Cost of Living in UK in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

To pursue higher education in the UK, international students should be aware of the varying tuition fees. For undergraduate programs, the annual tuition fee ranges from £10,000 to £38,000, with the higher end applicable to medical degrees at top colleges. For Indian students pursuing master’s programs, the average tuition fees for full-time courses range from £9,000 to £30,000 per year. Laboratory and research-based programs have an average annual fee of £14,000 to £15,000, while medical degrees average £22,200, with some programs reaching up to £52,000.

Considering the rising living costs in the UK, it’s important for international students to budget wisely. The actual living expenses will vary based on individual lifestyle, spending habits, and budget. On average, the cost of living in the UK is approximately £12,000 per year. When it comes to student accommodation, the average monthly cost is around £547, assuming a moderate level of spending. It’s worth noting that living expenses in London tend to be higher for Indian students compared to other regions of the UK.

 

How much is the cost of living in UK?

Category	Average monthly cost (GBP)
Accommodation	£870
Utilities	£100
Food and groceries	£200
Transportation	£50
Clothing and shoes	£25
Leisure and entertainment	£20
Socializing	£120
Other	£50
Total for a single person:	£1,435
Total for couples without children:	£2,305

Please note: The costs mentioned above are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

 

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Cost of living in UK for a family of four

Accommodation

• The biggest expense for most families is accommodation. The average rent for a three-bedroom house in the UK is £2175 per month.
• If you are buying a house, the average price for a three-bedroom house in the UK is £380,000.
• Council tax (a local property tax) is also payable, and the amount varies depending on the property and the area.

Utilities

• The average monthly cost of utilities for a family of four in the UK is £250. This includes electricity, gas, water, and the internet.

Food and groceries

• The average monthly cost of food and groceries for a family of four in the UK is £600. This is based on a family eating a healthy diet and cooking most of their meals at home.
• If you eat out frequently, your costs will be higher.

Transportation

• The average monthly cost of transportation for a family of four in the UK is £150. This includes the cost of public transport, fuel, and car insurance.
• If you own a car, you will also need to pay for parking and road tax.

Clothing and shoes

• The average monthly cost of clothing and shoes for a family of four in the UK is £75. This is based on buying clothes from high street stores.
• If you buy clothes from designer brands or specialist stores, your costs will be higher.

Leisure and entertainment

• The average monthly cost of leisure and entertainment for a family of four in the UK is £60. This includes the cost of going to the cinema, visiting museums, and going out for meals.
• If you have expensive hobbies, such as playing golf or going to the theater, your costs will be higher.

Socializing

• The average monthly cost of socializing for a family of four in the UK is £360. This includes the cost of going out to eat, drinking, and going to clubs and bars.
• If you socialize frequently, your costs will be higher.

Other expenses

• Other expenses that families need to budget for include phone bills, toiletries, and personal care.
• The average monthly cost of other expenses for a family of four in the UK is £150.

 

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Cost of Living in the UK as a family of two or shared by two individuals

Accommodation

• The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom flat in the UK is £870. This can vary depending on the location and size of the property.
• If you are sharing accommodation with another person, you can expect to pay around £435 per month in rent.

Food and groceries

• The average monthly food budget for a family of two in the UK is £200. This can vary depending on your dietary needs and shopping habits.
• If you are cooking at home most of the time, you can save money by buying in bulk and shopping at discount supermarkets.
• Eating out can be expensive, so it is important to budget carefully if you plan to do this regularly.

Transportation

• The average monthly transportation cost for a family of two in the UK is £50. This can vary depending on how often you travel and the mode of transportation you use.
• If you live in a city, you may be able to get around without a car by using public transportation.
• If you do need a car, you will need to budget for fuel, insurance, and parking.

Other expenses

• Other expenses that you may need to budget for include clothing, shoes, leisure activities, and socializing.
• The amount you spend on these items will vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

 

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Cost of living in UK for an Indian student

Accommodation

• Accommodation is typically the biggest expense for students in the UK.
• Rent prices vary depending on the location and type of accommodation.
• Students can choose to live in university-owned accommodation, private rented accommodation, or shared houses with other students.
• University-owned accommodation is often the most expensive option, but it can be convenient and offer a variety of amenities.
• Private rented accommodation can be more affordable than university-owned accommodation, but it is important to factor in the cost of bills and other expenses.
• Shared houses can be the most affordable option, but it is important to choose housemates carefully.

Utilities

• Utilities include gas, electricity, water, and internet.
• The cost of utilities will vary depending on the size of the accommodation and the number of occupants.
• Students can save money on utilities by using energy-efficient appliances and by cooking and washing clothes at off-peak times.

Food and groceries

• Food and groceries are another major expense for students in the UK.
• Students can save money on food by cooking at home and buying in bulk.
• There are also a number of student discounts available on food and groceries.

Transportation

• Transportation costs can vary depending on the location of the university and the student’s lifestyle.
• Students who live in cities will typically have higher transportation costs than students who live in rural areas.
• Students can save money on transportation by buying a student travel pass or by using public transportation.

Other expenses

• Other expenses for students in the UK may include tuition fees, books and supplies, and social activities.
• Students can save money on these expenses by budgeting carefully and by taking advantage of student discounts.

