How Much Does It Cost to Live in Aberystwyth for One Month?

Aberystwyth is often described as the 'jewel' of the west coast of Wales. Nestled between an arc of hills and two beaches, it has a thriving university, the country's National Library, some interesting castle ruins, a pier and a harbor opening to the Irish Sea.

It's a popular summer holiday destination for both United Kingdom residents and overseas visitors alike, so that may a good time to visit if you are seeking to work abroad. However, Aberystwyth's handsome seafront, stunning nearby walks, historical monuments and excellent transport links to the rest of the U.K. make it an appealing place to stay all year round. 

What is the Cost of One Month of Housing in Aberystwyth?

Between £510 a month for a shared dorm in a hostel to £1,600 for a self-contained apartment.

As Aberystwyth is a popular place to holiday accommodation during the summer months and Christmas and New Year periods can rocket in price.

There are no hostels in Aberystwyth itself but there is YHA in Borth, about 7 miles away. A bed in a shared dorm is £17 a night or, if you're part of a small group travelling to work abroad or volunteer abroad, take one of their private rooms sleeping up to 4 people for £45 a night. Buses to Aberystwyth run hourly and stop right outside the hostel.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Portland Street, has double en-suites with breakfast included for £42 a night and Shelley Town Residence, 19 Prospect Street has double rooms with shared bathroom for £27.

For a self contained apartment, AirBnB has places on offer from £50 a night if you are prepared to stay a little way out of town or a fixed and residential caravan very close to the beachfront from £54 night.

During vacations Aberystwyth University offers places in its student accommodation from £36 for a single room. Check out the university's website for details.

What is the Cost of Transportation for One Month in Aberystwyth?

About £250 if you are just travelling locally

Aberystwyth Station has regular rail services linking Aberystwyth with other parts of Wales and the U.K. Travel after 0930 and before 1630 to get the cheapest fares.

Aberystwyth is a compact place albeit with some steep climbs. Most attractions, pubs and shops are close together and within easy walking distance. You may wish to use a bus to reach the main university campus (it's up a big hill!) if you are in Aberystwyth to study abroad. Bus route 03 provides a convenient link from the town center and seafront to Penglais Campus, the Arts Centre and the National Library. Tickets can be bought from the driver. A '12 ticket' allows 12 journeys, within a month, on any day of the week for the price of £1.17 per single trip instead of £2.

If you want to travel more widely in West Wales, get a 'Rover Ticket' which you can buy on the first bus you travel on and then use throughout the day. It's valid on most local bus services in the nearby region. This ticket costs £7.50 for a day or £28 for a week.

What is the Cost of Food for One Month in Aberystwyth?

Budget £250-£300 for meals mostly cooked at home with the odd lunch and drinks out

Shopping in local supermarkets expect to pay 75p for a liter of milk, £2.60 for 12 eggs, £2.60 for a kilo of apples and £6-7 for a bottle of wine. In cafes and bars, expect to pay £3-4 for a half liter of domestic beer and £2-3 for a cappuccino.

Local markets are a good way to get reasonably priced seasonal and local grown food. Aberystwyth Farmer's Market, North Parade, is held every first and third Saturday of the month with up to 30 stallholders offering cheese, cider, meat and baked goods.

There are some great restaurants featuring the excellent produce West Wales has on offer including Gwesty Cymru, 19 Marine Terrace which has 'Welsh Rarebit' for just under £7, plus a '2 course' lunch deal for £7.25. Popular pubs include Yr Hen Lew Du, 16 Bridge Street, which also serves good food and the Nag's Head, 26 Bridge Street which has a range of cask ales. Scholars, 10 Queen's Road, is also a popular live music venue. 

What is the Cost of Entertainment for One Month in Aberystwyth?

Aberystwyth is a wonderful place to wander and enjoy sea walks and coastal views.

The inner and middle walls are all that remain of Aberystwyth Castle, which dates from the 13^th century, but its grounds are a great place from which enjoy the view down to Cardigan Bay.

The National Library of Wales houses a vast collection of books and archives. Guided tours of the library are also available. The auditorium, Drwm, hosts regular literary and cultural events, some of them free.

The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain. It climbs Constitution Hill from the northern end of the promenade with trains running every few minutes during the holiday season. Tickets from £3.50 return for students.

Situated at the University's Penglais Campus Aberystwyth Arts Centre provides a range of entertainment, workshops and activities including a cinema (tickets £3.50), theatre (tickets from £6, concessions available), a studio offering comedy nights (tickets £5), live music and some free exhibitions.

Pressure Nightclub is situated on the Pier and is open until 3am on some nights. Entry from £1, it offers beer and spirits for £1.75. 

Want to Work Abroad in Aberystwyth?

There are plenty of job opportunities in Aberystwyth from becoming an activity leader at a children's summer camp to helping to conserve and monitor some of the habitat and wildlife in the surrounding countryside. Check the Aberystwyth University and Gumtree websites for more details.