Are you considering relocating to the UK or wondering about the cost of living there? The cost of living in the UK can differ greatly depending on your location, so let’s explore the main areas—accommodation, education, food, transportation, and utilities. Whether you’re planning a move or just curious about living expenses, this guide will assist you in budgeting for life in the UK.
Table of contents
- Cost of Accommodation in the UK
- Cost of Studying in the UK
- Cost of Food and Restaurants in the UK
- Cost of Groceries and Essentials in the UK
- Cost of Travel and Transportation in the UK
- Cost of Utilities and Internet in the UK
- Tips to Minimise the Cost of Living in the UK
- FAQs About Cost of Living in the UK
Cost of Accommodation in the UK
Cities like London are known for higher rental prices, while smaller towns and suburban areas offer more cost-effective options. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of accommodation costs in the UK, helping you make informed decisions and plan your finances effectively.
While calculating the cost of living in the UK, the cost of accommodation is one of the most important things. Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for anyone living in the UK. Prices can vary widely based on location. As the capital city, London has some of the highest rent prices in the UK. Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh offer more affordable options. If you’re willing to live outside major cities, rural areas can be significantly cheaper, with rents sometimes dropping below GBP 600 for similar accommodations. Consider shared housing or renting a room to reduce costs, especially in high-demand areas.
| Type of Accommodation | Cost of Living in the UK (Average) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 1,071.06 GBP |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 857.57 GBP |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 1,763.60 GBP |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 1,348.12 GBP |
Cost of Studying in the UK
As one of the most popular destinations for international students, the UK offers a range of education options with varying price points. Tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses are one of the largest expenses, along with additional costs such as study materials, student visa applications, and insurance. Understanding the full scope of educational costs is crucial for planning your finances
Studying in the UK can be an investment, particularly for international students. Students should budget around for living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation. Books, supplies, and personal expenses can add to the cost of living in the UK. Also, look for scholarships or financial aid options offered by universities to help mitigate costs.
| QS WR 2025 | Top Universities in the UK | Cost of Studying (Average) |
| 3 | University of Oxford | GBP33,050 to GBP48,620 |
| 5 | University of Cambridge | GBP 25,734 to GBP 67,194 |
| 9 | University College London | GBP26,200 to GBP47,000 |
| 2 | Imperial College London | GBP35,100 to GBP46,650 |
| 8 | King’s College London | GBP33,450 to GBP46,650 |
Cost of Food and Restaurants in the UK
The cost of food and restaurants is another major expense you should consider while calculating the cost of living in the UK. Food costs can also vary greatly depending on where you shop and eat. Eating out can be more expensive in comparison to cooking at home. The average food expenses costs around £438. Check out the cost below, if you are a foodie and love to dine out.
| Dining Out in a Restaurant | Cost of Food |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 15.00 GBP |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 60.00 GBP |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 7.00 GBP |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | 4.50 GBP |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 4.50 GBP |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 3.24 GBP |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.74 GBP |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.25 GBP |
Cost of Groceries and Essentials in the UK
Cooking at home can save money in the long run, and meal prepping can help you avoid expensive last-minute takeouts. Budget supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi can help keep costs down. Here is a list of basic groceries with an updated price list.
| Grocery | Cost of Grocery |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 1.24 GBP |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.22 GBP |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1.60 GBP |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 2.94 GBP |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7.10 GBP |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 6.63 GBP |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 10.48 GBP |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.15 GBP |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.16 GBP |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2.14 GBP |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2.72 GBP |
| Potato (1kg) | 1.13 GBP |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.07 GBP |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 0.79 GBP |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | 1.08 GBP |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 8.00 GBP |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | 1.96 GBP |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | 2.41 GBP |
| Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) | 13.75 GBP |
Cost of Travel and Transportation in the UK
Don’t miss out on considering the cost of travel and transportation while calculating the cost of living in the UK. Getting around the UK can be efficient but also costly. In cities like London, an Oyster card can help manage transport costs, with single fares starting at around GBP 1.50. If you plan to travel between cities, consider getting a railcard, which can save you up to 1/3 on train fares. Advance booking can also help lower the cost of living in the UK. Walking or cycling for short distances can save you money and is good for your health!
| Mode of Transportation | Cost of Transportation |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.25 GBP |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 70.00 GBP |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3.00 GBP |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.24 GBP |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 17.40 GBP |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.48 GBP |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) | 28,285.00 GBP |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) | 25,465.95 GBP |
Also Read: Are you an international student in the UK who still hasn’t started focussing on networking? If so, check out our blog, How can International Students Network in the UK?
