purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) in Bolton—like Orlando Village or The Pack Horse—offer all-inclusive rents, meaning your electricity, heating, water, and Wi-Fi are bundled in. That’s a huge win for budgeting students! However, if you’re renting a private flat or shared house, you’ll need to budget separately for these costs. On average, students living in non-inclusive housing in Bolton spend around £90 to £125 per month on utilities and internet combined.
Bolton’s overall utility costs are notably lower than the UK average. For context, the UK average monthly utility bill (excluding rent) sits around £150–£180, but Bolton remains well below that due to smaller housing units, lower energy demand, and competitive broadband pricing. It’s also worth noting that utility bills can fluctuate depending on the season—winter months may push heating bills up, while summer could reduce overall costs. Following are the key details of average monthly utility & internet costs for students in Bolton:
| Utility Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) | Notes |
| Electricity & Gas | £40 – £60 | Based on average usage in a shared 2–3 bed flat; rises in winter |
| Water | £20 – £30 | Usually billed quarterly; students split this in shared homes |
| Broadband Internet | £25 – £35 | Virgin Media, BT, Sky & TalkTalk offer student deals |
| TV License (Optional) | £13.25/month | Required if you watch BBC iPlayer or live TV |
| Mobile Phone Plan | £10 – £20 | Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, and VOXI offer affordable student plans |
| Total Utilities (if not included in rent) | £90 – £125 | Based on shared household usage |
Tips to Save Money as a Student Living in Bolton
Let’s be real—student budgets aren’t always flexible, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality living. The good news? Bolton is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, and with a few smart strategies, you can stretch your monthly budget even further.
According to Save the Student’s 2024 National Student Money Survey, over 80% of UK students worry about making ends meet, and 1 in 3 students rely on part-time jobs or family support. That said, small daily choices—like using discount apps or splitting bills—can lead to savings of up to £100–£150 per month. Here are some tried-and-tested money-saving tips made for students in Bolton:
| Tip | Estimated Savings (Monthly) | How It Helps |
| Cook at Home | £40 – £60 | Avoid takeaways—meal prepping lowers grocery costs and reduces food waste |
| Use Student Discounts | £20 – £30 | Use TOTUM, UNiDAYS, and Student Beans for deals on food, fashion, and tech |
| Share Accommodation | £50 – £100 | Living with flatmates helps reduce rent and utility bills |
| Opt for Student Travel Passes | £15 – £25 | TfGM student passes cut public transport costs significantly |
| Use Prepaid or Budgeting Apps | N/A | Tools like Monzo, Revolut, or Yolt help track spending and set limits |
| Buy Secondhand Textbooks | £10 – £20 | Use the uni bookshop or Facebook Marketplace to find cheaper alternatives |
| Cycle or Walk | £20 – £30 | Save on transport while staying active—most student zones are walkable |
| Attend Free Uni Events | £15 – £25 | University of Bolton hosts free workshops, movie nights, and cultural events |
| Use Libraries & Campus Facilities | £10 – £15 | Free Wi-Fi, printing credits, and study rooms save money on home utilities |
Conclusion
So there you have it—living in Bolton as a student in 2025 is not only doable, it’s actually pretty chill for your budget. Whether you’re saving on rent, cooking your own meals, or walking to campus instead of paying for transport, this town gives you loads of ways to stretch your money without missing out on student life.
Plus, with all the discounts, deals, and low-cost fun around town, you can enjoy your degree without constantly stressing about finances. Just flash that student ID, stick to your budget, and make the most of Bolton’s cost-friendly vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly cost of living in Bolton for students in 2025?
Students in Bolton typically spend between £630 to £900 per month in 2025. This includes accommodation, groceries, transportation, utilities, entertainment, mobile bills, and other essentials. It’s one of the most budget-friendly cities for university students in the UK.
Is Bolton a cheap city for students in the UK?
Yes! Bolton is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. Compared to cities like London, where costs exceed £1,500/month, Bolton offers lower rent, transport, and food prices—making it ideal for students on a budget.
How much does student accommodation cost in Bolton in 2025?
Student accommodation in Bolton ranges from £85 to £180 per week depending on the type. Shared private rentals start at around £360/month, while premium studio apartments can go up to £720/month. Most university halls and PBSAs include utility bills.
How much do groceries cost for students in Bolton?
Students usually spend between £100 to £150 per month on groceries in Bolton. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco helps keep food costs low. Cooking at home can save you up to £500–£600 a year compared to eating out.
Is public transport expensive for students in Bolton?
Not at all! A monthly student bus pass costs around £35–£45, and a one-way train ticket to Manchester is about £6.10. Many students also walk or cycle since the town is compact and university areas are easily accessible on foot.
