Cost of Living in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2024

When my friend Shruti received her acceptance letter from Oxford University, she was thrilled to be heading to one of the most prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom. However, upon her arrival, Shruti quickly realized that the cost of living in the UK was considerably high. 

Initially overwhelmed, she turned to meticulous research to make sense of her finances. By carefully planning her budget, she balanced her expenses without compromising her experience to study abroad. 

From finding affordable accommodation to discovering student discounts and part-time job opportunities, Shruti’s thorough approach made everything manageable.

In this article, we will guide you through the same process, offering insights to help you easily navigate the cost of living in the UK. Whether a student or a professional, this guide will ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.

Cost of Living in the UK Dependence Upon the Number of Family Members

1. Cost of Living in the UK for a Family of Four

The average cost of living for a family of four in the UK is between £4,000 and £4,500, including the rent. It will change if you live away from the main cities. Your living cost would also depend on how well you manage your finances; however, the main expenses like rent, food, transport, and tax, should be covered in the above-stated figure. 

2. Cost of Living in the UK as a Family of Two or Shared by Two Individuals

For a family of two, the average cost of living in the UK is approximately £2,500 to £3,000, including accommodation rent. Living together can help in sharing the rent and bills of other utilities.

3. Cost of Living in the UK as a Student 

As a student, the average cost of living in the UK is around £1000 to £1600, including the rent. It can be different depending upon the place you are living. It can be a single flat where you live alone or a shared accommodation with a roommate.

What is the Cost of Living in UK per month

The typical monthly cost of living in the UK for a single person or student is approximately ₹76,572.5 (£754.0), not including rent. For a family of four, average expenses are about ₹261,158.5 (£2,571.5), excluding rent and other miscellaneous costs.

Important Link: Cost of Living for Studying Abroad

List of Necessary Items With Their Cost for Living in UK 

Item	Cost of Living in the UK for an Indian Family (GBP)	Cost of Living in the UK for a Single Person/Student (GBP)
Rent	£600 - £2,125	£725 - £2,125
Utilities	£150 - £425	£150 - £425
Groceries	£300 - £600	£150 - £300
Transportation	£50 - £200	£50 - £200
Entertainment	£50 - £200	£50 - £200

Living Costs in UK With Rent 

The cost of living in the UK, with rent, is around  £2500 to £3000 per month. 

The average monthly cost of living in the UK for Indian students for different accommodation types is detailed in the following table.

Aspect	Cost of Living in the UK Per Month London (GBP)	Rest of UK (GBP)
On-Campus (Bills Included)	£664	£848
City Centre (1 Bedroom Apartment)	£725 - £2,125	£600 - £1,607
Outside of Centre (1 Bedroom Apartment)	£600 - £1,607	£600 - £1,607
City Centre (3 Bedrooms Apartment)	£1,200 - £4,296	£900 - £2,892
Outside of Centre (3 Bedrooms Apartment)	£900 - £2,892	£900 - £2,892

Transportation 

Transportation costs in the UK typically range as follows.

Transportation and Vehicle Prices for London	Average Cost
Gasoline (1 litre / 0.25 gallon)	£1.76
Monthly Bus/Transport Pass	£160
Bus Ticket, Single-use	£1.65
Taxi (Normal Tariff)	£4.65
Taxi Tariff, 1km (Normal Tariff)	£1.7

Utilities

Utility costs in the UK typically range from £250 to £500 per month for electricity, heating, water, garbage, mobile phone plans, and high-speed internet with unlimited data.

Utility	Monthly Single Person Range (GBP)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	£150 - £425
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan	£10 - £25
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data)	£25 - £45

Healthcare Costs

Here are the average costs for some healthcare services:

Healthcare Service	Average Cost to You (GBP)
Dental Charges	£23 - £282
Prescription Charges	£9.35
3-month PPC (Prescription Prepayment Certificate)	£30
12-month PPC	£108

Entertainment and Recreation

Enjoying recreational activities and staying fit in the UK is affordable, with typical monthly costs for entertainment and fitness services falling within these ranges:

Aspect	Monthly Cost Range (GBP)
Cinema (International Release, 1 Seat)	£7 - £15
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	£19 - £60
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	£6 - £15

Food and Dining

In the UK, you'll find a diverse culinary scene offering everything from budget-friendly meals to essential groceries. 

Let's look at the cost of different food items and dining experiences.

