Last update: Oct 2026 United Kingdom 45.3K

Cost of Living in Folkestone

For one person, living costs in Folkestone are estimated at $1,957 a month, including rent and utilities – 20% below the national average. Rent and utilities take more than half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Folkestone

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

A single person spends around $1,957 per month with rent, or $913 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,957 /mo

A couple spends around $3,010 per month with rent, or $1,572 for everyday expenses alone.

$3,010 /mo

A family of three spends around $4,063 per month with rent, or $2,231 without housing.

$4,063 /mo

Overall, Folkestone is about 45% above the global median. Within Europe, costs are slightly above average (12%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Folkestone? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.05 £12.79
$13.12 £9.84
$26.23 £19.68
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$65.1 £48.82
$52.1 £39.05
$104 £78.1
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.41 £7.81
$9.76 £7.32
$16.91 £12.68
Cappuccino
$4.75 £3.56
$3.34 £2.51
$6.69 £5.02
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.71 £2.03
$2.01 £1.51
$4.68 £3.51
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.85 £1.39
$1.35 £1.01
$2.70 £2.02
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.06 £5.30
$3.38 £2.53
$9.46 £7.10
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.67 £5.00
$5.33 £4.00
$9.33 £7.00
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.50 £1.13
$1.19 £0.90
$2.58 £1.94
White Bread (500g)
$1.38 £1.04
$1.01 £0.76
$1.69 £1.27
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.29 £0.97
$1.19 £0.89
$2.58 £1.94
Eggs
$3.02 £2.27
$1.81 £1.36
$3.94 £2.95
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.51 £7.13
$3.98 £2.99
$15.93 £11.95
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.88 £5.91
$4.00 £3.00
$13.32 £9.99
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.72 £11.04
$5.32 £3.99
$19.97 £14.98
Apples (1kg)
$3.26 £2.45
$0.89 £0.66
$5.92 £4.44
Banana (1kg)
$1.44 £1.08
$1.04 £0.78
$4.01 £3.00
Oranges (1kg)
$2.77 £2.08
$1.99 £1.50
$2.99 £2.24
Tomato (1kg)
$3.16 £2.37
$0.58 £0.43
$3.88 £2.91
Potato (1kg)
$1.68 £1.26
$0.49 £0.37
$2.72 £2.04
Onion (1kg)
$1.41 £1.06
$0.87 £0.65
$3.87 £2.90
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.66 £1.24
$0.96 £0.72
$2.56 £1.92
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.43 £1.07
$0.78 £0.59
$2.62 £1.96
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$23.43 £17.58
$18.48 £13.86
$23.76 £17.83
Wine (Bottle)
$11.06 £8.30
$10.72 £8.05
$13.40 £10.05
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.72 £2.04
$0.92 £0.69
$2.86 £2.14
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.69 £2.77
$1.35 £1.01
$6.77 £5.08
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.62 £1.96
$2.62 £1.96
$3.40 £2.55
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$33.05 £24.79
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.34 £1.01
$1.34 £1.01
$6.71 £5.04
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.62 £1.21
$1.62 £1.21
$1.62 £1.21
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.08 £15.82
$13.11 £9.84
$39.34 £29.51
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.99 £1.49
$1.81 £1.36
$2.33 £1.75
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$37.9K £28.4K
$37.7K £28.3K
$38.5K £28.9K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$40.2K £30.2K
$40.1K £30.1K
$40.3K £30.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$249 £187
$201 £151
$266 £199
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$24.71 £18.54
$13.36 £10.02
$52.1 £39.08
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$41.19 £30.90
$32.95 £24.72
$68.5 £51.4
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$72.7 £54.5
$59.5 £44.62
$85.9 £64.4
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$9.58 £7.19
-
Cinema Ticket
$21.21 £15.91
$19.21 £14.41
$26.51 £19.89
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,047 £786
$785 £589
$1,309 £982
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$20.1K £15.1K
$20.1K £15.1K
$20.1K £15.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$68.7 £51.5
$32.71 £24.54
$131 £98.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.08 £23.32
$19.64 £14.73
$45.82 £34.37
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$78.8 £59.1
$40.22 £30.18
$127 £95.6
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$50.4 £37.79
$26.28 £19.72
$78.9 £59.2
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,142 £857
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$794 £596
$664 £498
$924 £693
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,491 £1,119
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,582 £1,187
$1,572 £1,180
$1,592 £1,194
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,437 £2,578
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,398 £2,549
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.91
4
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.
Folkestone $1,957
Accommodation & Living
$794
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$315
Eating Out
$291
Groceries & Markets
$285
Sport & Entertainment
$115
Clothing & Footwear
$103
Getting Around
$53

