Cost of Living in Cambridge for International Students 2026-2027: Complete Guide 

With hundreds of students walking down the brightly lit shops of Regent Street and freely navigating buses in the evenings, it is obvious that Cambridge has its own rhythm. The city embraces a rich historical heritage and a growing technology sector. For international students about to begin their academic year, Cambridge can be a perfect choice for those who aspire to receive a quality education and admire world-renowned architecture.

A major reason students choose to study at Cambridge University is its motivating educational environment. The cost of living in Cambridge is between £1,250 to £1,400 per month. This guide gives you a clear financial roadmap covering unexpected utility increases, grocery-saving tips, transport discounts, and part-time work rules.

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Cambridge, UK

The living costs for international students in Cambridge are higher than in other cities. Economically, Cambridge is among the most expensive places in the UK, and its average property prices are even higher than in other major cities. The realistic monthly cost of living in Cambridge is closer to £1,250 to £1,400 because students may also need to pay special institutional charges. Below are the details of the average living expenses in Cambridge, UK:

Student Accommodation Costs in Cambridge

Accommodation is the biggest part of the cost of living in Cambridge and can easily take up more than half of their total monthly spending. Therefore, choosing the right room type is important for managing living expenses. An en-suite room with a shared kitchen offers a good balance between privacy and affordability. Students receive their own bedroom and bathroom while sharing the kitchen with other residents. In comparison, private studios offer complete independence but cost much more, with weekly prices ranging from £403 to £498. Location also has a major effect on rent. A room in the green and peaceful area of Newnham costs around £150 to £200 per week. Meanwhile, multicultural Mill Road provides a lively and social environment, with rooms available for approximately £135 to £175 per week. The type of tenancy also changes how students manage their student accommodation in Cambridge. Standard private rentals require students to arrange their council tax exemption and set up separate utility accounts. In comparison, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) includes high-speed Wi-Fi, contents insurance, and utility bills in one fixed and predictable rental payment.

Types of Student Apartments in Cambridge, UK

Choosing where to stay is one of the major factors that you need to consider before visiting the city. This is because it will affect your cost of living in Cambridge. Below are the different types of student accommodation in Cambridge:

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

• Average Cost: £199 to £380 per week

Purpose-built student accommodation is modern, large residential buildings built specifically for students. This type of accommodation makes settling into a new country easier, as all utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and broadband Wi-Fi are included in the monthly fee. One more important aspect of PBSAs is safety. They usually have round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, safe access through a key-card system, and on-site maintenance staff. They also help you meet new people and join the community, with study lounges, an on-site gym, a movie room, and other facilities for student networking. These are further divided into four types:

Studio Rooms

• Average Cost: £320 to £498 per week

These are totally private, self-contained units with a bed, bathroom, and a personal kitchenette. This arrangement offers total privacy and eliminates any possibility of disagreement over shared chores. However, studio flats are one of the most expensive types of accommodation available.

En-Suite Room

• Average Cost: £205 – £295 per week

En-suite rooms offer a balance of privacy, social life and costs. They provide a private bedroom and bathroom while sharing a large kitchen and living room with 4-8 other tenants. This type of accommodation ensures personal space while keeping accommodation costs low.

Non-En-suite Room

• Average Cost: £140 – £200 per week

This type of accommodation gives students a private bedroom while sharing the bathroom, kitchen, and living area with other tenants. They cost much less than en-suite accommodation, yet students still enjoy a private bedroom.

Shared Apartments

• Average Cost: £125 to £185 per week

Shared apartments usually mean you’ll share everything from a bedroom and bathroom to a living area and kitchen with your friends. They are among the most affordable accommodation options available in Cambridge. They create a social, cooperative living environment.

Private Apartments

• Average Cost: £1,200 to £1,800+ per month, excluding utilities

These are traditional homes with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Unlike PBSAs, private apartments do not usually include household services in the rent. But with the independence and privacy they offer, it’s worth it. They are also suitable for postgraduate students and working professionals.

