Cost of Living in Exeter for Students: 2026

As an ideal destination for international students, Exeter is considered the best option for those seeking a top-tier, friendly, and highly valuable city. Students usually come to this city for its universities, booming career opportunities, and vibrant culture. The average cost of living for international students in Exeter ranges from £1,000 to £1,600/month.  

So today, in this guide, we are going to break down your cost of living in Exeter as a student. Now, because your biggest expense while living here is going to be housing, we are also going to see which are the best student accommodation options in Exeter.  

Ready to know your personalized numbers? You can use University Living’s cost-of-living calculator to personalize your budget accurately.   

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Exeter 

To manage your budget more efficiently, you must better understand the total cost of living in Exeter for students. On average, your total monthly budget will range between £1,000 and £1,600. One must note that their overall lifestyle choices are a major factor in how much you will spend each month. Going for shared student housing over private options can significantly help you reduce the amount. Below is the average monthly cost of living in Exeter: 

Student Accommodation Costs in Exeter 

Securing a perfect student accommodation in Exeter defines a person’s entire budget. In 2026, students living in Southwest typically get to spend £600-£1,000/month on rent. To save more, students are recommended to opt for fully furnished student housing in Exeter. It will help them save around £200-£350 on essentials like beds and desks. On the other hand, private rentals can be cheaper upfront. But they usually require one to manage their bills separately and also ask for a UK-based co-signer.   

Types of Student Accommodation in Exeter  

The right type of student accommodation depends entirely on your budget and lifestyle preferences. Navigating the diverse range of student accommodation in UK can be overwhelming. That is why we are going to discuss the different choices that you will come across in the rental market right now:   

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)  

These are modern residences that provide an all-inclusive living for students. This means that utility bills for water, electricity, heating, and gas are all added to the rent itself. Furthermore, they also come with facilities such as 24/7 CCTV, secure fob access, shared gyms, cinema rooms, and study lounges. Their prices usually range from £150 to £310/week.  

• Studio Rooms  

Ideal for students who love privacy, independence, and freedom. In here, you will get a bed, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. They usually range between £220 and £310/week. These are the most expensive options out there, but with the level of facilities you will get here, it all becomes worth it.   

• En-suite Rooms  

Ranging from £150 to £210/week, it is best suited for people who love a mix of privacy and community. In here, you will get a private bedroom with an attached bathroom. Other than this, the kitchen and living area are shared with other students.   

• Shared Apartments  

If you are someone who loves to hang out with others or have a close-knit friend group that wants to live together, then this option is the best for you. As the most affordable student apartment option in Exeter, you will share everything, including a kitchen, bedroom, living area, and bathroom. It usually ranges from £110 to £160/week.   

Private Apartments  

These are independent flats that function as a traditional house, with your own bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen. They usually come with higher utility and maintenance costs. Rents of these typically range between £230-£400+/week. But with the level of autonomy that you will come across, it all becomes worth it. They are available for both students and working professionals. 

Best Student Areas to Live in Exeter 

Deciding where you want to live can directly impact your day-to-day lifestyle and your overall cost of living in Exeter. Moreover, the city features several areas suited to different budgets, academic campuses, and lifestyle preferences. Below are some of the best areas to live in Exeter in 2026:  

Budget-Friendly Student Areas  

Heavitree:  

• Average Rent: £550-£950/month  

• Nearby Universities: It is 10-15 minutes walking from the University of Exeter and 10 minutes of a bus ride to Exeter College  

• Transport Convenience: Residents here enjoy strong public transport, including Stagecoach bus services (such as Routes 4 and 4A). They are running from the city centre to St David’s, St Luke’s Campus, and the airport.   

• Student Vibe: Located on the east side of the city centre, it is a peaceful place for those who are looking for a break from the rowdy energy of the city.   
   

Polsloe:  

• Average Rent: £565-£1,080/month  

• Nearby Universities:  It is situated between the University of Exter’s two primary campuses Streatham (15 minutes’ walk) and St Luke’s (20-minutes’ walk)  

• Transport Convenience: The area is primarily served by Polsloe Bridge railway station. Through train one can easily reach Exeter Central within 4-6 minutes and Exeter St Davids (Main Hub) within a 7–12-minute direct ride.  

• Student Vibe: It is known for its relaxed, community-focused vibe.  

Mid-Range Student Areas  

St James:  

• Average Rent: £825-£1,500/month  

• Nearby Universities: It is 0.5 miles away from the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus and St. Luke’s campus.   

• Transport Convenience: One can easily reach train stations such as Exeter St James, Exeter Central, and Exeter St Davids from here. Moreover, frequent stagecoach services run through here.   

• Student Vibe: It has a lively and high-energy atmosphere. Plus, it helps students strike the perfect balance between academics and social life.  

