From Accommodations to Transportation: Cost of Living in the UK!

Financial planning is a cornerstone for your study abroad journey and a key part of your student visa application. The UK offers a world-class education and an unforgettable cultural experience. But before you begin your educational journey, it is important to know how to maintain and handle your expenses and understand the costs involved in your education and the cost of living in UK for International students.

Living expenses in the UK for International students can be much higher than in many other nations, though it varies based on area and individual circumstances. For starters, when you apply for your student visa in the UK, you must prove that you have sufficient money to cover your first 9 months, which is £1,334 per month, for a total of £12,006 (1,334 x 9), if you are studying in London, or show £1,023 per month, for a total of £9,207 (1,023 x 9), if you are studying outside of London, a non-negotiable amount that is set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). It is essential to understand the approximate cost of living in UK if you wish to budget and plan ahead for a comfortable visit.

Continue reading to find out everything there is to know about living expenses in the UK.

What is the Cost of Living in the UK Per Month?

To help you understand the total cost of living in UK every month, here is a list of essentials and their prices for daily life in the United Kingdom:

Accommodation Costs in the UK for International Students

As mentioned above, the UK rental market has seen significant price increases over the last 2 years, and according to the most recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), private rental costs in the UK have risen by 5.5% in the last 12 months, up to September 2025, which makes budgeting for accommodation accurately crucial.

On-Campus Accommodation (Halls of Residence):

You should note that it is one of the most popular choices among first-year students, as it includes Bills (gas, electricity, water, and internet) and offers a great social environment.

• UK Average: The average weekly cost for on-campus housing is around £150 - £190.
• London: London, as always, is considerably more expensive, with a typical week's rent for university halls ranging from £200 to £260.

Off-Campus Accommodation (Private Renting):

 Renting in a shared house or flat can offer more independence. However, with this, you will have to manage and pay your own utility bills, which are not included in the rent.

• Shared House: The average weekly cost for a room in a shared student house is between £150 and £220 outside of London.
• Studio Apartment: If you wish to have your own space, a private studio apartment will cost you significantly more, ranging from £220 to £350 per week, depending on the city where you stay.

City-wise Rent Comparison:

If you are considering renting an entire apartment, here are the latest average monthly costs in key cities across the UK for your reference.

Food & Grocery Costs in the UK for International Students

While staying on campus reduces dining expenses, students who rent private housing must account for that as well. Cooking at home is more economical, even though dining out occasionally might be fun. You should note that the food prices have gone up significantly due to inflation in the UK over the last couple of years. As of today's date, a monthly grocery budget for you as a student who cooks most of your own meals can range between £150 and £250.

One important thing you can consider when you shop for your groceries is that the prices can vary between supermarket chains (e.g., Aldi and Lidl are typically cheaper than Tesco, Sainsbury's, or Waitrose). The following list includes some typical grocery goods along with an estimate of their average price:

Transportation Costs in the UK

As you know, transportation plays a key part in anyone's monthly budget. Now, while costs may vary by city, the UK's public transport system is generally student-friendly, and numerous discounts are available to help you save money. You should understand that relying on taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber for daily travel/commuting is not economical and should be reserved for occasional use. An interesting piece of information we would like to give you is that a crucial money-saving measure across England is the £2 single bus fare cap, which limits the costs of a single journey. In the case of regular travel, a monthly or even a yearly pass is almost always the cheapest option.

Key Student Travel Discounts:

• 16-25 Railcard: This is an essential purchase for any student. It costs £30 per year and gives you a 1/3 discount on all standard rail fares across Great Britain. A key aspect of this card is that it can also be connected with your Oyster Card in London for discounts on your travel via the Tube trains.
• Local Student Travel Card: You should note that every major city offers a discounted travel card or pass for students. To obtain this travel card, you will typically need to provide proof of enrolment from your university to apply.
• Monthly Student Bus Pass: A typical bus pass costs between £50 and £90, which depends on the city and zones it covers. If you have a non-student adult with you and would like to get a pass for them, then their cost would look like £140 in London.
• Taxi Fare: Approximately £2.00 to £3.00 per mile, with an additional starting fee, which is significantly higher than £1.50 per kilometre.

Here's how much it would cost you as an international student with a monthly student travel pass in key cities in the UK.