Cost Comparison: Student Apartments in Cambridge

Best Student Areas to Live in Cambridge

Walking beside the River Cam during autumn, one can immediately notice that the cost of living in Cambridge significantly varies in various districts of the town. Crossing a bridge or moving into another district can noticeably affect the cost of living. Location is particularly important for foreign students, as competition for student accommodation in UK is strong. However, it is possible to reduce accommodation costs, as the best option is to live just outside the historic centre. This choice of residence can save up to 22%, or more than £2,400 per year. Here is the geographical list of the most popular student districts in Cambridge based on their average monthly cost:

Budget-Friendly Areas

Chesterton

• Average Rent: A bedroom in a shared house or HMO will rent for around £520 to £680 per month.

• Universities Around: Chesterton offers easy access to the University of Cambridge, especially the Science Park and North Cambridge sites. It also has good access to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

• Easy Travel: The area has great transport links, with the Cambridge North train station and bus routes. Students can also cycle from Chesterton to the centre of Cambridge in about 12 minutes.

• Student Environment: Chesterton has an efficient and relaxed environment. About 40% of students here are in STEM courses and prefer peace while studying rather than nightlife.

Cherry Hinton

• Average Rent: Student accommodation in Cherry Hinton costs about £500 to £650 per month.

• Proximity to Universities: This area is close to Addenbrooke’s and the Biomedical Campus, Cambridge University, and ARU’s main campus (Anglia Ruskin University).

• Access to Public Transport: Regular Citi 1 and Citi 3 buses connect Cherry Hinton to the centre in about 20 minutes. In addition, there is an easy 3.5-mile bike ride directly to Cambridge centre.

• Atmosphere for Students: Cherry Hinton offers a tranquil, friendly suburban atmosphere, with an affordable option, a good high street, local stores, and parks. Medical students especially favour it.

Mid-Range Student Areas

Mill Road (Petersfield & Romsey)

• Rent: The average monthly rent for student housing in Mill Road is between £680 and £890.

• Universities Nearby: The ARU Main Campus is just a 5-minute walk from this area, and the Downing Site of the University of Cambridge is also close by.

• Access to Public Transport: Mill Road is situated behind the main Cambridge railway station. The walkability index of this area is 92 out of 100, meaning students can access all their needs on foot.

• Vibe of Students: Mill Road is known for its vibrant, multicultural, and creative environment. The area is renowned for its abundance of independent cafes, international supermarkets, and fun weekend student activities.

Mitcham’s Corner (Chesterton Road Area)

• Average Rent: Rooms in the Mitcham’s Corner area typically range from £650 to £850 per month.

• Universities Near the Area: It is easy to access several University of Cambridge sites such as Jesus College, Magdalene College, and Sidgwick Site.

• Easy Access to Modes of Transport: It is a 10-minute walk across the river into the old city centre, and many bicycle tracks converge at the main junction.

• Vibrant Student Environment: Mitcham’s Corner has a vibrant student environment. This is attributed to the various student bars, cheap eateries, and rowing clubs on River Cam.

Premium Student Neighbourhoods

Newnham

• Average Rent: Private flats and upscale student rooms in Newnham go for around £900 to £1,350+.

• Universities Nearby: Newnham is situated near the University of Cambridge’s Sidgwick Site, Newnham College, and Selwyn College.

• Proximity to Transport: Students residing here are less than 0 minutes away from the departments of humanities. All other places are accessible by foot, which means that students here do not usually have to travel by public transport.

• Student Environment: Newnham is an upscale, peaceful, and aesthetically pleasing place. It is known for its old buildings, lush grass fields, and punting tradition. This area has a safety satisfaction score of 95%.

Market Ward (City Centre)

• Average Rent: Luxury private studios in Market Ward cost approximately £1,100 to £1,600+ per month.

• Nearby Universities: The area is close to the University of Cambridge’s main colleges, including King’s College, Trinity College, and St John’s College. It also provides easy access to central faculty buildings.

• Transport Convenience: Market Ward provides excellent transport access. Residents are close to the Drummer Street bus station and the city’s central cycling network.