 
Mount Pleasant:  

• Average Rent: £950-£1,450/month.  

• Nearby Universities: Has proximity to some of the top universities such as Exeter College (Hele Road) (1.2 miles) and The University of Law (Exeter Campus) (1.3 miles).  

• Transport Convenience: It is served by key bus stops along Pinhoe Road, Prince Charles Road, and Union Road.  

• Student Vibe: Offers a relaxed, mature vibe that perfectly balances peace.  

Premium Student Areas  

Exeter City Centre  

• Average Rent: £1,339-£1,400/month.  

• Nearby Universities: 15 minutes away from the University of Exeter (Streatham Campus) and 10 minutes away from St Luke’s Campus.  

• Transport Convenience: It is exceptionally well connected by rail with two main stations, “Exeter Central” and “Exeter St David’s”, operating in proximity.  

• Student Vibe: Offering a vibrant, balanced and highly aesthetic student vibe, it easily merges the social and pub scene.   

 
Pennsylvania  

• Average Rent: £1,300- £1,500/month.  

• Nearby Universities: University of Exeter (Streatham & St Luke’s campuses) are 15-20 minutes walking distance from here.   

• Transport Convenience: Stagecoach Southwest operates frequently from Sidwell Street to Rosebarn Avenue, which takes around 8 minutes to reach.  

• Student Vibe: It is one of the leafy and highly sought-after residential areas. It easily mixes green spaces with strong undergraduate community vibes.    

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Exeter  

Opting for the right type of student room in Exeter can entirely shape a student’s university experience. They easily combine campus proximity with modern lifestyle. Some of the popular student flats in Exeter include:  

Exeter One  

• Starting from: £177/ week  

• Room Types: It includes fully furnished en-suite rooms and private studios.  

• Best For: Made for those who like to stay close to campus while avoiding the busiest city areas.  

• Nearby Universities: It is a 17 minutes’ walk away from the University of Exeter and 3 minutes’ drive from Exeter College.  

• Key Amenities: Common Lounge, vending machine, garden, recycling services, onsite maintenance, wheelchair access, laundry room and outdoor area.  

Canvas Quintana Gate  

• Starting from: £244 / week  

• Room Types: Elite private studios (Silver, Gold, Platinum) and premium en-suites.  

• Best For: Students who want to be in a highly connected location with amazing on-site facilities.   

• Nearby Universities: 13 minutes’ walk away from Exeter College and 9 minutes’ drive away from the University of Exeter-Streatham Campus.   

• Key Amenities: Gym, study room, laundry, cinema, outdoor courtyard, virtual events, free breakfast, games area and support team.  

Northernhay House  

• Starting from: £170 / week  

• Room Types: Shared apartments and classic en-suites options.  

• Best For: Budget-conscious international students that come with an all-inclusive living experience.   

• Nearby University: Close to University of Exeter, Streatham Campus (18-minute walk) and Exeter College (4-minute drive).  

• Key Amenities: Outdoor courtyard, lift access, bicycle storage, laundry room, recycling, on-site maintenance and vacuum cleaner.  

King Edward Studios  

• Starting from: £212/week  

• Room Types: Spacious independent studio rooms (26 sqm) with personal kitchenettes.  

• Best For: Students who want peace, quiet, distraction-free study environments.  

• Nearby Universities: Exeter College is 13 minutes’ walk away and 15 minutes’ walk away from the University of Exeter.  

• Key Amenities: Study Area, social events, laundry, sofa, social space, laundry, sofa, fitted kitchen, common lounge and support team.  

Library Lofts  

• Starting from: £192 / week  

• Room Types: Premium 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom luxury student apartments.  

• Best For: Independent students who like to be in the city centre.  

• Nearby Universities: University of Exeter main campus 15-minutes walk.  

• Key Amenities: Laundry, kitchen, bedside table, wardrobe, onsite management, TV, living area, secure door entry and study room. 

Ready to find a perfect home for yourself? Check out verified student accommodation through University Living today! 

Food & Grocery Costs in Exeter 

Managing your monthly food and grocery costs in Exeter means that you have to maintain an adequate balance between cooking at home and eating out. Most of the students opt for a mixture of both home cooked meals on weekdays and food delivery during exam period. In order to keep your monthly cost of living in Exeter low, shop at affordable supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. Here, weekly basics cost around £35-£50 and if you do batch-cooking, it will save further. Moreover, if you are craving outside food, you can order using apps such as HungryHub, flash your Student Beans ID to get 10-20% discounts. Below is the breakdown of food & grocery costs in Exeter: 

Ready to reduce your weekly food bill? Explore various student discounts in Exeter 2026 and unlock exclusive savings on groceries, dining out, and food delivery apps! 

