Cost of Living Expenses in UK 2024

Indian students who want to study in the UK must monitor their spending habits and consider all the costs involved. Alongside tuition fees, there are everyday expenses such as food, utilities, rent, transportation, and leisure-related activities costs combined to contribute to the overall financial budget.

London is costly and tends to have higher living expenses than other regions in the UK. On the other hand, there are many affordable places like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Scotland, Cardiff in Wales, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Knowing about living expenses in UK will help you plan and make wise spending decisions to ensure a comfortable stay while studying there. Keep reading to learn everything about living expenses in UK.

The living expenses in UK per month for students are $900 (£651) without rent and $3,135 (£2,268) without rent for a family.

Look at the table below to learn about the monthly expenses given in Great Britain Pound and Indian rupees:

Also, read: Top 20 UK Universities Without Application Fees

The cost of studying in the UK is approximately £9,250 per year. Depending on students’ chosen degree courses, Indian students must pay tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £38,000.

It’s worth considering that the duration of academic programs in the UK is relatively shorter than in other countries, although the costs can be substantial. The tuition fee for undergraduate courses varies from £20,500 to £45,000, and Indian students pursuing graduate programs need to pay approximately £19,000 to £58,000.

As per UK student visa requirements, prospective students must demonstrate having at least £1,334 in their bank account per semester or up to £12,006 per year in London. At the same time, it is comparatively lower outside of London, typically around £1,023 per term or £9,207 for 9 months. Check the table below.

In the United Kingdom, most public transport is run by private enterprises with little government interference. Single bus or rail trips usually cost between £2 and £5, and day or weekly passes may vary in price from £5 to £50, depending on the location.

An alternative is to use private transportation, which includes petrol prices of about £1.30 per litre and daily starting car rental rates of £20. Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft taxis have different pricing structures; an average London cab journey costs about £3 per mile. 

On the other hand, in places like London, Liverpool, and Belfast, city bike rental programs, safety training, and cycling clubs encourage riding as a preferred means of transportation. These enable 24-hour bike rentals from one charging station to another at a low cost.

In the UK, commuting costs differ between cities and areas. A one-hour public bus trip in London costs £1.50, contributing to the city's high average monthly commuting cost of $186. The table below outlines UK transportation expenses by town.

Also, read: Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students

Food costs significantly impact the UK's cost of living, particularly in major cities like London. According to the Consumer Prices Index, which considers owner-occupiers' housing costs, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 10.1% in the year ending October 2023. In the UK, universities have dining halls where students can select from menus ranging in price from £5 to £10 per meal.

Eating out may be costly; in budget restaurants, a meal typically costs £15, while at upscale eateries, a supper for two can cost up to £100. If you eat out daily, your monthly expenses will be about £450. Eating at restaurants every day could get expensive.

However, Cooking at home or in UK supermarkets for reasonably priced groceries can save money. A single individual typically spends £47.5 a week (or £206 a month) on groceries. This will impact managing the UK's living crisis and the overall budget. See the table below for information on prices for different products and restaurants in the UK.

The following are the restaurant's expenses.

Approximately half of an individual's income goes towards housing rent, making it a substantial portion of their budget. According to ONS data, the UK's annual growth rate for private rental prices increased to 6.1% in the 12 months ending in October 2023. In the UK, rental costs differ according to the accommodation type, location, household size, and requirements. 

The average monthly accommodation cost is approximately £725 for a single person, £870 for a couple without children, and £941 for couples with children. The exact price differs depending on factors like household type.

There are two kinds of student accommodation in the UK:

On-campus housing: Depending on your location and preferred style of living, the average weekly cost of on-campus housing in the UK is £146. Living expenses in London are high; an average week's rent is about £202.

Off-campus housing: In the UK, the cost of off-campus housing ranges from approximately £60 per week for shared accommodations in houses or flats to over £200 per week for studio apartments in upscale neighbourhoods. The costs include the property's size, location, and utilities.

Check the table below to know the monthly rental costs for various cities.

Also, read: Cost of Living in Canada 

Where you live in the UK dramatically impacts how much rent you pay. In England, the average rent is £200 per week or £868 per month. The lowest rental prices are found in the northeast, where prices are almost 40% lower than in southern England. The most costly city for housing is London, where the average rent is £1,480.

