Before applying to universities, you also need to consider the budget. Planning your budget around the cost of living in the UK is a big hurdle for many students. We hope to help you in that area.
The tuition fee for your course is fixed and transparent, but the miscellaneous cost of living is unclear. Like the student experience and the general atmosphere, the cost of living also changes from city to city.
Here we have an exhaustive list of all the average costs you’ll have while studying in the most popular student cities in the UK.
Table of Contents
- Average cost of living in the UK for students
- Average cost of living in various cities in the UK
- Frequently asked questions
Average cost of living in the UK for students
The United Kingdom is a vast and diverse country with different living costs. The cost of living varies significantly depending on the state, city, and neighbourhood you choose to live in. Understanding the average cost of living in the UK is essential for students, professionals, and anyone considering a move to the country. Here is the list of expenses, from housing and transportation to food and healthcare.
| Expenses | Average monthly costs in GBP |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £400 - £1,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | £25 - £60 |
| Groceries | £100 - £120 |
| Dining out | £80 - £150 |
| Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance) | £60 - £140 |
| Health insurance | £470 (per year) |
| Entertainment | £100 - £200 |
| Internet and phone | £50 - £150 |
| Clothing | £40 - £100 |
| Miscellaneous | £100 - £150 |
The average cost of living in the UK can vary significantly depending on location, lifestyle, and income level.
Also read: Study in UK: A Complete Guide for International Students
Housing
Housing costs in the UK vary widely depending on location, size, and type of housing. The cost of housing will be higher in major metropolitan areas such as London. However, housing costs can be surprisingly affordable in many smaller cities and towns.
Other expenses
In addition to rent, homeowners and renters must also pay for property taxes and other costs. These costs can vary significantly depending on the location and the local tax rates.
Transportation
Transportation costs in the UK are quite affordable, as students can avail of offers with travel cards and bus passes. The average cost of transportation in the UK is between £40 - £50 per month.
Food
On average, students pay £30 - £60 per week for groceries. You can reduce this cost by staying on campus or cooking your meals. While you may enjoy dining out sometimes, it is best to save food costs by preparing your food at home.
Utilities
The utilities costs usually include electricity, gas, water, etc. Generally, the utilities cost around £40 - £50 in major cities like London, and around £35 - £45 in other cities.
Additionally, you would also have to pay for mobile usage and internet connectivity. This could range from £30 - £50 per month.
Average cost of living in various cities in the UK
Cost of living in London
- Accommodation – £200 / Week
- Food – £30 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £8 / Week
- Transport – £25 / Week
- Entertainment – £40 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
Cost of living in Glasgow
- Accommodation – £110 / Week
- Food – £20 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £8 / Week
- Transport – £20 / Week
- Entertainment – £35 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
Cost of living in Liverpool
- Accommodation - £75 – £135 / Week
- Food – £25 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £15 / Week
- Transport – £20 / Week
- Entertainment – £20 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
Cost of living in Manchester
- Accommodation – £135 / Week
- Food – £35 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £15 / Week
- Transport – £10 / Week
- Entertainment – £35 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
Cost of living in Brighton
- Accommodation - £115 / Week
- Food – £30 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £10 / Week
- Transport – £15 / Week
- Entertainment – £20 – £30 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
Cost of living in Southampton
- Accommodation - £110 – £200 / Week
- Food - £30 – £40 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £20 / Week
- Transport - £14 – £25 / Week
- Entertainment - £35 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
Cost of living in Bristol
- Accommodation – £111 / Week
- Food – £25 / Week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity…) – £10 / Week
- Transport – £12 / Week
- Entertainment – £30 / Week
- Connectivity – £7 / Week
We hope this will help you make informed decisions in choosing your location. These are just average figures and can vary depending on multiple factors. Remember that you can control your cost of living by planning beforehand.
You can explore cost-saving measures, such as sharing your accommodation and using public transportation. By planning carefully, you can make the most of your study abroad experience in the UK while managing your expenses.
Once you’ve narrowed down your top cities, reach out to our educational advisors for detailed information.
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Edvoy guides you on simplifying the study-abroad process and embarking on a seamless higher education journey. From choosing the right course to acing the interview, we ensure you get the best services for studying abroad! Connect with an Edvoy Counsellor, and begin your journey today!
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of living in the UK?
The average cost of living in the UK ranges from £1,000 - £3,000 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle. This includes housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes, and other expenses.
What are the most common miscellaneous expenses in the UK?
Some common miscellaneous expenses in the UK are entertainment, healthcare, internet, clothing, and personal care.