Transportation Costs in Exeter 

Traveling around Exeter is simple. All thanks to its compact public transportation system. The majority of the students here save money either by walking or cycling. This helps in making daily transit costs in Exeter for students minimal if you are already living close by. That is why it is suggested for students to go for local housing. It can eliminate most commuting expenses entirely. To further lower the costs, you can opt for a Stagecoach Termrider or Unirider student pass. It costs around £312-£444/year. And if you want to travel intercity, then you should get a 16-25 Railcard (£35/year). This will reduce your train fares by 33%. Below is the breakdown of transportation costs in Exeter in 2026: 

Going to the UK soon? Book airport pickup and stay connected from day one with specialized student care packages via ULInfinity! 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Exeter 

Managing utility bills such as electricity, water, and heating can significantly impact your monthly cost of living in Exeter. And if you rent and live in a private apartment, this usually means that you will be juggling these costs on your own and they will be unpredictable as well. So, go for all-inclusive student accommodation such as a PBSA. It will remove your stress by bundling utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi directly into your rent, which will shield you from fluctuating energy costs.   

As for staying connected with others, one must set up a reliable broadband or you can use a local mobile plan. Bringing up an international SIM also ensures that you are avoiding expensive roaming charges from day one. It helps in keeping your student cost of living in Exeter low. Below is the breakdown of utility costs in Exeter: 

Stay connected abroad with the help of international student friendly SIM plans via ULInfinity and skip the stress of expensive roaming fees! 

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Exeter 

Looking forward to compensating for your monthly expenses in Exeter? All you need to do is secure a part-time job. It will support you a lot. Furthermore, UK visa rules allow international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during official university holidays.  

As of April 2026, the UK’s National Living wage is £12.71/hour for those aged 21+ and £10.85/hour for 18 to 20-year-olds. Some of the popular student jobs are in the sectors of hospitality and retail. On the other hand, on campus roles include student ambassadors or library assistants. Part-time jobs in Exeter allow students to cover their day-to-day monthly expenses such as food, transport, and social activities. Though they might not be able to fully cover your rent, you must budget them separately. Below is the average hourly wage of part-time jobs: 

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss in Exeter  

When you are planning your entire cost of living in Exeter, it is easy for you to overlook hidden arrival costs that can quickly disrupt your budget. Initial setup expenses like pillows and duvets often add an extra amount in your first month. We recommend you order a ULInfinity room essential kit that will help you in streamlining your transition and reduce shopping stress. Other than this, you should also take into consideration the official UK visa fee, mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), refundable deposit and emergency fund. Following is the breakdown of hidden costs in Exeter: 

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Exeter 

A person’s overall cost of living can be easily reduced even before they book a flight and hop on the plane. All they need to do is follow these strategies: 

• Opt for PBSAs: PBSA’s are known for following all-inclusive living. This means that utility bills such as gas, water, electricity, etc. are all bundled in your rent. It can easily help you save £40-£70/month.  

• Go for currency exchange services: Opt for ULInfinity student forex services. This will help you in paying tuition as well as deposit fees. It will save at least 2-4% of hidden exchange rate margins. 

• Purchase items that are no longer wanted: If you want to buy something at a lower price, shop after 7pm. One can save money by using apps like HungryHub and Student Beans. 

• Use on-campus facilities: Skip paid memberships and subscriptions. Instead, go for gyms, printing and wi-fi services on-campus.  

These ways ensure that your monthly living costs in the city remain manageable. 

Is Exeter Affordable for International Students? 

Exeter is extremely affordable for international students when you compare it with other major UK cities. According to recent surveys, living costs in the city are roughly 30% cheaper than in London and around 10% less than in Bristol. The city caters two types of lifestyles: 

• Budget Students: Those who can live comfortably with a budget of £1,000-£1,200/month by booking affordable accommodation Exeter.  

• Premium Lifestyle: Those who can easily spend more than £1,500 by choosing studio apartments Exeter that are listed in the city centre. 

Mini Verdict: Overall, Exeter is perfect for students who are looking for Russell Group education. It is known for delivering big-city academic opportunities without the high prices of larger metropolitan hubs. 

Conclusion 

Exeter is considered an excellent budget friendly city for students having an average living cost that ranges between £1,000 to £1,600 per month. Though living here is considered a bit cheaper, keeping a strict weekly budget is important if you want to manage your monthly expenses effectively. 

Since housing can take up around 60% of your total budget, it is very important for people to book the right kind of student accommodation Exeter. That is why students go for University Living. We help them find the best all-inclusive student homes in Exeter, that perfectly matches to your budget. 

Don’t wait! Contact University Living today to secure your ideal student home in Exeter. 

Frequently Asked Questions