• Student Vibe: Market Ward offers a busy urban student lifestyle surrounded by famous historic landmarks. The area also contains high-street shopping centres, clubs, and large numbers of weekend visitors.

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Cambridge, UK

Although Cambridge is known for its old schools and riverside locations, the choice of accommodation can affect how your university days are spent and also your cost of living in Cambridge. From social environments to private studios, all within walking distance to top universities, here are five student accommodations that provide convenience, comfort and quality facilities for every student:

The Cam Foundry, Cambridge

• From: £195/week

• Types of Rooms: Non-ensuite rooms, ensuite rooms, studios and shared houses

• Good For: Social students looking for affordable and all-inclusive housing on Mill Road

• Close To Universities: ARU Cambridge – 1.1 miles, approximately 25 mins’ walk, University of Cambridge – 2.6 miles, approximately 8 mins by car and Corpus Christi College – 3 miles, approximately 9 mins by car

• Main Advantage: Free kitchen cleaning and all-inclusive bills

• Major Facilities: Cinema, outdoor courtyard, games room, study room, lounge, social activities, laundry room, CCTV and round-the-clock security

Scholars View, Cambridge

• Starting from: £199/week

• Types of Rooms: Ensuite rooms and studios

• Suitable for: Students who require peace while studying and are looking for creative and wellbeing facilities

• Nearby universities: Cambridge Regional College – 0.6 miles, which is about 13 minutes on foot, University of Cambridge – 2.3 miles, which is about 11 minutes by car and ARU Cambridge – 2.7 miles, which is about 13 minutes by car

• Best Features: Unique podcast studio for content creation

• Key facilities: Gym, cinema lounge, podcast studio, common lounge, pool table, laundry facility, bike storage and superfast Wi-Fi, CCTV and secure entry

Stellaris, Cambridge

• Starting from: £209/week

• Types of Rooms: Ensuite rooms and studios

• Suitable for: Students who prefer modern rooms, all inclusive bills and diverse social facilities

• Nearby universities: Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge – 1 mile, which is about 6 minutes by car, University of Cambridge – 1.7 miles, which is about 10 minutes by car and Trinity College – 1.8 miles, which is about 10 minutes by car

• Best Features: Excellent lifestyle facilities such as gym, cinema lounge and private dining room

• Key facilities: Gym, games hub, cinema lounge, study room, common lounge, pool table, table tennis, private dining room, laundry and bike storage

Anglia House, Cambridge

• Starting from: £240/week

• Room Types: Ensuite rooms and studios

• Best For: Anglia Ruskin University students and creative students who want to live close to campus

• Nearby Universities: Anglia Ruskin University – 0.6 miles, approximately 12 minutes’ walk, Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts – 1.1 miles, approximately 22 minutes’ walk, and University of Cambridge – 1.3 miles, approximately 26 minutes’ walk

• Best Feature: Its highly convenient location, particularly for Anglia Ruskin University students

• Key Amenities: Common room, study room, games area, laundry room, furnished rooms, high-speed internet, 24/7 security and secure entry

Castle Hill, Cambridge

• Starting from: £268/week

• Room Types: Ensuite rooms and studios

• Best For: International students, postgraduates and students who want central accommodation close to the University of Cambridge

• Nearby Universities: University of Cambridge – 0.3 miles, around 2–5 minutes’ walk, Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts – 0.6 miles, around 12 minutes’ walk and BPP Cambridge – 0.8 miles, around 12–18 minutes’ walk

• Best Feature: The University of Cambridge is only a few minutes away on foot

• Key Amenities: Gym, study room, lounge, sauna and steam room, social events, furnished rooms, secure entry and all-inclusive utilities

Compare verified student properties in Cambridge with University Living and secure the room that best matches your university, budget and lifestyle.

