The real costs of decamping to the coast or country

Drawn to the abundant fresh air and apparently lower housing costs, a number of city dwellers decamped to the coast and country in the aftermath of Covid. Yet, while the rents may be lower and the skies clearer, what have been the hidden costs?

If you’re considering making the move for yourself, here’s how the transition has added up for a few former city dwellers.

Housing costs

Housing can be drastically cheaper outside of a city. Lifestyle coach Camilla moved from London to Box, Wiltshire, in February 2023.

'I rented my four-bedroom house out for £3,600 a month in London', says Camilla, 'and rented the same size property in Box for £1,800 a month by agreeing to pay 12 months in advance.'

The disparity in rental costs can be significant; however, property sale prices in cities such as Bath, five miles from Box, may be closer to London’s – you’ll want to consider your location carefully.

Travel and commuting

Some of the highest costs can creep in when it comes to commuting. Camilla finds travelling into London costly: 'The ticket price is obviously higher, at around £70 return outside of rush hour – and upward of £100 during rush hour', she says.

George, a PR consultant, moved from Woolwich, south-east London, to Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in July 2022. 'To go down to London for work or to visit family or friends now costs over £100 return. I once had to pay nearly £200 on return tickets with a railcard', he says.

'Essentially, what I save on the cost of living I now spend on travel.'

Writer, celebrant and singer Lili, who moved to rural Lincolnshire durig the pandemic, agrees.

'I used to spend £50 a week on petrol', she says. 'Now it’s £100.'

Everyday expenses

Day-to-day expenses can vary depending on location. 'Living in a tourist town like Scarborough means restaurants can be more expensive', George notes.

It’s a similar scenario for Camilla: 'Bath itself can cost the same as London for eating and drinking out.'

However, her location has more to offer than just dining out – and enjoying the countryside is completely free. 'I have so much more to do with such beautiful countryside to explore right on my doorstep', she says.

Heating and utilities

Properties in the countryside can have poor insulation or be more expensive to heat. 'My first bill was nearly £700', Camilla says, 'and the house wasn’t even hot.'

Older homes may require additional considerations – and funds – for utilities. 'Our property is not on the sewage mainline so we have to have the tank emptied', says Lili. 'We’re also on oil, not gas, and that can skyrocket in the winter. It can also cost extra depending on local suppliers’ delivery areas.'

Leisure activities

How you spend your spare time outside the city can also help you free up some spare cash. 'There is so much natural beauty in the countryside to enjoy for free', says Camilla.

'It’s also a much slower pace', she says, 'I don’t feel the need to spend or constantly "do" things.'

However, not everyone is as charmed by the countryside. Lili’s children often prefer to go to the park, 'so this is another long drive.'

Mental money

Moving to the coast or countryside can offer lower housing costs and a slower pace of life, but there can be additional expenses, such as utilities and transportation, to consider.

However, the close proximity to nature and usually a more relaxed lifestyle can offer benefits to both your wellbeing – and your wallet.

Says Camilla: 'It’s improved my mental health and made me much more organised and intentional with my spending.'

Whatever you decide to do, look after your money. Chase's easy-access saver account lets you start saving with as little as you like.

18+, UK residents. A Chase current account is required to open a saver account

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