The cost of living varies a lot all over the UK. Find the rental cost based on the cities in the table below.

When applying for a visa, international students who intend to stay in the UK for longer than six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). After a 25% discount, the cost will be £470 for those with student visas, allowing them to use the UK's National Health Service (NHS). One benefit of being in the UK is that all four countries—England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales—have publicly funded healthcare systems.

The quality of the NHS has always been highly regarded; according to current reports, it is ranked as the fourth finest healthcare system in the world. Even though healthcare is free, a tiny proportion of people choose private health insurance. Cigna, AXA Health, Bupa, and Aviva are well-known private insurance companies. Although most healthcare treatments in the UK are free, some could incur certain charges.

Utility expenses significantly influence the total cost of living in the UK. Internet, water, gas, and electricity are included in utility costs. According to ONS data, gas prices decreased by 31.0%, and electricity costs decreased by 15.6% in the year ending October 2023.

The size of the property and its consumption habits determine the cost of these fees. Fuel accounts for around 4 per cent of the average household budget, with an annual cost of £1,131. The average monthly energy price is £34, while water and sewerage prices vary depending on the location and are estimated to be £400 annually.

The average cost of broadband services, which include TV and the internet, is £27.50. Based on estimated annual usage, a family of four would pay £291.08 a month for gas and electricity, whereas an individual would have to pay £142.69. Gas, electric, and water bills come to about USD 155/$204 per month if these utility prices are not included in rental agreements. The following table shows the cost of utilities.

Also, read : Cost of Living in Australia

Living in London is the most costly option in the nation because it is both the capital and a central financial hub. A single person in London has to budget about £1,500 per month for living expenses. The high rent and daily general expenditures are two reasons for London's high cost of living.

However, there are advantages to living in London, such as the possibility of finding well-paying part-time work. One advantage of living in a different regional city, smaller town, or hamlet is that the costs are cheaper, offering more possibilities for an economical lifestyle.

For example, UK locations like Glasgow, Cardiff, Manchester, and Birmingham offer cheaper living than London. The final factor significantly affecting the total cost of living in the UK is geographical preference. The following table shows the cost of living in the top ten student cities, as determined by the QS World University Ranking.

Students' living expenses in the UK range between  £1,000 and £1,600. These expenses include accommodation costs, which vary depending on location and housing type, whether it’s a private apartment, single flat, or shared living space with a roommate.

Living expenses differ for the family in the UK. Let’s discuss this in Detail.

The average living expenses in UK vary from £2,500 to £ 3,000 for a family of two or couples, including the cost of housing. Sharing a household can be advantageous as it allows for the division of rent and other utility expenses.

In the UK, the average living expenses for a family of four range from £4,000 to £4,500, including rent. The expenses like food, taxes, rent, and transportation are also included. The cost may vary depending on the city you choose to live in. After all, your ability to manage all your expenses will influence your overall living expenses.

Also, read: Cost of Living in New Zealand

Look below for some tips to manage your living expenses in UK:

• Cost-Effective Entertainment: Check out for free or low-cost entertainment options like local art exhibitions, parks, local events or museums. It will allow you to enjoy cultural experiences and leisure activities without exceeding your budget limit.

• Shared Accommodation: Housing expenses can consume a significant portion of your budget in the UK, making shared flats the most preferred option. Sharing a flat with roommates is a practical way to avoid the high rental expenses in the UK, allowing you to save a substantial amount on housing expenses.

• Smart Shopping: Looking for discounts and deals, purchasing goods in larger quantities to benefit from bulk discounts, and considering second-hand options can help you maximise your shopping budget.

• Local Bank Account: Upon arrival, you must get a local bank account to make money management easier management. A regional bank account streamlines your financial transactions, making paying bills, receiving payments, and managing expenses easier.

• Planning Budget: Creating a well-planned budget helps you divide your funds more effectively and gives you a clear overview of your income and expenses.

• Lower Utility Bills: Controlling your electricity and heating is among the simplest methods to reduce utility costs. Essential habits such as turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, accommodating solar energy equipment, and setting the thermostat conservatively can result in considerable drops in energy costs.

