Exeter has become a standout tech city in the South West, thanks to a mix of university partnerships and support for entrepreneurs. Recent upgrades have provided fast gigabit broadband to most homes and startups. This, along with a good tech recruitment agency in Exeter, lays out the groundwork for quick business growth.
- The Tech Sector in Exeter
- Tech Job Market in Exeter
- Tech Job Salaries in Exeter
- Using Exeter Technology Recruitment Agencies for Tech Jobs in Exeter
- Technological Advancements and Smart City Initiatives
- The Cost of Living in Exeter
- Housing in Exeter
- Buying in Exeter
- Commuting and Public Transport in and Around Exeter
- The Education System in Exeter
- Life Outside of Work in Exeter
The Tech Sector in Exeter
Initiatives like the Exeter Innovation Accelerator and SETsquared Exeter gives targeted investment and specialist advice to startup tech companies. These companies have had success in sectors including:
- Green energy
- AI
- Health tech
- National headlines for innovation in EV charging
- Climate tech
- AI media
This demonstrates Exeter’s creative depth. The university of Exeter connects with research and real world partnerships. As a result, Exeter’s tech industry is generating new jobs, and helping position the city at the forefront of UK tech growth in 2025.
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Tech Job Market in Exeter
Exeter is advancing in digital connectivity, with around 86% of homes and businesses now able to access gigabit speed broadband as part of nationwide infrastructure upgrades. This surge in high speed internet availability is supported by investments from Openreach and Virgin Media.
The city’s technology sector continues to grow supported by programmes from Exeter City Council and Exeter Science Park, which offer business mentoring and funding. Collaborations with the University of Exeter further increase innovation and skills development.
Together with the choice of tech recruitment agency in Exeter, this creates a good environment for tech companies and professionals to thrive.
Tech Job Salaries in Exeter
In Exeter, a tech job in Exeter salary for senior and Entry level Exeter tech jobs vary depending on experience and job type. Speaking with a tech recruitment agency in Exeter give an idea what to can expect when it comes to a tech job in Exeter salary.
Senior level positions tech job in Exeter salary
- Senior software engineers salary: £35,000 and £58,000 per year
- Senior contractors typically fall between £450 and £550
Mid level tech job in Exeter salary
- Technical consultants and Network analysts salaries: from £40,000 – £48,000
- Contract rates: £400 to £480 per day
Entry level Exeter tech jobs
- Junior developers and IT support technicians: between £25,000 and £29,000
- Contracts rates: £130 per day
Exeter’s tech sector offers competitive salaries across permanent and contract jobs, making it an attractive location for professionals at all career stages. Visit our Hexwired Recruitment, one of the Exeter recruitment agencies, for a tailored tech job in Exeter salary guide for tech jobs and entry level Exeter tech jobs.
Technological Advancements and Smart City Initiatives
Exeter Futures Research
The University of Exeter Future initiative supports interdisciplinary research that tackles societal and environmental challenges. This program promotes partnerships across disciplines to change ideas into impactful solutions.
Innovation and Business Support
Exeter Innovation works closely with businesses to change academic research into practical applications. They provide tailored support, talent development, and access to research and sustainability.
Tech Hubs and Facilities
Exeter has advanced centres like Exeter Science Park and the Enterprise Zone. These provide startups and SMEs with state of the art infrastructure and networking opportunities.
Sustainability Initiatives
The city is advancing sustainability through collaborations like the partnership between the University of Exeter and AWS, which focuses on innovation to deal with climate challenges.
Inclusive Innovation
Exeter supports early career researchers and diverse entrepreneurs through funding awards and programs. These are designed to create inclusive innovation that benefits both local communities and wider regions.
The Cost of Living in Exeter
Exeter is a popular alternative to London for people who want manageable living costs without compromising on amenities. Cost of living show substantial savings for residents in Exeter, including accommodation, everyday expenses, food and transport.
Housing Expenses
- Renting a one bedroom flat in Exeter city centre averages about £975 per month, nearly half the London rate.
- Three bedroom properties are typically £1,900 monthly, while comparable homes in London are over £4,000.
- The average price to buy a house in Exeter as of September 2025 is £295,000, much lower than the London average, which is still over £500,000.
Food, Essentials & Leisure
- A meal in an inexpensive Exeter restaurant is around £15 compared to London’s £20
- Mid range dinners for two are generally £62 – £80, roughly 25% lower than in London
- Grocery staples like bread, fruit, and vegetables, are 20% cheaper than London
- Entertainment such as cinema tickets or fitness club memberships also comes at a discount, often 10 – 65% less than London
Transport
- Local bus fares are £2 per ride
- Monthly passes about £77, while London averages are nearly £183.
- Short taxi journeys in Exeter can be less than in central London.
Utilities & Internet
- Average utilities for a standard flat are £212 per month in Exeter, slightly lower than London
- Unlimited broadband plan start around £30 per month.
Altogether, Exeter’s living costs are approximately 30% lower than London’s, helping people stretch their budgets further.
Housing in Exeter
Exeter’s property market offers lots of choice for anyone moving for a tech job or entry level Exeter tech jobs, with everything from urban flats to spacious suburban homes.
City Centre Living
- One bedroom apartments in Exeter’s city centre rent for around £900 per month
- Typical flats or maisonettes sell for £176,000 to £200,000
These homes are well suited for professionals who value quick access to train stations, shops, and bars.
Family Areas
Neigbourhoods like Heavitree, St Leonards, and Pennsylvania attract families as they have well rated schools, and a friendly atmosphere.
- Terraced houses in Exeter average £293,000
- A standard three bedroom property costs around £295,000 to £330,000
These locations provide the space and quiet many families want.