Cost of Utilities and Internet in the UK
Utilities and internet are essential expenses to consider while calculating the cost of living in the UK. On average, monthly utility bills (including electricity, gas, water, and garbage) can cost you somewhere around GBP 250 to GBP 300 for an average-sized apartment.
| Utilities and Internet | Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 246.16 GBP |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 12.47 GBP |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 30.84 GBP |
Tips to Minimise the Cost of Living in the UK
To minimize the cost of living in the UK, start by choosing affordable accommodation options such as shared flats or student housing. Use public transportation, like buses and trains, instead of taxis or private cars to save money on commuting. Cooking at home is a great way to reduce food expenses, and shopping at local markets often offers better prices than supermarkets. Take advantage of student discounts available for dining, entertainment, and travel. Additionally, applying for scholarships or financial aid can help offset educational costs. By managing your budget wisely, you can effectively lower living expenses in the UK.
Here are some important tips you may consider to minimise the cost of living in the UK.
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Track income and expenses | Monitor your finances to identify areas where costs can be reduced. |
| Use public transport | Opt for buses and trains instead of taxis or cars to save on travel costs. |
| Apply for student discounts | Take advantage of student discounts available for transport, dining, and more. |
| Shop at local markets | Purchase fresh produce from local markets for lower prices than supermarkets. |
| Seek scholarships and financial aid | Explore university scholarships or financial aid programs to reduce tuition and living expenses. |
Also Read: Are you a literature lover? Check out our blog on Unique Bookshops In Dublin! You will enjoy reading the last one.
FAQs About Cost of Living in the UK
The average cost of living in the UK in 2025 for a single person is around £1,800–£2,500 per month. This estimate includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and other daily expenses, but the amount varies based on location and lifestyle.
With careful budgeting and smart shopping, you can make it work! Many students manage their expenses by sharing accommodation, cooking at home, and utilizing student discounts on transportation and leisure activities.
Yes, watch out for council tax and other fees, like TV licenses. Council tax varies based on your property’s value and location, while the TV license is required if you watch live broadcasts or use BBC iPlayer.
The UK generally has a well-developed public transport system, especially in urban areas. While it can be pricier than some European countries, the extensive network of buses and trains makes it easy to get around without a car.
Location plays a significant role in the cost of living in the UK in 2025. For example, living in London is more expensive, with average monthly expenses exceeding £3,000, whereas smaller cities or rural areas can be as low as £1,500 per month.
In 2025, rental costs in the UK vary widely. A one-bedroom apartment in London might cost £1,500–£2,200 per month, while in cities like Manchester or Birmingham, the rent is around £800–£1,200. Shared accommodations and university dormitories are more affordable options.
The cost of living for students in the UK in 2025 is approximately £1,200–£1,800 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Students can save by utilizing discounts, cooking at home, and choosing budget-friendly accommodations.
Utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and internet, are an essential part of the cost of living in the UK in 2025. On average, utility bills range from £150–£250 per month for a single person or a small household.
Yes, there are several ways to lower the cost of living in the UK in 2025. These include opting for shared housing, using student discounts, cooking at home, traveling during off-peak hours, and shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.
Education fees significantly influence the cost of living in the UK in 2025, especially for international students. Tuition fees range from £10,000–£38,000 per year, depending on the university and program. Budgeting for additional expenses, such as books and supplies, is also essential.
Hope you liked reading about the cost of living in the UK. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal student accommodation abroad with ease.
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