Start your Study Abroad Journey with WayUP Abroad for Free.
The Living Cost in UK can vary significantly depending on the region, city, and lifestyle. On average, a single person can expect to spend around £800-£1,200 per month, while a family of four can spend upwards of £3,000-£4,000 per month. Housing, transportation, and food are the largest expenses, with London being the most expensive city. However, with careful budgeting and planning, it's possible to manage the Living Cost in UK and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
| Particulars | Monthly Cost (GBP) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Accommodation | 500 - 1,500 | ₹50,000 - 1,50,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas) | 100 - 200 | ₹10,000 - 20,000 |
| Internet and Mobile | 30 - 50 | ₹3,000 - 5,000 |
| Groceries | 150 - 300 | ₹15,000 - 30,000 |
| Transportation | 50 - 150 | ₹5,000 - 15,000 |
| Entertainment | 50 - 200 | ₹5,000 - 20,000 |
| Dining Out | 100 - 250 | ₹10,000 - 25,000 |
| Health Insurance | 20 - 100 | ₹2,000 - 10,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 50 - 200 | ₹5,000 - 20,000 |
| Total (Approx.) | 1,050 - 2,950 | ₹1,05,000 - 2,95,000 |
Cost of living in the UK for different scenarios: a family of 4, a couple, and two people sharing accommodation. Costs are estimates and vary by location and lifestyle.
Assumptions:
| Particulars | For Family of 4 (GBP) | For Couple (GBP) | Shared by 2 (GBP) |
| Accommodation | 1,200 - 2,500 | 800 - 1,500 | 600 - 1,000 |
| Utilities | 150 - 250 | 100 - 200 | 50 - 100 |
| Internet & Mobile | 50 - 100 | 30 - 50 | 30 - 50 |
| Groceries | 400 - 600 | 200 - 300 | 100 - 150 |
| Transportation | 150 - 300 | 100 - 200 | 50 - 100 |
| Entertainment | 150 - 300 | 100 - 200 | 50 - 100 |
| Dining Out | 200 - 400 | 100 - 250 | 50 - 150 |
| Health Insurance | 50 - 200 | 20 - 100 | 20 - 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 - 300 | 50 - 200 | 30 - 100 |
| Total Monthly Cost (GBP) | 2,450 - 4,950 | 1,500 - 3,000 | 980 - 1,750 |
| Total Monthly Cost (INR) | 2,45,000 - 4,95,000 | 1,50,000 - 3,00,000 | 98,000 - 1,75,000 |
The cost of living in the UK varies based on family size and lifestyle. A family of four typically spends £2,450–£4,950 (₹2.45–₹4.95 lakh) monthly, while a couple's expenses range from £1,500–£3,000 (₹1.5–₹3 lakh). Two individuals sharing accommodation can manage with £980–£1,750 (₹98,000–₹1.75 lakh). Key factors include location, with cities like London being more expensive, and lifestyle choices. Shared expenses like utilities and accommodation significantly lower costs for students or roommates. Families incur higher costs for groceries, transport, and schooling. Overall, efficient budgeting and city-specific planning can make living in the UK manageable for diverse groups.
The cost of accommodation in UK while living will totally depend on the type of apartment you choose, the city, etc. Let’s understand with the help of a table created by overseas education consultants in India:
| City | Apartment Type | Average Monthly Cost (£) | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
| London | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 1,500 - 2,500 | ₹1,50,000 - 2,50,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 2,000 - 3,500 | ₹2,00,000 - 3,50,000 | |
| Shared Accommodation | 800 - 1,500 | ₹80,000 - 1,50,000 | |
| Manchester | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 900 - 1,300 | ₹90,000 - 1,30,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 1,200 - 2,000 | ₹1,20,000 - 2,00,000 | |
| Shared Accommodation | 500 - 800 | ₹50,000 - 80,000 | |
| Birmingham | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 800 - 1,200 | ₹80,000 - 1,20,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 1,000 - 1,800 | ₹1,00,000 - 1,80,000 | |
| Shared Accommodation | 400 - 700 | ₹40,000 - 70,000 | |
| Edinburgh | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 1,000 - 1,400 | ₹1,00,000 - 1,40,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 1,400 - 2,200 | ₹1,40,000 - 2,20,000 | |
| Shared Accommodation | 600 - 1,000 | ₹60,000 - 1,00,000 | |
| Glasgow | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 700 - 1,100 | ₹70,000 - 1,10,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 1,000 - 1,600 | ₹1,00,000 - 1,60,000 | |
| Shared Accommodation | 400 - 600 | ₹40,000 - 60,000 |
