Looking for a cosy place to call home during your studies in London? We’ve got you covered! Living in London as an international student is really a fortune for those who consider it a dream destination. Indeed, it is emerging as one of the most preferable choices for abroad education.
If you are the one who is planning to escalate your career to further heights, this blog is just for you! In this blog, we will be understanding and calculating the cost of living in London. Whether you want to know about the cost of studying or you are looking for the cost of accommodation, this blog on the cost of living in London will serve you well!
Table of contents
Cost of Living in London: An Overview
Whenever study abroad is discussed, the one city that always makes its place in the top 5 of the list is London. However, it is the 4th most expensive city in the world with an estimated between GBP 20,000 to GBP 22,000 cost of living in London annually. No doubt, living in London is quite expensive in comparison to the rest of the world.
London is one of the safest cities to live in the UK for international students according to QS ranking 2024. Some of the best areas to live in London for students include Shoreditch, Central London, Stratford, Wembley, and Spitalfields.
London is also the second most expensive city in Europe with a diverse culture and 300 spoken languages. The city boasts its world-class education and quality life home to some of the prestigious universities and various best places to visit in London.
With historical landmarks, world-class museums, world-renowned theatres, oldest and traditional libraries, and beautiful bookshops, the city is home to luxuries, traditions, comfort, and conveniences.
The cost of living may vary and differ as per the interests, choices, tastes, and preferences of the students. The way of life, the choice of accommodation, the taste of food, and the curiosity to explore the country are the few things that will definitely impact and influence your cost of living in London.
If you are planning to move to this vibrant city for further studies and are worried about the cost of living in London, the cost of studying, the cost of food, and accommodation, the below-mentioned table will provide you with a gist of it.
| Categories of Cost of Living in London | Monthly Cost of Living in London (GBP ) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | GBP 1220 |
| On Campus Accommodation | GBP 1200 |
| Transportation | GBP 186 |
| Food | GBP 480 |
| Utility | GBP 314 |
| Entertainment | GBP 60 |
| Groceries | GBP 200 |
| Clothes | GBP 70 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | GBP 2,216 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | GBP 2,196 |
Cost of Accommodation in London
If you are planning to study in London and are a bit concerned about the cost of student accommodation in London, the first considerable thing is the type of accommodation. The type of student accommodation in United Kingdom you choose to stay while studying is something that directly impacts your cost of living in London.
Options range from university halls to private rentals while on-campus student accommodations in London offer convenience and affordable choice. Alternatively, private rentals are quite expensive in comparison to shared ones.
Rent prices vary depending on location, size, and amenities. GBP 600 to GBP 1000 per month is an estimated cost of accommodation in London. Central areas like Zone 1 tend to be pricier, while suburbs offer more affordable. Check out the estimated cost of living in London with the types of accommodation.
| Type of Student Accommodation in London | Cost of Living in London |
| House/apartment | GBP 1674 – GBP 3069 |
| Airbnb (1 day) | GBP 134 – GBP 137 |
| Studio apartment | GBP 650 |
| Co-working space | GBP 357 |
| Paying guest | GBP 156 – GBP 673 |
Also Read: If you are planning to move to the USA, check out a Comprehensive Guide to American Culture Etiquette: Ease Your Academic Life!
Cost of Studying in London
One of the significant living expenses in London is to consider the cost of studying in the city. The tuition fees of the universities in London vary as per the course you have chosen and the universities you are enrolling in. Another way to reduce the cost of studying in London is to apply for the scholarships offered by the universities in London. There are several universities that are renowned for the affordable Cost of studying in UK. These universities offer outstanding education at lower prices as low as GBP 10,000. Here, we have compiled a list of the top 5 universities in London with their tuition fees.
| Top Universities in London | Cost of Studying in London |
| University of Oxford | GBP 1,985 – GBP 94,800 |
| University of Cambridge | GBP 5,500 – GBP 59,000 |
| Imperial College London | GBP 7,120 – GBP 54,500 |
| University College London | GBP 7,770 – GBP 36,900 |
| London School of Economics | GBP 5,830– GBP 61,180 |
Cost of Food and Groceries in London
London offers a diverse culinary scene, ranging from street food markets to upscale restaurants. The cost of food and groceries is one of the essential things to know before moving to London in 2024. However, the cost of food and groceries is something that directly impacts the cost of living in London. Cooking meals at home and shopping smartly can significantly reduce food expenses.