Healthcare Costs in the UK

International students who want to stay in the UK for more than six months are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying for a visa. For those with student visas, which enable them to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, the price will be £776 per year of your visa's duration. You should note that the entire IHS fee for the full length of your student visa must be paid upfront when you submit your visa application.

Example: if you are coming to the UK for a 3-year UG programme, your visa will likely be granted for 3 years and 4 months, and in that case, you will be charged for the full 4 years, which implies the following:

• Total IHS Cost: £776 x 4 = £3,104

The publicly funded healthcare system found in all four of the UK's member states—England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales—is a significant advantage of living there. The NHS has traditionally been considered to be of the highest calibre; current reports have ranked it as one of the world's top healthcare systems.

Utility Costs in the UK

UK living expenses for international students are greatly affected by utility expenses. Internet, gas, water, and electricity are included in the utility costs. Gas and electricity are the largest utility costs, with a monthly cost per person. If you are living in a shared house of 3-4 people, you will likely have to pay around £70-£90 per month, as per the OFGEM price cap. The average household water and sewerage bill in the UK is around £473 per year. In the case of the Internet, a standard broadband connection package for a shared house costs around £30 - £40 per month.

A key point to note is that for those opting to live in the university-managed Halls of Residence, or Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), all of these utility bills are always included in the rent. This helps by offering a fixed, predictable cost, which removes the hassle of managing bills with your housemates.

Entertainment and Leisure Costs in the UK

Undoubtedly, the life of an overseas student encompasses more than just textbooks, tests, and quizzes. Making friends and saving money will allow you to enjoy your spare time and the vibrant nightlife in the UK. Students in the UK spend between £100 and £180 on entertainment per month.

Average Cost of Living in the UK: City-Wise

As previously said, the UK is not just about England and London, and living expenses can differ significantly between cities and towns. A smaller town will suit you better than a large city if you're on a limited budget.

The following table shows the differences in rent prices between London and other major UK cities.

Average Rent in the UK

You should note that after several years of rapid price hikes, the pace of rental growth is now noticeably slowing down, thus bringing the market towards a more stable level. Although the rents are still at historic highs, the trend of extreme upward pressure seen post-pandemic has eased.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), for September 2025, the average private rent in the UK is currently £1,354 per month. This value represents a 5.5% increase over the last 12 months. However, you should be aware that the average monthly rent in London (as measured by the ONS) is £2,284, with an annual inflation rate of 5.1%. This is higher than the average monthly rent in other parts of the UK, such as the North East, where inflation is 7.4%, but the average monthly rent is still £749. While this is still a significant rise, the rate of annual growth has consistently decreased for 7 consecutive months, clearly indicating a cooling trend.

Tips to Save Money in the UK for International Students

Here are a few tips for international students studying in the UK to help them save on their expenses:

• Live together in an apartment: Rent in the UK might account for nearly half of your monthly budget due to the astronomical price of housing. In order to get around this, sharing an apartment is common in the UK.
• Open a bank account locally: Having a local bank account might make things easy. Once in the UK, obtaining one is simple and just requires a few documents. Get accommodation and the necessary paperwork in order to open a local bank account first.
• Try to lower your monthly expenses: By controlling overall consumption, general utility bills (such as those for electricity, air conditioning, heaters, etc.) can be decreased. So in the winter, try dressing warmly instead of constantly cranking up the heat.
• Aim to settle your bills as quickly as you can: The most important thing is to pay off your credit card debt, education loans, and any other personal liabilities. Once you've completed that, you may begin saving. It's important to realise that paying off debt is the best approach to saving money because loan interest rates are very high and prevent you from making financial savings.
• Look for discounts: If you already own a phone, look for "SIM only" bargains and choose the ones that offer good returns for less money. By the end of the year, these small adjustments can save you a significant amount of money.
• Avoid pricey restaurants: Eat at inexpensive restaurants, take advantage of sales, prepare meals at home, or purchase ready-to-eat grocery items with vibrant yellow tags at the end of the day to save money.

The cost of living in UK for international students can be high, but careful budgeting helps. Opt for affordable housing, utilise student discounts, cook at home, and take advantage of deals on essentials. Managing expenses effectively ensures a more comfortable and financially sustainable student experience.

To learn more about how to fulfil your dreams of studying in the UK, contact AECC. Our expert counsellors will guide you thoroughly every step of the way.

Contact AECC today to know more about living expenses in the UK!