Thinking about moving to the UK or just curious about what is the cost of living in the UK? You’re in the right place! The cost of living in the UK can vary a lot depending on where you are, so let’s break it down into key areas – accommodation, studying, food, transportation, and utilities. Whether you’re considering moving to the UK or just curious about its living expenses, this guide will help you plan your finances 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
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 |
| 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
Another major expense you must consider while calculating the cost of living in the UK is the cost of education. 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 |
| 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. 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
Here are some important tips you may consider to minimise the cost of living in the UK.
- Track your income and expenses to identify where you can cut costs.
- Rely on buses and trains instead of taxis or cars to save money.
- Consider applying for student discounts wherever possible.
- Buy fresh produce from local markets for better prices than supermarkets.
- Look for scholarships or financial aid offered by universities.
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
Yes, London is the most expensive city in the UK, especially for rent and transportation. The higher salaries in London can offset some costs, but many find that the expenses can be a real challenge without careful budgeting.
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.
Meal planning, buying in bulk, and shopping sales can help lower your grocery bill. It is also worth checking out local markets for fresh produce, which can be cheaper than supermarkets.
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.
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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