Cost Breakdown

Groceries cost around $285 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $65.0 – broadly in line with the European average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $33.05 – among the cheapest in Europe (average $49.00).

Cost Highlights

Gym membership is more expensive than 94% of cities in Europe

Imported beer is more expensive than 93% of cities in Europe

Rice is cheaper than 93% of cities in Europe

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:59 8:59 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
45,273
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to GBP – British Pound Converter

British Pound exchange rates as of October 18, 2026: 1 USD = 0.75 GBP (1 GBP = 1.33 USD). 1 EUR = 0.843 GBP (1 GBP = 1.19 EUR).

On the map
From you
  • Folkestone

Distances are measured in a straight line. Your location is detected approximately.

Folkestone Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Folkestone - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Folkestone compare in affordability, and who tends to get the best value here?
People moving to Folkestone find a balance between a seaside lifestyle and practical costs. Cost of Living in Folkestone, United Kingdom tends to be gentler than in London or many southern hubs, with a mix of housing options and neighborhood vibes to match different budgets. You can choose compact flats near the station, traditional terraces close to the seafront, or modern units a short walk from cafes and markets. Local transport is straightforward, with rail links and buses connecting you to larger hubs when needed. Seasonal tourism nudges street life and prices, but steady routines help keep daily expenses predictable. Tip: start with a short neighborhood tour to compare daily costs and routines.
What does day-to-day life look like in Folkestone in terms of housing search, food options, transport, co-working, and errands?
Begin your housing search by focusing on central Folkestone neighborhoods near the seafront or Old Town, where short commutes and walkable streets pay off. Expect a mix of flats, terraces, and house shares; lease lengths can vary, so look for flexible options. Food options range from weekly markets to modern eateries and international groceries, with cooking at home often cheaper than dining out. For getting around, rail links connect you to wider Kent and London, plus a decent local bus network; cycling is pleasant along the coast. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi suit freelancers, while errands unfold easily in a compact town center. Folkestone, United Kingdom living cost fluctuates with tourism and seasons. Tip: map two or three transit routes and test them during rush periods.
What budgeting strategies and lifestyle choices help maximize quality of life in Folkestone, considering seasonality and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Folkestone blends coast, community, and practical budgeting. Use a simple framework: prioritize housing choices that fit your work rhythm, then balance utilities, groceries, and transport. Stretch meals by shopping at local markets and cooking with seasonal produce; seafood bought at cooperative fish shops can be cheaper and fresher. Neighborhood fit matters: Old Town offers character and proximity to cafes, while Harbour and Cliff areas provide sea views and quieter streets. Expect seasonal shifts in crowding and parking, but also opportunities for quieter months with lower activity that can lower stress and costs. Tip: try a trial month to compare costs, commute times, and daily routines across two neighborhoods.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Folkestone?
All in, Folkestone runs about $1,957 monthly with rent, or $913 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 Folkestone reasonable?
Folkestone is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,957. 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 Folkestone?
You'll want at least $2,935 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Folkestone. 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 Folkestone?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Folkestone runs about $1,142 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $794. 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 Folkestone per month?
Private kindergarten in Folkestone costs about $1,047 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 Folkestone?
Expect to pay about $72.7 per month for a gym in Folkestone – 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 Folkestone?
$3,000 is below the $1,957 average in Folkestone, 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 makes Folkestone attractive for retirement?
Folkestone makes a good retirement base. About $2,935 per month covers housing, healthcare, and everyday needs with enough left for some leisure and travel. It strikes a nice balance between cost and comfort.
Is Folkestone affordable for the average person?
Folkestone is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,957, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

Folkestone vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities

Show times on the 12-hour clock, temperatures in °F and distances in miles?