 

List of common expenditures in UK

Restaurants and Cafes

Type of restaurant or cafe	Average cost per person (GBP)
Casual restaurant	£10 – £20
Mid-range restaurant	£20 – £30
Fine-dining restaurant	£30+
Cafe	£5 – £10

Here are some examples of specific restaurants and cafes in the UK, and the average cost per person for a meal:

• Casual restaurant: McDonald’s (£5-£10), Nando’s (£10-£15), Pizza Express (£15-£20)
• Mid-range restaurant: ASK Italian (£20-£25), Zizzi (£25-£30), The Ivy (£30-£35)
• Fine-dining restaurant: The Ledbury (London, £100+), Sketch (London, £75+), Gordon Ramsay (London, £150+)
• Cafe: Costa Coffee (£5-£10), Greggs (£5-£10), Pret A Manger (£5-£10)

Please note: The costs mentioned in this section are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

Transport

This table shows the average cost of a single ticket for different modes of transportation in the UK. The costs are based on a variety of sources, including Transport for London, National Rail, and Uber.

Mode of transportation	Average single ticket cost (GBP)
Bus	£2.60
Tube (London Underground)	£2.40
Train	£8.00
Taxi	£25.00

Please note: The costs mentioned in this section are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

Monthly rent

City (London)	Cost (GBP)
1 bedroom apartment in the city(London) center	£750
1 bedroom apartment outside the city(London) center	£400 – £600
3-bedroom apartment in the city(London) center	£1,200 – £1,500
3-bedroom apartment outside the city(London)	£860 – £1,100

Please note: The costs mentioned in this section are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

 

Average rent in UK on a regional basis

Region	Average rent for one-bedroom flat (GBP)	Average rent for two-bedroom flat (GBP)	Average rent for three-bedroom house (GBP)
London	£1,480	£2,100	£3,200
South East	£1,100	£1,500	£2,200
East of England	£950	£1,300	£1,900
North West	£800	£1,100	£1,600
North East	£650	£900	£1,300
Yorkshire and the Humber	£600	£800	£1,200
West Midlands	£550	£750	£1,100
East Midlands	£500	£700	£1,000
Wales	£500	£650	£900
Scotland	£400	£550	£800

Please note: The costs mentioned in this section are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

 

Education costs in UK

Level of study	Tuition fees for domestic students (GBP)	Tuition fees for international students (GBP)
Undergraduate	£9,250 approximately	£11,400 – £38,000 approximately
Postgraduate	£9,250 – £14,000 approximately	£12,000 – £30,000 approximately

Notes:

• Tuition fees for domestic students are capped by the UK government.
• Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the university and the program of study.
• Students may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, and loans to help cover the cost of tuition.

Here are some examples of tuition fees for specific programs at popular UK universities:

University	Program	Average tuition fee for domestic students (GBP)	Average tuition fee for international students (GBP)
Oxford University	Undergraduate law degree	£9,250	£30,210
Cambridge University	Undergraduate engineering degree	£9,250	£29,590
Imperial College London	Undergraduate medicine degree	£9,250	£38,000
University of Edinburgh	Postgraduate computer science degree	£10,000	£24,000
London School of Economics and Political Science	Postgraduate economics degree	£12,000	£27,500

Please note: The costs mentioned in the table above are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

 

Affordable cities to live in UK

City	Average rent for one-bedroom flat (GBP)
Liverpool	£750
Leeds	£700
Sheffield	£650
Nottingham	£600
Bristol	£550
Bradford	£500
Carlisle	£450
Dundee	£400
Hull	£350
Stoke-on-Trent	£300

Please note: The costs mentioned in the table above are for your reference. The actual expenses may vary.

 

Tips to save money for Indian students in UK

Here are some tips that can be useful to save money in the UK:

• Budget carefully and track your spending. This will help you to identify areas where you can cut back.
• Cook at home instead of eating out. Eating out can be expensive, especially if you do it often. Cooking at home is much cheaper, and it can be healthier too.
• Buy in bulk. This can save you money on food, household goods, and other expenses.
• Take advantage of student discounts. Many businesses offer discounts to students. Be sure to ask about student discounts whenever you are shopping or eating out.
• Use public transportation or cycle instead of driving. Driving can be expensive, especially if you have to pay for petrol, parking, and insurance. Public transportation and cycling are much cheaper options.
• Shop around for utilities and other services. Compare prices from different providers to make sure you are getting the best deal.
• Get rid of unnecessary subscriptions. Are you still paying for that gym membership that you never use? Or that streaming service that you only watch once a month? Canceling unnecessary subscriptions can save you money each month.

You now have a comprehensive understanding of the living and educational costs experienced by international students in the UK. However, if students require assistance or loans to cover these costs or wish to apply for scholarships, they can reach out to MSM Unify counselors. Our team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to providing personalized guidance and support to help students achieve their dreams.

 

FAQs

What is the cost of living in UK?

On average, a student can expect to spend around £12,000 to £15,000 per year on living costs, including accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

What is the cost of living in UK per month?

The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the city, but on average, you can expect to spend around £800 to £1,200 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. 

Why is the cost of living so high in UK?

The cost of living in the UK is relatively high due to several factors. Firstly, the UK has a strong economy and a high standard of living, which naturally leads to higher prices for goods and services. Additionally, cities like London, which are popular destinations for students and professionals, tend to have higher living costs compared to other parts of the country. 

How to calculate the cost of living in UK?

To calculate the cost of living in the UK, you will need to consider various factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, utilities, and entertainment. The cost of living can vary depending on the city you’re in, with London generally being more expensive compared to other cities in the UK.

Can I live on £1500 a month in the UK?

It’s thought that a single person living in London will need around £1,500 per month to cover their living expenses and just over £1,200 in Manchester. However, with the pandemic pushing inflation to a 10-year high, the cost of general living expenses is rising sharply.