Cost of Living in Birmingham: Brimingham’s education, lucrative job prospects, vibrant lifestyle, and rich culture attract many international students. However, the cost of living in Birmingham is one of the important things to know before moving to Birmingham, UK. Key expenses include housing, which can vary based on location and type of accommodation.
This blog covers all living expenses from housing and transportation to food and entertainment to help you plan your budget accordingly. So, if you are thinking of travelling to the city, read this blog to get a clear picture of what to expect.
Table of contents
- Cost of Living in Birmingham for a Single Person
- Cost of Studying in Birmingham
- Cost of Accommodation in Birmingham
- Cost of Food in Birmingham
- Cost of Utility in Birmingham
- Costs of Transportation in Birmingham
- Cost of Living in Birmingham Compared to Other Cities
- Tips for Managing the Cost of Living in Birmingham
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Birmingham
Cost of Living in Birmingham for a Single Person
The average cost of living in Birmingham for international students to live comfortably is GBP 1,350 to 1,400 (excluding tuition fees). The actual expenses depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation, and personal spending habits. Read further to find the detailed analysis of estimated weekly, monthly, and annual costs on tuition fees, accommodation, groceries, transportation, food, and other utilities.
| Expenses | Average Monthly Costs |
| Tuition Fees | GBP 6,935 to GBP 20,000 |
| Accommodation | GBP 290 to GBP 966 |
| Groceries | GBP 150 to GBP 200 |
| Utilities | GBP 150 to GBP 300 |
| Transportation | GBP 60 to GBP 100 |
Cost of Studying in Birmingham
Now that you know the cost of living in Birmingham, it’s important to consider the cost of studying as well. Birmingham has some of the most popular universities such as the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, and Newman University. The cost of studying in Birmingham varies significantly as per the program and universities. Below we have mentioned the cost of studying in Birmingham.
| University | Program Fee | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| University of Birmingham | GBP 22,080 – GBP 48,660 annually | Includes tuition, exams, graduation, and Guild of Students membership. |
| Cost of Living: GBP 740 – GBP 1,000/month | ||
| University College Birmingham | 2024/25 Tuition Fees: | |
| – Band 1: GBP 14,000/year | ||
| – Band 3: GBP 14,000/year | ||
| – Accelerated: GBP 15,500 | ||
| – Online: GBP 6,000 | ||
| 2025/26 Tuition Fees: | ||
| – Band 1: GBP 16,000/year | ||
| – Band 3: GBP 19,750/year | ||
| – Accelerated: GBP 18,500 | ||
| – Online: GBP 6,950 | ||
| Birmingham City University | Varies by program | Includes tuition, exams, and Students’ Union membership. Excludes textbooks/materials. |
It is advisable to consider scholarships to study in the UK that can help offset these costs significantly.
Also Read: Check out this blog to know all about the cost of Living in the UK. Explore major cities and compare which one is cheaper yet offers a comfortable lifestyle.
Cost of Accommodation in Birmingham
The cost of living in Birmingham also includes housing expenses. Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options suitable for various budgets, making it an attractive destination for international students. Below we have mentioned the cost of accommodation in Birmingham in the table below.
| Item | Expense | Average Cost |
| 1-bed Apartment (City) | 1,002.94 | 900.00 – 1,200.00 |
| 1-bed Apartment (Suburb) | 793.18 | 650.00 – 1,000.00 |
| 3-bed Apartment (City) | 1,772.22 | 1,500.00 – 2,000.00 |
| 3-bed Apartment (Suburb) | 1,190.00 | 950.00 – 1,600.00 |
You can explore comfortable student accommodation near the University of Birmingham and refer to this guide to student accommodation near Aston University. With Fly Homes, you can choose fully furnished student accommodation in Birmingham from as low as GBP 79 per week.
Cost of Food in Birmingham
Grocery costs for international students are an essential part of the overall cost of living in Birmingham. The estimated monthly grocery budget can range from GBP 150 to 200 per month. This amount can vary based on individual eating habits and preferences. Here’s the list of everyday items and their prices.
| Item | Price |
| Milk | GBP 1.50 |
| 1 dozen eggs | GBP 2.19 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | GBP 5.45 |
| Cheese (1 kg) | GBP 6.31 |
| White Bread | GBP 1.08 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | GBP 1.27 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | GBP 1.50 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | GBP 1.50 |
| Apples (1 kg) | GBP 1.77 |
| Rice (500 g) | GBP 2.00 |
Important Tip: Preparing meals at home is generally more economical than dining out. This lets you manage your budgets effectively and save on unnecessary spending.
