Last update: Oct 2026 United Kingdom 151.7K

Cost of Living in Braintree

For one person, living costs in Braintree are estimated at $2,191 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $31 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Braintree

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Braintree actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $2,191 per month with rent, or $932 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,191 /mo

A couple spends around $3,260 per month with rent, or $1,665 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,260 /mo

A family of three spends around $4,329 per month with rent, or $2,399 without housing.

$4,329 /mo

Overall, Braintree is 53–62% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 25% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$20.01 £15.01
$16.02 £12.01
$26.68 £20.02
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$91.5 £68.6
$65.3 £49.01
$131 £98.0
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.44 £7.83
$9.79 £7.34
$15.66 £11.74
Cappuccino
$4.61 £3.46
$3.24 £2.43
$5.82 £4.37
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.82 £1.36
$1.56 £1.17
$3.90 £2.93
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.13 £0.85
$0.94 £0.71
$2.67 £2.01
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.71 £5.03
$5.37 £4.03
$7.78 £5.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.90 £4.42
$4.59 £3.44
$7.86 £5.90
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.43 £1.07
$1.10 £0.82
$2.58 £1.94
White Bread (500g)
$1.38 £1.03
$1.00 £0.75
$2.67 £2.01
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.64 £1.23
$1.21 £0.91
$5.25 £3.94
Eggs
$2.95 £2.21
$1.77 £1.33
$4.75 £3.56
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.65 £6.49
$4.05 £3.04
$13.49 £10.12
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.74 £5.81
$3.93 £2.95
$13.10 £9.83
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.97 £9.73
$5.33 £4.00
$19.96 £14.98
Apples (1kg)
$3.15 £2.36
$0.85 £0.64
$6.49 £4.87
Banana (1kg)
$1.40 £1.05
$1.01 £0.76
$3.91 £2.93
Oranges (1kg)
$2.58 £1.94
$1.34 £1.00
$3.99 £2.99
Tomato (1kg)
$2.78 £2.08
$0.58 £0.44
$3.91 £2.93
Potato (1kg)
$1.65 £1.24
$0.48 £0.36
$2.67 £2.00
Onion (1kg)
$1.41 £1.06
$0.87 £0.65
$3.89 £2.92
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.19 £0.89
$0.97 £0.72
$2.57 £1.93
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.36 £1.02
$0.58 £0.44
$2.60 £1.95
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$23.37 £17.53
$18.43 £13.83
$23.70 £17.78
Wine (Bottle)
$9.00 £6.75
$6.55 £4.91
$14.40 £10.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.69 £2.02
$0.90 £0.68
$3.09 £2.31
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.34 £1.75
$1.29 £0.96
$6.44 £4.83
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$3.42 £2.56
$2.62 £1.97
$3.94 £2.96
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$94.4 £70.9
$65.0 £48.79
$104 £78.1
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.77 £3.58
$4.77 £3.58
$9.04 £6.78
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.29 £0.97
$1.29 £0.97
$1.41 £1.06
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.52 £16.14
$13.39 £10.04
$29.66 £22.25
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.09 £1.57
$1.84 £1.38
$2.35 £1.77
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$37.4K £28.0K
$37.2K £27.9K
$38.0K £28.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$40.0K £30.0K
$39.9K £29.9K
$40.1K £30.1K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$249 £186
$200 £150
$397 £298
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$14.35 £10.77
$10.60 £7.96
$16.57 £12.43
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$40.48 £30.37
$32.82 £24.62
$45.94 £34.46
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$45.52 £34.15
$26.39 £19.80
$59.4 £44.55
Cinema Ticket
$21.07 £15.81
$19.10 £14.33
$32.93 £24.70
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,070 £802
$802 £602
$2,139 £1,605
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$19.9K £14.9K
$19.9K £14.9K
$23.9K £17.9K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$69.7 £52.3
$33.20 £24.90
$133 £99.6
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.23 £23.43
$19.73 £14.80
$52.6 £39.47
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$77.9 £58.4
$53.0 £39.77
$126 £94.4
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$49.97 £37.49
$26.07 £19.56
$104 £78.2
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,220 £915
$1,057 £793
$1,454 £1,090
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,010 £758
$858 £644
$1,188 £892
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,060 £1,545
$1,689 £1,267
$2,339 £1,755
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,682 £1,262
$1,413 £1,060
$2,018 £1,514
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$5,118 £3,839
$2,785 £2,089
$5,118 £3,839
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,798 £2,850
$1,951 £1,464
$3,798 £2,850
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.67
3.5
5.11

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Braintree $2,191
Accommodation & Living
$1K
Eating Out
$304
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$303
Groceries & Markets
$263
Getting Around
$119
Clothing & Footwear
$103
Sport & Entertainment
$88

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $263 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $91.0 – above the European average of $73.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $94.4 – above the European average of $49.00.

Cost Highlights

Braintree is more expensive than 72% of cities worldwide and 78% within Europe.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
22:42 10:42 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
151,677
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to GBP – British Pound Converter

British Pound exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 0.75 GBP (1 GBP = 1.33 USD). 1 EUR = 0.843 GBP (1 GBP = 1.19 EUR).

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Braintree Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Braintree - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Braintree a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to nearby towns and London?
Cost of Living in Braintree, United Kingdom sits in a comfortable middle tier for southern England, with housing typically more affordable than central London while offering straightforward rail access to the capital. As a traveler, expat, or digital nomad, you'll find practical options: comfortable flats, family houses, and short-term rentals near the town center. Groceries and dining present sensible choices, from local markets to familiar chains. The pace is relaxed, amenities are walkable, and connections to Colchester, Cambridge, and London are convenient for occasional ventures. Seasonal highlights include weekend markets and outlet shopping that help balance your budget. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods and transit times.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
The Braintree, United Kingdom living cost is a helpful gauge as you plan daily life. Housing search usually yields a mix of town-center flats and larger houses on the outskirts, with local agents and portals guiding viewings. For groceries, expect supermarkets alongside local markets and affordable cafés. Transport relies on the rail line to London and regional buses; many use bikes or walk for short trips. Errands stay convenient with a handful of essential shops in town and easy trips to nearby towns for specialty items. Tip: Create a quick compare-list of rents, transit times, and essential amenities.
What quality of life aspects and budgeting strategies help you fit in and enjoy Braintree across seasons and neighborhoods?
Quality of life in Braintree hinges on balance and neighborhood fit. Use a simple budgeting framework: housing and utilities first, groceries and meals second, transport and phone/internet third, with a buffer for leisure. In practice, picking a walkable neighborhood near the town center or the rail station reduces transit costs and saves time. Seasonal activities include farmers markets, countryside walks, and occasional outlet shopping trips that can be wallet-friendly with advance planning. If you value green space, consider areas near the River Brain or Creek. Tip: Set a monthly review day to adjust your plan as you settle in.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Braintree?
All in, Braintree runs about $2,191 monthly with rent, or $932 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
Is the cost of living in Braintree reasonable?
Braintree is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $2,191. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Braintree?
You'll want at least $3,286 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Braintree. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Braintree?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Braintree runs about $1,220 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $1,010. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Braintree per month?
Private kindergarten in Braintree costs about $1,070 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Braintree?
Expect to pay about $45.52 per month for a gym in Braintree – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Braintree?
$3,000 is below the $2,191 average in Braintree, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What are the pros and cons of living in Braintree?
Quality of life in Braintree is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $2,191. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.

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