The UK's public transportation system is primarily managed by private companies, with costs varying based on travel mode, distance, and time of day. Private transportation, including car rentals and taxis, is more expensive. Cycling is a popular eco-friendly alternative, with city-specific bike hire schemes. Commuting expenses vary across cities, with London charging £1.50 for a single bus ride and an average monthly cost of £186. Understanding transportation costs is crucial for budgeting and planning. Let’s check transportation costs in UK:
| Mode of Transportation | City | Average Cost (GBP) | Average Cost (INR) |
| Single Bus Ride | London | £1.50 | ₹150 |
| Manchester | £2.00 | ₹200 | |
| Birmingham | £2.20 | ₹220 | |
| Weekly Pass (Bus/Train) | London | £20 - £50 | ₹2,000 - 5,000 |
| Edinburgh | £18 - £40 | ₹1,800 - 4,000 | |
| Glasgow | £15 - £30 | ₹1,500 - 3,000 | |
| Train Ticket (Intercity) | London to Manchester | £50 - £150 | ₹5,000 - 15,000 |
| Birmingham to Edinburgh | £40 - £100 | ₹4,000 - 10,000 | |
| Taxi (per mile) | London | £3.00 | ₹300 |
| Other Cities | £1.50 - £2.50 | ₹150 - 250 | |
| Fuel (per litre) | Nationwide | £1.30 | ₹130 |
| Car Rental (per day) | Nationwide | £20 - £100 | ₹2,000 - 10,000 |
| Bike Hire (24 hours) | London | £2 - £5 | ₹200 - 500 |
| Liverpool | £1.50 - £4 | ₹150 - 400 |
The cost of food in the UK varies based on lifestyle, eating habits, and family size. Students can save by cooking at home and shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets, while families can save by dining out at university canteens or grocery stores. However, families spend more due to diverse dietary needs and larger consumption. To manage costs, students can plan meals and buy in bulk, while families can use apps like Too Good To Go to buy surplus meals at a discount.
| Particulars | For Students (Monthly) | For Families (Monthly) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
| Groceries | £100 - £200 | £400 - £600 | ₹10,000 - 60,000 |
| Dining Out (Occasionally) | £20 - £50 | £80 - £200 | ₹2,000 - 20,000 |
| Takeaway Meals | £10 - £50 | £50 - £150 | ₹1,000 - 15,000 |
| Coffee/Tea (Cafes) | £10 - £20 | £30 - £50 | ₹1,000 - 5,000 |
| Snacks and Miscellaneous | £20 - £40 | £40 - £80 | ₹2,000 - 8,000 |
Healthcare and dental costs in the UK are essential considerations when calculating living costs, particularly for international students and expats. While the UK's National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for UK citizens, international students and non-EU nationals may not be eligible for free NHS services. As a result, they may need to pay for private healthcare, which can be expensive. Additionally, dental care is not always covered by the NHS, and private dental treatments can be costly. Therefore, it is crucial to factor in healthcare and dental costs when budgeting for living expenses in the UK. A typical international student may need to budget around £500-£1,000 (approximately $650-$1,300 USD) per year for healthcare and dental costs, depending on their individual circumstances and the type of healthcare services they require.
NHS provides free services including GP visits, hospital stays, and emergency care.
| Category | Service | Cost (GBP) | Cost (INR) |
| Healthcare (NHS) | GP Visit (General Practitioner) | Free | 0 |
| Prescription Charge (England) | £9.65 per item | ₹965 | |
| Private Healthcare Consultation | £50 - £200 | ₹5,000 - 20,000 | |
| Health Insurance (per month) | £80 - £200 | ₹8,000 - 20,000 | |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £470 per year (students) | ₹47,000 | |
| £624 per year (adults) | ₹62,400 | ||
| Dental Costs (NHS) | Band 1 (Check-up, X-rays) | £25.80 | ₹2,580 |
| Band 2 (Fillings, Extractions) | £70.70 | ₹7,070 | |
| Band 3 (Crowns, Dentures) | £306.80 | ₹30,680 | |
| Private Dental Costs | Routine Check-up | £50 - £150 | ₹5,000 - 15,000 |
| Fillings | £100 - £250 | ₹10,000 - 25,000 | |
| Root Canal Treatment | £250 - £1,000 | ₹25,000 - 1,00,000 | |
| Dental Implants (per tooth) | £2,000 - £3,000 | ₹2,00,000 - 3,00,000 |
The UK's utility costs, including essential services like electricity, gas, water, and internet, have seen a decline in October 2023, with gas costs falling by 31.0% and electricity prices reducing by 15.6%. An average household in the UK spends around £1,131 on fuel, £34 on electricity, and £400 on water bills. Broadband services, including internet and TV subscriptions, are typically bundled for £27.50 per month. Transportation costs are higher for families of four, with larger families consuming more fuel and electricity. Renters can expect to pay around £155 per month for gas, electricity, and water.
