Cost of Living in Watford
Hertfordshire, England
Average House Price
£385.3k
+33%vs UK avg (£290k)
Median Salary
£39,283
+1%vs UK avg (£39,039)
Average Rent
£1,190/mo
+1%vs UK avg (£1,200)
Quick Facts
Council Tax
£2,124
Band D / yr
Energy
£147
/ mo
Water
£35.00
/ mo
Broadband
£41.00
/ mo
Bus Pass
£78.62
/ mo
Housing
House Prices in Watford
Average price (all types)
£385,320
House prices in Watford have increased by +4.0% over the past year.
Salaries
Salaries in Watford
vs UK National Median (£39,039)
Monthly costs
Monthly Cost of Living in Watford
| Category | Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Rent | £1,190 |
| Housing | Council Tax | £177 |
| Utilities | Energy | £147 |
| Utilities | Water | £35.00 |
| Utilities | Broadband | £41.00 |
| Transport | Transport | £203 |
| Food | Groceries | £286 |
| Leisure | Leisure | £165 |
| Estimated Total | £2,244 |
These figures are estimates based on averages and may vary depending on your lifestyle, property type, and household size. Council tax shown at Band D; your band may differ.
Transport
Transport Costs in Watford
£78.62
£1.56
£203
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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Watford
- What is the average house price in Watford?
- The average house price in Watford is £385,320, based on HM Land Registry data for 2025-12-01. Detached homes average £575,700, while flats and apartments average £228,000. Prices have risen by +4.0% over the past year.
- What is the average salary in Watford?
- The median annual salary in Watford is £39,283, compared to the UK national median of £39,039. This is £244 above the national average, making it a higher-earning area. Salaries typically range from £26,928 (lower quartile) to £52,965 (upper quartile).
- How much does it cost to rent in Watford?
- Average monthly rent in Watford is £1,190 per month. Rents have increased by +3.8% over the past year.
- Is Watford an affordable place to live?
- Watford can be a stretch for those on median earnings. Rent accounts for approximately 36% of the median monthly income, which exceeds the 30% affordability guideline. The average monthly rent is £1,190, while the median annual salary is £39,283 (approximately £3,274 per month before tax).
- How does Watford compare to London?
- The average house price in Watford is £385,320, compared to approximately £551,000 in London. Property in Watford costs around 70% of London prices, making it £165,680 cheaper on average. Rent is also more affordable, at £1,190 per month versus approximately £2,253 in London.
- Are house prices rising or falling in Watford?
- House prices in Watford are currently rising, with a +4.0% increase over the past year. The current average price of £385,320 reflects data from 2025-12-01. As with all property markets, past performance does not guarantee future changes.
Nearby
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