Cost of living in Northampton

Located in the East Midlands of England, Northampton is the perfect base for new arrivals looking to enjoy living in a more rural area while being just a short drive or train ride away from key commercial centres. Newcomers moving here will be able to enjoy a high quality of life at a reasonable cost.

Cost of accommodation in Northampton

Accommodation in Northampton is much more affordable than in the likes of London and Birmingham, but new arrivals should still be prepared to spend a significant chunk of their earnings on housing. The town’s popularity has led to an increased demand for housing, so property prices in Northampton continue to rise and are currently above the national UK average.

Cost of entertainment in Northampton

An excellent place for a night out, Northampton offers plenty of lifestyle options. Thanks to Northampton's status as a university town, new arrivals will have access to a plethora of budget-friendly student watering holes.

With 170 parks spanning 1180 acres, as well as the nearby River Nene, there's plenty of free outdoor entertainment in the form of leisurely strolls, picnics, cycling and swimming.

Northampton boasts a thriving culinary scene, with local and international fare to suit any palate. There's a range of options available, from cheap fast food eats to pricey fine dining.

Cost of groceries in Northampton

While the general cost of food items has gone up in the UK, newcomers can stretch their budgets by shopping around. Bargain hunters need look no further than discount supermarkets such as Aldi and the local Northampton markets for fresh produce and grocery staples. Those with a few quid to spare will find a range of speciality and imported products at stores, including Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.

Cost of transport in Northampton

Getting around in Northampton is painless and affordable, owing to the town’s reliable and efficient transport links. Newcomers moving to Northampton’s countryside will generally need a car to make travelling convenient, which may be costly, considering petrol and maintenance fees. Those who live closer to the town centre will have access to Northampton’s bus and rail network – this may be the more economical choice, as purchasing multi-journey and season tickets will allow commuters to stretch their bucks.

It's also possible to get around Northampton’s streets on two wheels, weather permitting. The town offers dedicated cycle paths and racks.

Cost of education in Northampton

Northampton and the surrounding areas have a fair few public and independent (private) schools, some with ‘outstanding’ rankings from the UK’s Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). While independent schools can be pricey, they usually offer smaller class sizes, modern facilities and a wider range of activities. The town is also home to the renowned University of Northampton and several colleges.

Cost of healthcare in Northampton

Public healthcare in Northampton is provided by the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS generally provides a good quality of service, though waiting times can be long.

Non-UK nationals need to pay a healthcare surcharge to access the NHS if they'll be in the UK for longer than six months. The fee, which amounts to a few hundred pounds, is paid when applying for a visa. Once expats are granted indefinite leave to remain (in other words, when they become permanent residents), the fee is no longer required, and they can continue accessing the NHS.

Private healthcare is available but tends to be expensive. Comprehensive private health insurance is recommended for those wishing to make use of the private health system. Note that expats who are not permanent residents will still need to pay a healthcare surcharge, even if they are privately insured and don't intend to use the NHS.