Cost of Living in London for International Students

Updated on 27 August, 2024

Moving to a new country can be exciting, daunting, and confusing. And to move to the vibrant city of London, which is known for being the most prominent cultural, transportation, and economic centre in the United Kingdom – comes at a cost. From the cost of living in London to monthly expenses in London, you need to be aware of each and every aspect before making a decision. In this article, we will explore everything so that you can fulfill your dream of getting education from abroad.

Cost of Living in London Student Key Highlights

Global education center London attracts students from all over but is well-known for its expensive living costs. Let's explore the cost of living in London that students in the British capital incur. From accommodation to daily necessities, we'll explore what it takes to live and study in London.

Transportation

For students, London's comprehensive public transport system is a lifesaver. Let's break down the expenses of various transport options, from the historic underground to buses and bikes.

Type of Transportation

Fare

Gas (1 liter)

£1.51

Local transport one-way ticket

£2.75

Taxi (1 km)

£1.90

Food

Here's an overview of food costs, covering groceries and dining-out options to help you plan your meals and social outings.

Type of Food

Expense

Meal in an inexpensive restaurant

£20

Meal for 2 people

£80

Cappuccino

£3.64

Leisure

London offers numerous choices for enjoyment. Here is a list of typical expenses for different leisure activities, enabling you to combine your academics with the city's active cultural scene.

Type of Entertainment

Expense

Cinema

£14.50

Tennis Court Rent

£14.70

Gym

£45.33

Housing/Accommodation

Typically, students' biggest expense is accommodation. Here is a breakdown of accommodation costs in London:

Place of Accommodation

Expense/per month

1-bedroom apartment in the city center

£2,170

3-bedroom apartment in the city center

£4,484

Utility

Beyond rent, utilities are a key consideration. Here's a breakdown of average costs for essential services like electricity, water, and internet to help you budget effectively.

Place

Expense/per month

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

£1.22

Mobile phone monthly plan

£14.94

What is Average Cost of Living in London

Living in London, one of the world's most vibrant and diverse cities, comes with a price tag to match its reputation. For students seeking education abroad, particularly in London, the cost of living is much greater than elsewhere in the UK.

Foreign students enrolled in London should set their budget between £1,300 and £1,400 per month to meet their basic living expenses in London. This sum usually includes housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other daily city expenses.

On the other hand, students residing elsewhere in the UK may expect to pay less; typical monthly living expenses run between £900 and £1,300 per month. This difference emphasizes the premium associated with living in the capital city.

Top 7 Universities in London

London features some of the most renowned educational establishments in the world. These top 7 universities provide students unmatched chances in a global metropolis and great academic programmes. Let's explore these esteemed universities that have helped London become a top educational location. 

University Average Tuition Fees for International Students (Annually) Accommodation Fees (per week) Miscellaneous
Imperial College London

£37,650

£136 - 346

$348 per month (food)

University College London

£37,500

£145 - 465

£213 per month (food)

King’s College London

£27,066

£163 - 394

£1,800 per month (living expenses)

Queen Mary, University of London

£27,900

£167 - 416

£30 per day (evening meal)

Royal Holloway, University of London

£26,300

£139 - 220

£10 per week (mobile phone)

The Birkbeck, University of London

£17,620

£200 - 400

£40 per week (water, electricity, etc.)

Brunel University London

£17,450

£690 - 940

£160 per month (groceries)

Average Salaries in London

As a global financial center and economic powerhouse, London offers competitive pay in many industries. With the high cost of living in the British capital and the varied employment market, the average yearly salary there is around £44,000. However, this number can vary significantly based on the sector, level of experience, and specific job title. 

Let's take a closer look at some of the top-paying positions in London to provide a better understanding of earning potential in different fields.

Job Role

Salary

Software Engineer

£49,720

Project Manager

£48,984

Data Analyst

£34,644

Marketing Manager

£41,844

Operations Manager

£41,856

Software Developer

£40,300

Digital Marketer

£28,533

Counsel

£56,384

Conclusion

The average cost of living in London might seem as expensive, but with the city’s high wages and beauty, everything balances out. You’ll always find something to see and do, no matter what time of year it is or even what time of day it is! World-renowned attractions like Big Ben and world-class craftsmanship displays like the Tate Modern are just a few of the things you’ll find on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does London have a good education system?

Yes. The education system in London is excellent, making it a top choice for students from all over the world.

 

 


 

Is London a safe city?

Yes. London is amongst the Top 10 safe cities in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

FAQs

Does London have a good education system?

Yes The education system in London is excellent, making it a top choice for students from all over the world.

Is London a safe city?

Yes London is amongst the Top 10 safe cities in the world.

What is the average living cost in London?

The monthly expense in London is around £1,300–£1,400 for an overseas student living in London. This includes food, lodging, bills, and other basics.

Is 1500 pounds enough to live in London?

For a moderate lifestyle in London, including basic costs, £1,500 a month will be sufficient. However, living in central locations or maintaining an active social life might make things tight.

Is UK more costly than India?

Yes, the UK is generally more costly than India. Particularly in places like London, the UK has a significantly higher cost of living, including housing, food, and transportation.

What jobs pay the most in UK?

High-paying jobs in the UK include roles in finance, law, medicine, and technology. Positions such as investment bankers, doctors, corporate lawyers, and IT directors usually offer high salaries.
 

Which skill is highly paid in the UK?

In the UK, highly sought-after skills include software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial management. Expertise in emerging technologies often commands premium salaries.

What is a good salary in the UK?

A decent salary in the UK varies depending on the region and lifestyle. For most professionals in the UK, above £40,000 annually is sufficient.

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Yashika Chaudhary

Yashika is currently gaining valuable experience as a Content Writer Intern at UpGrad, complementing her background as a transcriber and editor trained under Anshu Dogra. Her passion for writing shines through in her published poetry, reflecting a dedication to crafting compelling content. She channels her creativity to support businesses with engaging narratives and to provide readers with enriching insights.

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