Why Should I Care About the Cost of a Bath?

With rising utility bills and growing concerns over environmental sustainability, I’ve recently found myself asking: How much does it cost to run a bath?

As someone living in the UK, where gas and electricity prices have seen notable fluctuations, understanding how my daily routines affect my finances and carbon footprint has become more important than ever.

A bath isn’t just about relaxation anymore — it’s about budgeting, energy efficiency, and conscious living. So, I decided to break it all down and get clear answers.

How Much Water Does the Average Bath Use in the UK?

The average bath water usage in the UK is around 80 to 100 litres per bath. Of course, this depends on the size and depth of your bathtub.

I checked mine — a standard UK tub — and found that it comfortably holds about 90 litres when filled to a normal level.

Here’s a helpful breakdown:

Type of Bath	Water Usage (Litres)
Small bath	70–80 L
Standard UK bath	80–100 L
Deep soaking tub	100–130 L
Freestanding bath	120–150 L

So if you’re like me and love a deep soak, you might be using more than 120 litres every time you run a bath!

What’s the Cost of Heating Water for a Bath?

Water alone doesn’t cost much — but heating it does. The cost of heating water in the UK varies depending on whether you use gas or electricity.

Gas is usually cheaper, but electric boilers or immersion heaters are common in many homes, especially flats.

Here’s an overview:

Heating Type	Energy Rate (2025)	Cost per 100 Litres Heated
Gas Boiler	6.9p per kWh	~30–40p
Electric Boiler	24.5p per kWh	~90p–£1.20

I use a gas combi boiler, and it costs me about 35p to heat enough water for a bath. If you’re using an electric immersion heater, the cost can be almost triple.

How Do Gas and Electric Costs Compare in 2025?

Thanks to updated OFGEM data, the average energy prices in 2025 are:

• Gas: ~6.9p per kWh
• Electricity: ~24.5p per kWh

This means electric heating is over three times more expensive than gas. Here’s how that translates into bath costs:

Scenario	Estimated Cost per Bath
Gas-heated bath (100L)	30–45p
Electric-heated bath (100L)	90p–£1.20

If you’re unsure what system you have, it’s worth checking — especially if you’re trying to cut down your utility bills.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Bath? – Can I Calculate the Exact Cost?

Yes — and I did. Here’s a simple formula you can use:

Bath Cost (£) = (Litres × Temp Rise × 4.18) ÷ 3600000 × kWh rate

To simplify:

• For gas: £0.0035 per litre
  
• For electricity: £0.011–0.012 per litre
  

So, if I run a 90L bath with gas heating:

90 × £0.0035 = £0.31

And with electric heating:

90 × £0.012 = £1.08

Tip: Check your water temperature settings — many people heat water to 60°C but only need 40°C for a comfortable bath.

Is Taking a Bath More Expensive Than a Shower?

In short — yes, usually. Let’s compare:

Type	Water Usage	Heating Cost (Gas)	Heating Cost (Electric)
Bath	80–120 L	~30–45p	~90p–£1.20
5-min Shower	35–45 L	~10–15p	~35–50p
10-min Shower	70–90 L	~20–30p	~70–95p

If you love long showers (like me on winter mornings), your cost can be similar to a bath. But for short, efficient showers, you’ll save both water and money.

How Do Water Meter Charges Affect the Cost?

Water itself isn’t free — unless you live in a home without a meter. I’m on a water meter, so every litre counts.

Key points to consider:

• Metered homes: You’re charged per cubic metre (1,000 litres)
• Unmetered homes: Fixed annual rate based on property size and value
• Average water rate (2025): £2.14 per m³

So, a 90-litre bath = 0.09 m³

0.09 × £2.14 = ~19p per bath (just for water)

Are There Ways to Reduce the Cost of Taking a Bath?

Absolutely. Over the past year, I’ve tried a few tricks and saved a decent chunk on my bills. Here are some easy wins:

Water & Energy-Saving Tips:

• Use less water: Don’t overfill the bath
• Lower your boiler temperature
• Take baths during off-peak hours if on a time-of-use tariff
• Share bath water with kids (gross but effective!)
• Install an eco bath plug or water flow restrictor

These can reduce both the cost of heating water and the total litres used.

What Other Factors Impact Bathing Costs?

I’ve found that small details can make a big difference:

• Boiler efficiency: An A-rated boiler can save ~10–15% annually
• Insulation: A well-insulated home keeps hot water hotter, longer
• Bath material: Cast iron baths retain heat better but cost more to fill
• Family usage: More baths = more bills, especially in winter

Final Thoughts: Is Running a Bath Worth the Cost?

After doing the math and testing a few approaches, I’ve found that a standard bath in the UK costs between £0.50 and £1.40, depending on how you heat your water and whether your home is on a water meter.

While showers are generally cheaper, I still believe that an occasional bath is worth it — for relaxation, muscle recovery, or just unwinding after a tough day.

Still, I’m mindful now. I monitor my energy use, and when I take a bath, I try to make it count. Everything happens only by knowing on how much does it cost to run a bath.

A warm soak doesn’t have to burn a hole in your budget — just your stress.

Related Article: How Much Do B&Q Charge to Fit a Bathroom?

Frequently Asked Questions on How Much Does It Cost to Run a Bath

1. How much does a 10-minute bath cost?

Typically £0.30–£1.20 depending on heating method and water meter charges.

2. Are bubble baths more expensive?

Not significantly — but using very hot water to counter the cooling effect of bubbles can raise heating costs.

3. Does using hot water from the immersion tank cost more?

Yes — electric immersion heaters are less efficient and more costly than gas boilers.