Larger Homes and Detached Properties
For even more room, four bedroom houses for sale are around the £490,000 to £545,000 mark, while detached homes average about £540,000. Topsham and Alphingtom are popular among buyers wanting bigger gardens and a more village feel. These are all within easy reach of Exeter’s city centre.
Buying in Exeter
Exeter is still an attractive destination for homebuyers, thanks to its mix of affordability and long term value. As of August 2025, the average price for a property across Exeter is around £279,000.
- Detached homes in the city are prices near £490,000 to £540,000
- Semi detached properties typically cost between £322,000 and £330,000
- Terraced houses average approximately £293,000
- Flats are generally the least expensive choice at about £176,000.
Entry level homes for first time buyers average £240,000 and improved mortgage affordability gives more people a chance to get on the property ladder. Demand continues to outpace supply, especially for affordable properties, resulting in competition.
Most sales in Exeter involve resale properties, while new builds have a premium and are usually priced from £350,000 to £400,000. The city benefits from ongoing improvements to local amenities.
Most sales in Exeter involve resale properties, while new builds are usually priced from £350,000 to £400,000. The city benefits from ongoing improvements to local amenities and infrastructure, this helps continued interest from tech professionals and investors.
Commuting and Public Transport in and Around Exeter
Exeter’s bus and transport network makes moving around the city easier as it offers a range of routes and services to nearby towns.
Bus Operators and Routes
Stagecoach South West is the main bus provider for the city as it runs numerous routes which covers the centre, the University of Exeter, and outlying areas like Exmouth and Sidmouth. Buses such as Honiton and Pinhoe Road can run every five to twelve minutes. Services are updated on a regular basis to reflect usage levels by Devon County Council.
Ticketing and Digital Tools
Bus users in Exeter can pay with contactless cards, and they can plan journeys with real time information services on the Stagecoach platform. These options are in place to reduce waiting times and keep travel accessible, especially for commuters and students.
Sustainable and Active Travel
Exeter is committed to green transport with plans for things like:
- Improved cycle lanes
- Expanded EV charging stations at car parks
- Electrical buses
- Integration with walking and cycling paths around university sites and parks
Access for Newcomers
If you’re working with local Exeter technology recruitment agencies, they can ensure you have access to public transport and cycling routes. This means most residential areas are no more than 15 – 30 minutes from major employers and the city centre.
For more information on routes and travel, go to the Stagecoach South West and the local Travel Devon portal.
The Education System in Exeter
Exeter has education from early years to higher education. These focus on high standards and preparing students for the next stage in their education or career.
Primary Schools
Local primary schools in Exeter follow the national curriculum, and many have good Ofsted ratings. Some top options in the area include:
Secondary Schools
Several secondary schools in Exeter consistently perform well in inspections and exam results:
- St Luke’s Church of England School(Ofsted: Good)
- Isca Academy(Ofsted: Good)
- St Peter’s Church of England Aided School(Ofsted: Good)
Sixth Form, Further & Higher Education
Exeter College is rated outstanding and offers a variety of A Levels and apprenticeships, making it a leader for post 16 education and training. The college also works closely with local employers on apprenticeship and career focused training programmes.
For university options, the University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group, renowned for academic research and offering degree programmes in over 40 subject areas. The university provide placements, internships, and work learning for students.
Exeter’s broad range of schools and routes into further and higher education make the city an great location for families and young professionals that are aiming for strong academic and career outcomes.
Life Outside of Work in Exeter
Heritage and Museums
- Learn about Exeter’s past at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM). This museum features exhibitions ranging from archaeology and natural history and global art collections. They also have annual exhibitions and interactive displays.
- Exeter Cathedral is a landmark of medieval architecture which has musical performances, historical tours, and special community events.
- Underground Passages and St Nicholas Priory gives a glimpse into the city’s medieval and Tudor history.
Arts and Entertainment
- Visit Exeter Phoenix, a major arts place for film screenings, live music, art exhibitions, and creative workshops. Independent venues like Barnfield Theatre and Northcott Theatre also offers drama, dance and cultural talks.
- Regular exhibitions, performances, and open studios take place throughout the year, supporting local and visiting artists and creative collectives.
Festivals, Food, and Markets
- Exeter hosts events such as the Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink and Respect Festival, to celebrate culture, live music, culinary talent, and diversity.
- Outdoor markets, like Exeter Farmers Market and seasonal arts and crafts events, bring local producers and craft makers together in the centre of the city. This creates lots of community spaces.
Using Exeter Technology Recruitment Agencies for Tech Jobs in Exeter
Exeter technology recruitment agencies, like Hexwired Recruitment, are important to matching the right tech professionals with specialist roles, both locally and across the region. These agencies have strong relationships with employers, allowing them to offer job seekers access to opportunities not always found on general job boards.
Their approach goes beyond CV forwarding. A tech recruitment agency in Exeter typically provide tailored guidance and insights, helping candidates refine CVs and interview techniques so their skills match employer needs. At the same time, businesses benefit by receiving pre screened applicants whose profiles closely fit requirements, reducing the time spent on initial sifting of applications.
About Hexwired Technology Recruitment
Hexwired recruitment is a top tech recruitment agency, providing tailored and cost-effective services for our clients, helping employers to hire skilled professionals in software engineering who are suited to the business needs quickly. Our technical consultants’ knowledge and understanding of the sector, alongside their experience in the tech industry, are one of the reasons we excel at finding you the right candidates in software.
We provide both contract and permanent solutions to the technology sector, covering areas such as Embedded Software, Electronics (FPGA, Digital Design, RF, IC Design), Software Test, Mechanical Design, C++ software engineer, Python, Golang, Machine Learning and Data Science, Technical Sales and Project management, and more. Need help hiring permanent/contract talent or looking for a new job? Contact us today.
