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. 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
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 |
Tuition Fees in Birmingham
Some of the most popular universities in Birmingham are the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, and Newman University.
- Full-time tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from GBP 18,120 to 27,000 annually.
- Full-time tuition fees for postgraduate courses range from GBP 18,450 to 30,000 annually.
- Part-time tuition costs range from approximately GBP 6,935 to 7,000 annually.
- You should also consider additional expenses of around GBP 260 to 490 for application, examination, books, laboratory, etc.
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.
Accommodation Costs in Birmingham
Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options suitable for various budgets, making it an attractive destination for international students. Living expenses in the city are influenced by many variables, but the actual cost of student accommodation in Birmingham depends on location, type of housing, and amenities.
- City Centre- Higher-end options may cost around GBP 966 for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Outside City Centre- Average rent drops to about GBP 766, making it more budget-friendly for students willing to commute.
However, we encourage you to choose from on-campus and off-campus student accommodation. On-campus apartments are much more affordable and also help you save on travel costs when commuting to your university. Off-campus apartments are equipped with all major amenities and include utilities in rent.
- Monthly rent for on-campus accommodation ranges from GBP 290 to GBP 380 per month.
- Off-campus student housing costs approximately GBP 400 to GBP 966 per month, depending on proximity to the city centre.
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.
Grocery Costs 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.
Utility Costs in Birmingham
Basic utilities like electricity, water, and internet are included in student accommodation. However, when the Birmingham living expenses are exclusive of these utilities, an international can expect to spend GBP 150 to 300 per month.
- The average monthly cost for essential utilities, which include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal, typically ranges from GBP 100 to 250 depending on usage and accommodation type.
- The average monthly cost for internet services (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) is around GBP 26 to GBP 30.
- Mobile phone plans with calls and data (around 10GB) generally cost about GBP 17 to GBP 20 per month.
Transportation Costs 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 total, the average monthly cost can range from GBP 60 to GBP 100 per month.
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Birmingham, operated by National Express West Midlands. Train services also connect major stations like Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, and Moor Street.
- A single bus fare approximately costs GBP 2.40 for a standard ride within the city.
- A monthly bus pass costs around GBP 55 to 60, offering unlimited travel on buses within the network.
- Train fares can vary, but a typical one-way ticket within the city might cost around GBP 2.45.
- A typical taxi ride can range from GBP 1.12 to GBP 15.60, depending on distance and time.
Also Read: Check out the best part-time jobs in Birmingham for students to earn extra income and save significant expenses.
This was all about the living expenses in Birmingham City 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
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 of living for a single person in Birmingham is around GBP 1,500, covering accommodation, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
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.
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