Grocery Item	Average Cost (GBP)
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	£9 - £25
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	£45.00 - £100.00
Milk (1 liter)	£0.79 - £1.77
Fresh White Bread (500g)	£0.70 - £2.00
Eggs (12)	£2.94
Apples (1kg)	£2.12
Banana (1kg)	£1.15
Oranges (1kg)	£2.11
Tomatoes (1kg)	£2.65
Potatoes (1kg)	£1.11
Onions (1kg)	£1.05

Read More: MS in UK Cost

Average Education Cost in UK

International students' fees range from £10,000 to £38,000, shaped by discipline and institution prestige. STEM fields often command a premium, reflective of their resource-intensive nature. Augmenting these costs are living expenses averaging £12,500 yearly, underlining the comprehensive financial commitment required. 

However, amidst these financial considerations, the allure of UK education persists. Shorter program durations, vibrant student life, and access to student loans for domestic students serve to enrich the educational experience. 

Though fees may be slightly higher for international students, the promise of academic excellence and cultural immersion remains a compelling draw. Thus, while navigating the financial terrain of UK universities may be daunting, the potential for personal and intellectual growth continues to attract students from across the globe.

Recommended Read: Student Visa for the UK | Best MBA Colleges in UK | Cost of Study in UK

Cost of Living in United Kingdom’s Different Cities & Regions

Understanding the cost of living in different parts of the UK is crucial. It helps you plan your finances wisely and make informed decisions about where to live or visit. 

Each city and region has its expenses and lifestyle, so knowing these costs can make a big difference in your budgeting and overall quality of life.

Average Rent in the UK by Regional Basis

In the UK, the further north you go, the higher the rent gets. In the northeast, renters pay the least amount for accommodation. The people in the north pay 40 percent less rent in comparison to people in England. The housing rent is the highest in London, with the average rent going up to £1,480.

Region	Average cost(£)
North East	530
Yorkshire and the Humber	550
East Midlands	561
West Midlands	602
South West	752
North West	623
South East	940
East	860
London	1,480

Average Rent in UK for Top Expensive Cities

For those seeking premium living experiences and willing to invest more in rent, these cities in the UK offer higher-end accommodation options:

City	Average Monthly Rent (GBP)
London	£2,264
Oxford	£1,561
Cambridge	£1,533
St Albans	£1,509
Brighton	£1,468
Bristol	£1,336
Winchester	£1,332
Edinburgh	£1,310
Chelmsford	£1,300
Milton Keynes	£1,239

Average Rent in UK for the Top Cheapest Cities

If you're looking for budget-friendly rental options in the UK, consider these cities with comparatively lower average monthly rents:

City	Average Monthly Rent (GBP)
Carlisle	£607
Hull	£638
Sunderland	£648
Stoke-On-Trent	£701
Doncaster	£707
Bradford	£714
Wrexham	£754
Lancaster	£764
Aberdeen	£775
Preston	£787

Read More: Study in UK for Indian students after 12th

Cost-Saving Tips in UK

Below are a few useful tips that can help you save money in the UK:

1. Share a flat

Housing in the UK is very expensive, and the rents in the UK can be around half of your total budget. To overcome this, sharing a flat is considered a general thing in the UK. 

2. Getting a local bank account

Everything can get very easy when you have a local bank account. You can get one easily once you arrive in the UK, and it just needs some documents. First, get accommodation and the documents that will help you get a local bank account.

3. Try to reduce your household bills

The general utility bills like electricity, heater-cooler, etc., can be reduced by managing the overall usage. Like in winter, rather than always turning up the heat, you can try to wear some warm clothes.

4. Try to pay your debts as soon as possible

Paying off your credit card payments, student loans, and any other type of personal loan is foremost. After doing that, you can start saving money. It is necessary to understand that the best way to save money is to first pay off your debt as the interest from the loans is huge, and this cannot allow you to save money.

5. Search for good deals

Search for “sim only” deals if you have a phone already and get the ones with good returns and less money. These minor changes can save a lot of money for you at the end of the year.

6. Avoid eating at expensive places

Regularly eating in restaurants and cafes can cost a lot, and you cannot afford to lose so much money on luxury food and services. Look for more affordable eating places with good food, and make sure to use the benefits of offers and deals. 

You can also cook your food at home or buy ready-to-eat food at a low price from the supermarkets; wait till the end of the day and pick products with bright yellow stickers on them.

7. Smart commute and comparing prices

Transportation costs can be substantial in the UK, but there are ways to manage them effectively. Utilizing transportation cards like Oyster or Contactless can streamline expenses for daily commutes. 

Comparing prices online ensures you get the best deals on train tickets, while coaches offer economical options for longer journeys. Booking flights in advance can also result in significant savings. With a proactive approach to planning, navigating transportation expenses in the UK becomes much more manageable and even rewarding.

8. Try to bargain your way out while buying

In the UK, it is vital to bargain to save money and survive on an affordable budget. Always ask for bargains and discounts. You need to understand what items you can bargain for and the items you cannot.