Cost of Utility in Birmingham
Basic utilities like electricity, water, and internet are included in the cost of living for students. However, when the Birmingham living expenses are exclusive of these utilities, an international can expect to spend GBP 150 to 300 per month. In the table below, we have mentioned the cost of utilities in Birmingham.
| Item | Expense | Average Cost |
| Basic (85m2 Apartment) | 246.20 | 170.00 – 396.67 |
| Mobile Plan (10GB+) | 17.88 | 8.00 – 49.99 |
| Internet (60 Mbps+) | 28.13 | 23.00 – 40.00 |
Costs of Transportation in Birmingham
Birmingham has a well-connected network of public transport. So, transportation costs are generally affordable which provides various options to explore the best places to visit in Birmingham. In this section of cost of living in Birmingham, we will look at the cost of transportation in the table below.
| Item | Expense | Average Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local) | 2.00 | 2.00 – 2.60 |
| Monthly Pass | 62.00 | 55.00 – 73.91 |
| Taxi Start Fare | 5.00 | 4.99 – 9.00 |
| Taxi per km | 1.12 | 1.12 – 1.20 |
| Taxi (1-hour Waiting) | 15.60 | 15.60 – 16.82 |
| Gasoline (1L) | 1.42 | 1.36 – 1.59 |
Living in Birmingham offers a balance of affordability and quality. The city is perfect for families, students, and professionals alike, making it a top choice for relocation. Use this guide to plan your finances effectively and make the most of your time in this bustling city.
Also Read: Check out the best part-time jobs in Birmingham for students to earn extra income and save significant expenses.
Cost of Living in Birmingham Compared to Other Cities
Birmingham offers a reasonable cost of living, but it’s helpful to compare it with other cities to see how it fits your budget. Understanding the cost of living in Birmingham compared to cities like London, Manchester, and others can help you make an informed decision about where to live while studying or working. Let’s take a look at how Birmingham compares to other popular cities.
| Cost of living city-wise | Approx Costs | Comparison |
| Cost of Living in London | GBP 1,100 | Higher than Birmingham |
| Cost of Living in Manchester | GBP 851 | Higher than Birmingham |
| Cost of Living in Dubai | GBP 856 | Higher than Birmingham |
| Cost of Living in Edinburgh | GBP 897 | Higher than Birmingham |
| Cost of Living in Tampa | GBP 1040 | Higher than Birmingham |
Tips for Managing the Cost of Living in Birmingham
Living in Birmingham as a student can be expensive, but with some smart planning, you can make your money go further. By making a few simple changes and keeping track of your spending, you can manage your budget without missing out on anything. Here are some easy tips to help you save money while living in this exciting city:
- Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses using budgeting apps. Divide your spending into essentials and non-essentials to ensure you don’t overspend.
- Affordable Accommodation: Consider shared housing or rent outside the city center to save on accommodation costs. Use platforms like Spareroom for affordable student options.
- Cook at Home: Save money by cooking meals at home. Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Lidl for better deals on food.
- Use Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts available on transport, food, and entertainment through cards like Totum.
- Public Transport: Use Birmingham’s public transport system instead of owning a car. Get a student travel card for discounted fares.
- Find Free Activities: Birmingham offers many free events, museums, and outdoor activities. Look for student events for budget-friendly entertainment.
- Part-Time Jobs: Consider part-time work in retail, hospitality, or tutoring to help with your living costs.
- Shop Smart: Buy second-hand items or look for sales in stores. Facebook Marketplace is great for finding affordable furniture.
- Limit Subscriptions: Cut down on entertainment subscriptions. Share accounts with friends or explore free alternatives.
- Save for Emergencies: Put aside a small amount each month for unexpected expenses.
This was all about the cost of living in Birmingham for international students. Ensure that you are aware of all the pros and cons of living in Birmingham. For any assistance related to student accommodation, reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest accommodation abroad.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Birmingham
The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Birmingham is around GBP 1,500, covering accommodation, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
Birmingham is generally considered affordable compared to other major UK cities. The average costs for international students range from GBP 1,350 to 1,400, but actual costs can vary based on lifestyle choices.
Birmingham is cheaper than London in terms of overall living costs, including accommodation, groceries, and transportation. The average monthly cost of living in Birmingham is GBP 1,350 to 1,400 while the cost of living in London is GBP 1,670 to 1,890.
The estimated monthly cost for a family of four is approximately GBP 3,731 to GBP 3,836. This includes accommodation, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other essentials.
A good salary for living comfortably in Birmingham is around GBP 30,000 to GBP 35,000 annually after taxes, allowing for a decent standard of living.
Birmingham is affordable for students compared to other UK cities. The average cost of living in Birmingham for students is around GBP 740 to GBP 1,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, and transport.
Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment in Birmingham, including electricity, water, and heating, average GBP 246. Internet services cost around GBP 28 per month.
Yes, the cost of living in Birmingham is lower than in London. Rent, groceries, and transport are significantly more affordable in Birmingham, making it a great choice for families and students.
Public transport is affordable, with a one-way ticket costing GBP 2. A monthly travel pass is around GBP 62, making commuting convenient and budget-friendly.
Leisure activities in Birmingham are affordable. A fitness club membership costs about GBP 25.75 per month, and a cinema ticket for an international release is around GBP 12.
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