Budgets
This page gathers together various bits of information I have managed to acquire about the cost of living in the 18th century. Prices did vary over time and place and so should be regarded only as approximate.
Poor people
Budget for a poor family
From 1734 we have the following weekly budget for a poor man, his wife and four children
| Meat | 6d |
| Bread | 4 1/2d |
| Butter | 1 1/2d |
| Roots, salt, sugar, etc | 1 1/2d |
| Cheese | 3/4d |
| Milk | 3/4d |
| Small and strong beer | 4 1/2d |
| Coal | 2d |
| Soap, candles and thread | 6d |
| Rent (2 rooms) | 1s 6d |
| Total | 3s 9 1/2d |
Rich Merchants and Traders
Annual Income
£400 - £600 per annum.
Annual Expenses
Expenses for a man, his wife, four children and a maidservant.
| Household expenses | £122 10s |
| Housekeeper | £12 |