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost (GBP) | Average Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Electricity | £34 | ₹3,400 |
| Water & Sewerage | £33 (annual average of £400) | ₹3,300 |
| Broadband & TV Services | £27.50 | ₹2,750 |
| Gas, Electricity, & Water (Renters) | £155 | ₹15,500 |
| Petrol & Electricity (Family of 4) | £291.08 | ₹29,100 |
| Petrol & Electricity (Single Person) | £142.69 | ₹14,300 |
As I said earlier, living expenses in UK depend on location too. So, let’s know how much you need to spend while living in UK in different cities:
| City | Cost of Living (Without Rent) per Month (£) | Cost of Living (Without Rent) per Month (INR) | Cost of Living (Without Rent) per Year (£) | Cost of Living (Without Rent) per Year (INR) |
| London | £1,100 - £1,300 | ₹1,10,000 - 1,30,000 | £13,200 - £15,600 | ₹13,20,000 - 15,60,000 |
| Manchester | £800 - £1,000 | ₹80,000 - 1,00,000 | £9,600 - £12,000 | ₹9,60,000 - 12,00,000 |
| Birmingham | £850 - £1,050 | ₹85,000 - 1,05,000 | £10,200 - £12,600 | ₹10,20,000 - 12,60,000 |
| Edinburgh | £900 - £1,100 | ₹90,000 - 1,10,000 | £10,800 - £13,200 | ₹10,80,000 - 13,20,000 |
| Leeds | £750 - £950 | ₹75,000 - 95,000 | £9,000 - £11,400 | ₹9,00,000 - 11,40,000 |
| Glasgow | £750 - £950 | ₹75,000 - 95,000 | £9,000 - £11,400 | ₹9,00,000 - 11,40,000 |
| Sheffield | £800 - £1,000 | ₹80,000 - 1,00,000 | £9,600 - £12,000 | ₹9,60,000 - 12,00,000 |
| Liverpool | £850 - £1,050 | ₹85,000 - 1,05,000 | £10,200 - £12,600 | ₹10,20,000 - 12,60,000 |
| Cardiff | £800 - £1,000 | ₹80,000 - 1,00,000 | £9,600 - £12,000 | ₹9,60,000 - 12,00,000 |
Cost of studying in the UK varies based on factors like university type, course, and location. International students can expect tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £38,000 per year. Russell Group Universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, have higher fees. Other universities offer more affordable tuition. Course types also impact fees, with undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from £10,000 to £25,000. Living costs, including accommodation, food, and transportation, also vary. Let’s understand this with the help of table:
| Course Type | UK Students (Per Year) | EU/International Students (Per Year) | Application Fees (Per Course) | Books and Materials (Per Year) | Field Trips (Optional) |
| Undergraduate Courses | £9,250 - £11,000 | £10,000 - £38,000 | £20 - £60 | £300 - £500 | £100 - £1,000 |
| Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts | £10,000 - £18,000 | £12,000 - £25,000 | £20 - £60 | £300 - £500 | £100 - £1,000 |
| Science, Engineering, Technology | £15,000 - £30,000 | £15,000 - £40,000 | £20 - £60 | £300 - £500 | £100 - £1,000 |
| Postgraduate Courses | £10,000 - £22,000 | £12,000 - £45,000 | £20 - £60 | £300 - £500 | £100 - £1,000 |
| MBA and Specialized Courses | N/A | £30,000 - £60,000 | £20 - £60 | £300 - £500 | £100 - £1,000 |
FAQ 1: What is the average monthly rent in the UK?
The average monthly rent in the UK varies from £600-£1,200 (approximately $770-$1,540 USD) depending on location, city, and type of accommodation.
FAQ 2: How much does food cost in the UK?
The cost of food in the UK can vary, but on average, a weekly grocery shop can cost around £30-£50 (approximately $39-$65 USD) for basic items. Eating out can cost £10-£20 ($13-$26 USD) per meal.
FAQ 3: What is the cost of transportation in the UK?
The cost of transportation in the UK varies depending on the mode of transport. A monthly public transport pass can cost around £60-£130 (approximately $78-$169 USD), while a liter of petrol costs around £1.20 ($1.57 USD).
FAQ 4: How much does a student need to budget for living expenses in the UK?
A student in the UK should budget around £800-£1,200 (approximately $1,040-$1,570 USD) per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
FAQ 5: Are there any additional costs I should consider when living in the UK?
Yes, additional costs to consider when living in the UK include council tax (£100-£200 per month), utility bills (£100-£200 per month), and internet and TV costs (£30-£50 per month).
