Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 17 / 20

  Bath is described as the UK’s most walkable city, with compact central attractions easily reached on foot.

  Sources:

  • Mirror – UK's most walkable town
  • Travel and Tour World – Bath UK's most walkable city
  • Visit Bath – Travelling around Bath
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 7.3 / 10

  Bath Spa station on the Great Western Main Line offers frequent rail services to London, Bristol and other regional cities.

  Sources:

  • Great Western Railway – Bath Spa station info
  • National Rail – Bath Spa station details
• Public Transitⓘ 6 / 10

  Bath’s public transport includes Bath Spa rail station and extensive local bus services operated by First Bus and others.

  Sources:

  • Visit Bath – Travelling around Bath
  • First Bus – Bath network
• Affordabilityⓘ 5.3 / 10

  Numbeo reports relatively high housing and consumer prices in Bath compared with many UK cities, indicating lower affordability.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Cost of Living in Bath
• Safetyⓘ 8 / 10

  Numbeo’s Bath crime index shows moderate crime levels and a safety index suggesting residents feel reasonably safe.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Crime in Bath
• Air Qualityⓘ 9 / 10

  Bath operates a Clean Air Zone to cut NO2 from traffic, and local monitoring shows most sites now below legal limits.

  Sources:

  • Bath & North East Somerset Council – Clean Air Zone
  • Bath & North East Somerset Council – Air quality monitoring
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 8 / 10

  Bath’s cultural heritage, green spaces and generally good air quality contribute to a high perceived quality of life.

  Sources:

  • UNESCO – City of Bath World Heritage
  • Visit Bath – About Bath
• Food Cultureⓘ 6 / 10

  Bath has a diverse restaurant scene and several establishments listed in the Michelin Guide, reflecting strong food culture.

  Sources:

  • Michelin Guide – Bath restaurants
  • Visit Bath – Food and drink
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 7 / 10

  Compact layout, Clean Air Zone and good walking, cycling and bus options make Bath practical to navigate without a car.

  Sources:

  • Visit Bath – Travelling around Bath
  • Bath & North East Somerset Council – Transport strategy

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €2,250 – €2,650
• Monthly transit pass €80

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €17
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €85
• Cappuccino €3.8
• Beer (0.5L) €6.5
• Groceries / month €320

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Editorial notes

• Bath Overview

  A great short overview of Bath

Food guide

Bath’s food culture blends historic British baking and tearoom traditions with a modern, Michelin-recognised restaurant scene and strong independent cafes and pubs. Local farmers’ and covered markets supply West Country produce, cheeses and cider, anchoring a vibrant, ingredient-led food identity.

Signature dishes

• Bath BunA rich, sweet yeast bun topped with crushed sugar and often currants, traditionally served with tea.
• Sally Lunn BunA light, brioche-like historic Bath bun served toasted with sweet or savoury toppings at Sally Lunn’s Eating House.
• Bath Soft CheeseCreamy, Brie-style soft cheese made from local milk at a nearby Bath dairy farm.
• West Country Fish and ChipsClassic British battered fish with chips, often featuring sustainably sourced local catch at Bath chippies.
• Cornish PastyCrimped baked pastry filled with meat and vegetables, widely sold in Bath bakeries and cafes.
• Traditional British Pub PieHearty meat pie with gravy and sides, a staple in Bath’s classic pubs and gastropubs.
• West Country CiderLocal apple cider from Somerset and surrounding areas, common in Bath pubs and markets.

Where to eat

• The Cornish Bakery Bath bakery / cafeCentral bakery offering Cornish pasties, pastries and coffee near Bath Abbey.
• The Raven of Bath pubTraditional pub known for local ales and classic British pies in the city centre.
• Hall & Woodhouse Bath gastropub / restaurantStylish multi-level pub-restaurant in a converted Georgian building serving modern British dishes.
• Chai Walla street-food / cafePopular spot for Indian street food, wraps and chai just off Kingsmead Square.
• Menu Gordon Jones restaurantIntimate restaurant offering inventive tasting menus of elevated British cuisine.
• Cappadocia MediterraneanEnjoy authentic Turkish comfort food featuring flame-grilled kebabs, slow-cooked casseroles, fresh salads, warm flatbreads, and traditional sides—all served in a laid-back atmosphere or available to take away.

Markets & food shopping

• Bath Farmers’ Market at Green Park Station
• Guildhall Market
• Bath Artisan & Independent Market (Queen Square)