You will find some of the amazing restaurants and coffee shops in the UK that deliver the best Indian food directly to your dorm. Uber Eats, Foodhub, Just Eat, and Dilveroo are some of the best food delivery apps in London for students.
| Grocery and Food | Cost of Grocery and Food in London |
| Chicken breast (1 kilogram) | GBP 6 |
| Cheese (200 grams) | GBP 6 |
| Milk (1 litre) | GBP 1 |
| White bread (1 loaf) | GBP 1 |
| White rice (1 kilogram) | GBP 2 |
| Eggs (1 dozen) | GBP 2 |
| Tomatoes (1 kilogram) | GBP 2.4 |
| Potatoes (1 kilogram) | GBP 1 |
| Onions (1 kilogram) | GBP 1 |
| Lettuce (1 kilogram) | GBP 1 |
| Oranges (1 kilogram) | GBP 2 |
| Bananas (1 kilogram) | GBP 1 |
| Apples (1 kilogram) | GBP 2 |
Cost of Utilities in London
Utilities are another most important thing that should be considered while calculating the cost of living in London. Several student housing properties are renowned for offering world-class amenities within the rent of the accommodation. If not included in the rent of the student accommodation in London, additional expenses include utilities such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and council tax. These can add a significant amount to your cost of living in London.
| Cost of Utilities in London | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Electricity | GBP 40 – GBP 50 |
| Heating | GBP 50 – GBP 60 |
| Water | GBP 30 – GBP 40 |
| Internet | GBP 30 – GBP 40 |
Recommended Read: Check out our blog on 5 Ways for an Effective International Student Networking in the USA!
Cost of Transportation in London
London boasts an extensive public transportation network, including buses, London Underground (Tube), Overground, and trains. While convenient, fares can accumulate quickly, especially for daily commuters. A monthly student Oyster card, offering unlimited travel within certain zones, costs around GBP 90 to GBP 130, depending on the zones covered. Opting for cycling or walking whenever feasible can help save on transportation expenses.
| Fuel Cost/Transportation Service | Cost of Transportation in London |
| One-way ticket (public transport) | GBP 2.6 |
| Monthly pass (public transport) | GBP 154 |
| Taxi 1 km normal tariff | GBP 1.7 |
| Price of diesel (as of 14th February) | GBP 1.5 per litre |
| Price of petrol (as of 14th February) | GBP 1.15 per litre |
| Cabs (minimum cost) | GBP 3.2 |
Cost of Entertainment in London
Studying hard is important, but so is taking time to relax and enjoy yourself. From beautiful and serene parks to some of the oldest and most traditional libraries in London, the city is home to fantastic cultural attractions providing a vibrant life. While some attractions offer student discounts, entertainment expenses should be budgeted for accordingly. Allocating around GBP 50 to GBP 100 per month for leisure activities ensures you can enjoy all that London has to offer without overspending.
| Mode of Entertainment | Cost of Entertainment in London |
| Gym membership | GBP 43 Monthly |
| Tennis court | GBP 11 hourly |
| Cinema hall | GBP 14 per ticket |
| Meal in an affordable restaurant | GBP 15 per person |
| Three-course meal in a mid-range restaurant | GBP 60 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s | GBP 6 |
FAQs on Cost of Living in London
The average cost of living is GBP 12,000 – GBP 15,600 for an international student. The cost of living may vary as per the choices, preferences, and budget of the student.
Indeed, You can work while studying in London as an international student. You are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during University term time and full-time during holidays.
Absolutely! Most of the cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, libraries, bookshops and student accommodations offer student discounts in London. Look out for student discounts, lunch specials, and budget-friendly eateries, especially in student-populated areas like Camden and Shoreditch.
The cost of accommodation can be reduced easily with proper planning and execution. Consider alternatives like student hostels, flat shares, or accommodation farther from the city centre. Additionally, booking accommodation at an ideal time from an authentic website is really important to secure the best deal.
As an international student, you may be eligible for free or discounted healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) depending on the duration and type of your visa.
Managing finances effectively involves creating a budget, tracking expenses, and prioritizing needs over wants. Try to use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending, and explore part-time job opportunities to supplement your income responsibly.
Calculating the cost of living in London as an international student requires advance planning and execution of various expenses. With an idea of the cost of living in London, it will be easy for you to enjoy your stay during your academic journey in London. Happy Studying!
Hope you liked reading our blog about the cost of living in London. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
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