Living in the city is expensive, whether as a student or a family. But with good planning, you can save a lot of money. These changes may seem very little, but they sure have a significant impact on your overall budget. 

Free Resources for You:
Packing List For Indian Student	Important Study Abroad Exams
Free Study Abroad Counselling	Ultimate Guide for MBA in Abroad
Webometrics Ranking of World Universities

Living in UK: Things to Know 

Discovering life in the UK is an adventure filled with unique experiences and cultural nuances. Here are the five best reasons to live in the UK.

Most UK employers provide ample paid time off for relaxation to compensate for fewer public holidays. Almost all full-time UK workers are entitled to at least 28 days of paid vacation annually – a stark contrast to the US's ten days on average.

Excellent Public Transport 

With a vast network of buses, coaches, trains, trams, and more, the UK boasts excellent public transportation. Living in the UK without access to a car is quite feasible.   

Many Job Opportunities 

Many people live in the UK solely because it’s a great place to find a job. It's a surprisingly simple endeavor in the big cities, where work opportunities abound for different individuals and skill sets.     

Happening Cities 

The UK is home to some of the most exciting cities. Manchester, Edinburgh, London, Bristol, Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, and Derry are brilliant places to live, where you’ll always find varied activities. 

Expect All Four Seasons in a Single Day 

Every story you’ve heard and sketch you’ve watched about the Brits obsessing over the weather is true – it’s a conversation starter every time you meet someone new. This slight fixation originates from the UK’s highly unpredictable weather – you never quite know what to expect! Going out during a morning heatwave and then experiencing an afternoon downpour is just something you'll get accustomed to.

UK vs Other Countries: Cost of Living Comparison 

Here's a comparison of the cost of living in the UK with other countries:

Category	Description	UK (£)	India (₹) (INR)	Canada (CA$)	Australia (AU$)	US (USD)	France (€)
Meal	Inexpensive Restaurant	£12.00 (INR 1256)	INR 900	CA$15.00 (INR 915.51)	AU$18.00 (INR 991.94)	$15.00 (INR 1252.57)	€10.00 (INR 898.69)
	Mid-range Restaurant	£60.00 (INR 6280)	INR 4,500	CA$100.00 (INR 6103.42)	AU$120.00 (INR 6612.94)	$90.00 (INR 7515.43)	€60.00 (INR 5392.14)
Transportation	One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	£1.80 (INR 188.04)	INR 135	CA$3.50 (INR 213.62)	AU$4.00 (INR 220.43)	$2.50 (INR 208.76)	€1.80 (INR 161.76)
Utilities (Monthly)	Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water) 85m² Apartment	£177.13 (INR 18,540)	INR 13,285	CA$211.00 (INR 13488.55)	AU$150.00 (INR 8266.17)	$200.00 (INR 16700.96)	€177.13 (INR 15918.50)
Sports And Leisure	Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	£32.80 (INR 3433)	INR 2,460	CA$57.77 (INR 3521.23)	AU$80.00 (INR 4408.62)	$50.00 (INR 4175.24)	€32.80 (INR 2875.81)
Childcare	Preschool (Full Day, Monthly for 1 Child)	£1,242.42 (INR 130,043.11)	INR 6,000	CA$1,133 (INR 69161.21)	AU$1,200 (INR 66,129.36)	$1375.00 (INR 114,819.10)	€676.75 (INR 60818.85)
Rent Per Month	Apartment (1 bedroom)	£1055 (INR 110,426)	INR 17,000	CA$1,923.79 (INR 117445.87)	AU$1,800 (INR 99194.04)	$1,770.87 (INR 147876.15)	€776.79 (INR 69809.34)

Read More:
Spring Intake in UK	Summer Intake in UK	Scholarship in UK for Indian Students
Best job opportunities after MS in UK	Best Cities in UK for Students	Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for International Students

Country-Wise Cost of Living Guides
Cost of Living in Dublin	Cost of Living in Ireland	Cost of Living in Europe
Cost of Living in Australia	Cost of Living in Canada	Cost of Living in France
Cost of Living Singapore	Cost of Living in Germany	Cost of Living in Switzerland

Conclusion 

In 2024, the cost of living in the UK varies by region, with cities like London and Edinburgh being the most expensive due to their economic and cultural significance. Accommodation, utilities, and transportation are the main expenses, but the UK’s quality healthcare, education, and social services remain a draw for those who want to study abroad.

For those planning to study in the UK, budgeting carefully is essential. Urban areas offer more opportunities but are costly, while rural areas are cheaper. Understanding these differences helps students choose the best location for their budget and lifestyle while still enjoying the UK's cultural and educational benefits.