For students aspiring to study in the United Kingdom, it is essential to understand the cost of living comparison between its different cities. Universities often regulate tuition fees for domestic and international students, but living costs vary significantly based on location and personal expenses.
This article provides an overview of the cost of living in some of the UK’s most popular student cities. Here we will be comparing the different factors that influence living and studying in the UK.
Financial Factors Impacting a Student’s Life in the UK
As they say, “roti, kapda, and makan” (translation: food, clothes, and house) are the three essentials to live a life. So, before we indulge in the expenses, let’s segregate the fundamental elements necessary to live in the UK.
- Housing Costs: The biggest expense for most students, outside of tuition fees, is accommodation. It can vary based on the city, type of student housing (university halls, private rentals, or shared flats), and proximity to the university.
- Logistics: Public transport is a part of regular life. Buses, trains, and trams are the most common modes of transportation. Some universities offer passes to their students; others may not.
- Groceries and Food: Eating habits and local prices influence the cost of groceries. If you eat out often, the bills will tend to pile up faster than if you meal prep at home.
- Entertainment and Social Life: Costs for extracurricular activities, gym memberships, streaming services, and socializing are some of the miscellaneous expenses.
Cost of Living Comparison Across UK Cities
1. London
London occupies the higher end of the budget scale for students. But since it has a huge number of QS-world-ranking universities and an elite culture, it remains a highly attractive destination for students. Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the London School of Economics (LSE) are among the most prominent universities located in London.
Rent tends to be pretty high here. Grocery rates vary as per local value. Transportation has many options but is a bit expensive. However, with smart money management skills, you can reduce bills to afford a comfortable life.
The list below details the expenses of a month:
Monthly Expenditures:
- Rent (if you choose a shared accommodation): £500-£1100
- Transportation: £150 (Student Oyster Card discount is valid)
- Groceries: £100-£400
- Miscellaneous: £100 – £500
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £12,000-£20,000.
2. Manchester
In comparison to London, Manchester has a lower cost of living, making it an attractive alternative for students. People know it for its vibrant social life, vast public transport network, and excellent educational institutes.
As the “Capital of the North,” Manchester offers a plethora of work opportunities because of its technological advancements. The city attracts hundreds of students as its new inhabitants every year. The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University are famous institutions located here.
Monthly Expenditures:
- Rent (shared accommodation): £300 – £750
- Transport (Metrolink tram system): £60-£100
- Groceries: £1500 – £350
- Miscellaneous: £200 – £700
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £9,000-£13,000.
3. Edinburgh
Widely famous for being Scotland’s capital, the city houses legendary institutions like the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. In terms of expenses, it is a little more expensive than Manchester but less expensive than London.
You can come to Edinburgh to study architecture and enjoy its rich cultural air. Globally, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival. Therefore, students in creative industries like arts and culture prefer it for its experiential value.
Monthly Expenditures:
- Rent (if you select a dorm or shared housing): £400-£700
- Transport (Buses and cycling are common): £40-£90
- Groceries: £100-£300
- Miscellaneous: £100 – £500
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £8,000-£15,000.
4. Leeds
Leeds is an average, middle-class, budget-friendly city. It has everything a student desires. From high-ranking universities to affordable housing, it has all. It is home to the famous University of Leeds, a Russell Group university ranking in the top 20 in the UK.
Hyde Park and technological spaces are some of its famous attractions. To understand the cost of living comparison between Leeds and other UK cities, have a look at the following breakdown:
Monthly Expenditures:
- Rent (shared housing): £400-£600; £500-£700 per month for single-room rentals.
- Transport: £40-£70 (bus passes are available)
- Groceries: £200-£450
- Miscellaneous: £150-£350
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £9,000-£12,000.
5. Glasgow
The stunning University of Glasgow is one of the highlights of the city for international students. Many consider it more affordable than Manchester and Edinburgh. It is also home to Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde. When measured in terms of the cost of living comparison, these are top-class universities for business and engineering.
The city stands out for its welcoming, friendly people and its rich culture and history. It has outstanding nightlife, cultural spots, and a social environment. It is also a great place to earn some money via part-time jobs.
Monthly Expenditures:
- Rent (on a sharing basis): £300-£5500
- Transport: £40-£80
- Groceries: £100-£300
- Miscellaneous: £150 – £500
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £9,000-£10,000.
6. Cardiff
Cardiff is among the UK’s most reasonably priced cities for overseas students. Besides being a low-budget city, it also houses the 5th-best research institution, Cardiff University. The University of South Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University are some other major institutions in town.
The city has a history of great hospitality experiences. Along with it, Cardiff also offers a wide network of public transit. Therefore, great universities, affordable living costs, and rich cultural heritage make it the perfect place to learn and grow.
Monthly Expenses:
- Rent (common housing): £300-£600
- Transport: £50-£70
- Groceries: £100-£250
- Miscellaneous: £150-£300
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £9,000-£10,000.
7. Portsmouth
Among all the cities in this list, Portsmouth is the most budget-friendly city in the United Kingdom. Portsmouth is famous for its coastal lifestyle. The QS World University Rankings 2025 place the University of Portsmouth at #631-640.
Its location is very strategic. The city sits on the shores of the sea, just 90 minutes from London. Southsea Castle is a popular attraction, along with strong aerospace and marine technological advancements.
Monthly Expenses:
- Rent (university housing): £200-£350 (electricity bills enclosed)
- Transport: £30-£40
- Groceries: £180-£250
- Miscellaneous: £100-£300
Overall, estimated annual living costs: £6,000-£9,000.
Concluding Remarks
There are no doubts about the fact that living in the UK can be expensive. But everything has its share of advantages as well. The United Kingdom offers world-class education on a global campus. Therefore, it’s worth making a financial commitment. This cost of living comparison intends to guide your financial planning and strategic investments. The right effort in the right direction will lead you to your dreams. You can also manage your costs with the help of scholarships, student loans, and part-time jobs.