• Negotiation: To save money, bargain and ask for deals or discounts while shopping for particular items. Engaging in talks and seeking deals and discounts when buying items like furniture or electronics can lead to substantial savings over time.

• Prioritise Debt Payment: Clear credit card debts, student loans, and personal loans before focusing on saving. Paying off debts first not only relieves you from financial burdens but also prevents you from paying high interest, which in turn enables you to allocate more money towards saving. 

• Efficient Commuting: Utilising transportation cards such as oyster or contactless options, comparing travel prices, and exploring pocket-friendly commuting modes can contribute to significant transportation savings. Opt for public transport or cycling to lower commuting costs.

• Seek Deals: Researching and opting for cost-effective mobile phone plans/sim card deals and leveraging discounts while shopping can reduce expenditures.

To sum up, the cost of living in the UK varies according to the region, with cities such as Edinburgh and London being the most expensive due to their economic and cultural significance. Utilities, transportation, accommodation, and rent are the basic expenses. Still, the UK’s education, healthcare, social services, and many other things make it the dream destination for many students to study abroad. Hence, students who want to study in the UK must plan their budget accordingly. Understanding key factors contributing to overall living costs can help students manage their budget and enjoy while pursuing studies there.

If you want to know more about living and studying in the UK 2024, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

1. What is the average living expense in UK?

The average monthly cost of living for a single person or student is ₹76,572.5 (£754.0), excluding rent, and the average living expenses for a family of four are around ₹261,158.5 (£2,571.5£), without house rent and miscellaneous expenses.

2. What are the rent expenses in the UK?

The average rental expense in the UK is £1,243. Across all regions, there has been an annual rising cost in rent, with Scotland experiencing the most substantial increases, reaching 15.8%, resulting in an average monthly price of £973. Comparatively, the North East of England remains the most budget-friendly rental area in the UK, with an average monthly rent of only £636.

3. How much do I need to pay for sports and physical activities?

The list below shows the expenses that you need to pay for sports and physical activities:

Activity

• Fitness centre - £30.72

• Private, monthly tennis Court (Time-limited) - £10.24 

• Movie Theater - £10

• Club/pub entry - £15

4. What are the best discounts I can get in the UK?

Being an Indian student, you have various opportunities to take advantage of UK student discounts. Here are some ways:

• National Union of Students (NUS) extra card: The card costs £12 annually and gives discounts at many UK retailers, including clothing stores, restaurants, and electronics shops.

• Unidays: This free platform offers student discounts at various retailers, including fashion, technology, and food brands.

• Student Beans: Like unidays, student beans are free and offer discounts from various brands.

• Transport Discounts: full-time students in the UK can benefit from 16-25 railcards, which give you discounts on train travel. Moreover, you can save on bus travel with a student bus pass.

• Amusement Discounts: Many cultural places, such as theatres, galleries, and museums, offer discounted or free entry to students.

5. What are the living expenses for an Indian student in London?

The living expenses in London for Indian students is

Expense Type

• Rent - 1.07 lakhs (INR)

• Utilities - 25,437 (INR)

• Travel - 12,170 (INR)

• Food and Drink - 21,347 (INR)

• Entertainment - 32,520 (INR)

6. Is the UK more expensive than India?

Yes, living expenses in the UK are 6.5 times more than in India. Furthermore, India ranks 194th in the list of the most expensive countries globally, while the UK holds the 12th rank. From some perspective, a McDonald's meal costs around INR 245 in India, or £6.16 (INR 618).

7. Can Indian students stay in the UK after pursuing their graduation?

Yes, a graduate visa permits you to stay in the UK for at least two years after you complete your course; with a graduate work visa, you can do jobs and much more.

8. Is the UK a great place to study?                                   

Indeed, the UK is an excellent place for international students. The Universities offer quality education. However, to survive in the UK, you must remember some tips, like fluency in English, seeking part-time employment and reasonably priced housing, learning about the transport system, being receptive to weather challenges, etc.

9. What are the living expenses in UK per month?

The living expenses in UK per month for a family are $3,135 (£2,268) without rent, and for students are $900 (£651) without rent.

10. How much does healthcare cost in the UK?

Students are required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) in addition to the visa application fee. From 6 February 2024, the standard rate for the visa, paid in advance, has been increased to £1,035 per year.