Cost of studying and living in the UK

As an international student planning to study in the UK, you may be concerned about living expenses beyond tuition fees. Costs for housing, utilities, food, transportation, and leisure can quickly add up. This guide outlines average expenses you are likely to encounter so you can budget effectively and manage your finances during your studies.

The Cost of Living Varies by Location

Living costs in the UK differ greatly depending on where you choose to stay. For instance, if you plan to study in London, expect significantly higher expenses compared to other parts of the country. In 2020, London ranked among the top ten most expensive cities in Europe.

If you’re looking to reduce costs, consider living in northern England, where rent and daily expenses are generally lower than in the south. Just as in other countries, you’ll find both costly and affordable regions throughout the UK.

On average, a single student’s weekly budget, including rent, is estimated at around £240.89 (approximately $317.92 USD). Over the course of a year (excluding tuition fees), this amounts to about £12,000 ($15,000 USD), though your actual expenses may be higher or lower based on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Breaking Down the Average Expenses

Rent:
Monthly rent costs vary by city and accommodation type. A one-bedroom apartment averages about £758 ($1,000 USD) per month in urban areas and £614 ($810 USD) in suburban locations. Shared housing can significantly lower this expense.

Council Tax:
Most residents are required to pay council tax, which funds services such as waste collection and local infrastructure. This tax usually averages £25 ($40 USD) per week, though the amount depends on household size and location.

Utilities:
If utilities are not included in your rent, expect to spend about £155 ($204 USD) per month on electricity, gas, and water. If you spend less time at home or live alone, this figure may be lower.

Bank Account:
Setting up a UK bank account is necessary for managing expenses and receiving funds. Some accounts come with fees, especially for international transfers. A borderless account from services like TransferWise can be a cost-effective solution.

TV Licence:
If you watch television in the UK, including streaming live content, you need a TV licence. A colour TV licence costs £157.50 ($207 USD) per year, while a black-and-white licence is £53 ($70 USD). This fee is per household, so it can be shared with roommates.

Transportation:
Public transport is the preferred way to get around. Monthly travel passes typically cost around £55. Students often qualify for discounts, making commuting more affordable.

Mobile Phone:
You will need a UK mobile plan to stay connected. Costs vary depending on the provider and plan features.

Other Living Expenses:
Budget for groceries, personal items, internet, books, and occasional medical expenses. It’s also wise to set aside funds for unexpected costs or emergencies.

Common Everyday Costs in the UK

Here are examples of typical prices you might encounter:

• Meal at an average restaurant: £12 ($15.50 USD)
• Fast food combo meal: £6 ($8 USD)
• 1 litre of milk: £1 ($1.32 USD)
• 1 kg chicken breast: £6 ($8 USD)
• Pair of jeans: £59.18 ($78.10 USD)
• 0.5 litre beer: £1.72 ($2.27 USD)
• 1.5 litre water: £0.95 ($1.25 USD)
• Fresh produce per kg: £1–£2 ($1.32–$2.64 USD)

For more extensive price comparisons, consider exploring the Numbeo cost of living database. Overall, living costs in the UK are comparable to those in the United States and Australia, with some goods being less expensive due to local availability.

Average Living Expenses in London

Living in London comes with higher costs than other UK cities. While rental prices in central areas are generally above £1,700 per month, suburban options can still exceed £1,200. Despite these higher costs, London offers a high quality of life and numerous amenities.

Rent Costs in London

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in central London averages £1,740 per month, while similar accommodation in outer boroughs costs around £1,231. Prices for larger spaces increase substantially, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre often exceeding £3,000 per month.

In addition to rent, you’ll also need to pay for utilities. For an 85-square-metre flat, expect monthly utility bills of approximately £170, while smaller flats cost about £120 per month. Sharing accommodation is common among international students to reduce these expenses.

Monthly Food Expenses in London

Food costs in London are influenced by your habits and where you shop or dine. Many universities operate affordable dining halls where students can purchase meal plans, typically costing between £5 and £10 per meal.

Dining at restaurants regularly can quickly increase expenses. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about £15, while dinner for two in a mid-range establishment averages £60. Eating out daily could cost over £450 per month, making it less practical for students.

Sample Prices for Basic Items in London (as of 2020)

• Bread (500g): £1.07
• Water (1.5 litres): £0.84
• Milk (1 litre): £0.96
• Eggs (12): £2.12
• Local cheese (1 kg): £6.89
• Beef (1 kg): £8.50
• Chicken fillets (1 kg): £6.12
• Tomatoes (1 kg): £2.38
• Potatoes (1 kg): £1.30
• Onions (1 kg): £1.15
• White rice (1 kg): £1.46
• Apples (1 kg): £2.05
• Oranges (1 kg): £1.97
• Bananas (1 kg): £1.21

Food Costs Across Major UK Cities

Food expenses differ by city. The following table shows average monthly grocery costs per person:

To summarise:

• Grocery costs in London are about 5% higher than in Liverpool.
• London’s food costs are 7% higher than in Manchester.
• Compared to Glasgow, London’s average is 13% higher.
• In Cardiff, costs are approximately 3% lower than in London.