Rural cost of living report from RSN

Rural cost of living – Overview of key differences in cost of living between rural and urban locations

This report produced by Kovia Consulting for the Rural Services Network, which represents rural councils and other rural service providers, examined the key differences in cost-of-living between rural and urban locations. It found that rural residents working in rural economies earn much less than urban residents, yet still face significantly higher costs across key aspects of living including heating, transport, house prices, rent, food prices, child-care costs and council tax.

The research found that homes in rural areas tend to be less energy efficient with 60 percent of rural  homes having an EPC of D or below. Rural households also face a greater fuel poverty gap. The reduction in fuel bills needed to take rural households out of full poverty is £501, compared to an England average of £223. With many rural properties less energy efficient and off the gas grid, the estimated energy cost is 10 percent higher in rural areas, increasing up to as much as 17 percent in Yorkshire and the Humber. And with soaring energy bills and increased price cap, these prices are set to increase further.