Food & Grocery Costs in Cambridge

Food is the second biggest cost in the cost of Living in Cambridge for students attending universities in the UK after rent. On average, food costs account for 11-15% of a student’s budget. In Cambridge, students who buy food from stores like Aldi on Histon Road and Lidl on Newmarket Road typically pay about £146 to £180 for groceries each month. However, food costs can rise quickly when students frequently order delivery and visit mid-level restaurants in town. A single restaurant meal costs an average of £30, while a pint at a student venue costs approximately £5.50. A typical student night out can cost around £65. Many students reduce their food expenses by eating at subsidised university college buttery dining halls. These dining halls serve affordable hot meals for approximately £4 to £7 each.

Students can also use platforms such as Student Beans to find discounts on fast food and groceries. Local apps such as HungryHub and food-rescue tools can help them buy end-of-day restaurant food at half price. Following are the details of food and grocery costs in Cambridge:

Transportation Costs in Cambridge

An estimated 45% of all journeys to work or university within Cambridge are made by bicycle. Buying a second-hand bicycle for around £40 to £80 is a common and practical choice for students to reduce cost of living in Cambridge. Cycling reduces the regular transportation expenses of more than 70% of students to almost zero. Students who prefer public transportation can use the extensive Stagecoach bus network. Local student travel cards, such as the Stagecoach Student UniRider pass, can help students save up to 30% compared with standard bus fares. For late-night journeys or bad weather, students can use rideshare services such as Panther Taxis or Uber. But using taxis too often could quickly lead to high cost of living in Cambridge, especially with weekend surcharges.

Another important factor that affects transport expenses is the geographical location of your student accommodation in the UK. Choosing a place within a one-mile distance from your university can eliminate the need for public transportation. International students must also consider travel from airports when they arrive. Direct trains connect Cambridge Station to London Stansted Airport (STN) in half an hour, with a ticket charge of around £14. You can even reach London King’s Cross and Gatwick Airport via Thameslink trains. Here are the details of your transportation costs in Cambridge:

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Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Cambridge

Although the ancient colleges of Cambridge are made of stone that do not seem to change with time, they do have energy bills. Thus, making it necessary for each student coming to the university town to plan their utility budget alongside their cost of living in Cambridge. Modern PBSA’s makes planning easy as the utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and Wi-Fi are all included in the rent. Besides, the cost for the fibre-optic broadband sharing in a group constitutes about £10 to £15 monthly fee for each person. In order to avoid expensive international roaming fees after getting into the UK, students often get themselves a suitable SIM card from providers like ULInfinity before coming to Cambridge. Below are the cost details of utility, internet & mobile expenses in the city:

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Cambridge

Juggling university education with part-time employment is one of the most effective ways to manage your cost of living in Cambridge. According to market statistics, over 58% of UK students work part-time jobs to help cover their expenses. Moreover, it must comply with UK Student Visa regulations. Students are allowed to work only up to 20 hours per week while studying. Nevertheless, they can work up to 40 hours per week during the official university holidays. Students’ median hourly pay rate is based on the UK’s National Living Wage. Their wages range from £11.44 to £13.50 per hour, based on students’ age and employment sector. This includes work in local pubs or cafes on Mill Road. Following are the part-time jobs and student income which can help managing your cost of living in Cambridge:

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss in Cambridge

When planning your overall cost of living in Cambridge, you should also be prepared to face an average of £1,500 to £2,500 in upfront hidden costs. Additionally, a UK student visa requires an upfront £558 processing fee. One should also pay the compulsory £776 annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives them access to the National Health Service (NHS). In addition, students may face move-in expenses because standard student accommodation does not always include soft furnishings. Blankets, pillows, and kitchenware purchased individually can cost above £150. To simplify the process, students can order a ULInfinity Room Essentials Kit, with all necessary items sent directly to their location.

The typical private property requires a refundable deposit covering 5 weeks of rent in advance. Students can transfer this money using secure and affordable currency exchange services such as ULInfinity Forex, which can help them avoid high international bank transaction charges. Following are the details of hidden costs students often miss in the city:

Smart Ways to Reduce Cost of Living in Cambridge, UK

Financial planning becomes necessary when managing your cost of living in Cambridge competitive housing market because the demand for a perfect place far exceeds supply (a 3:1 ratio), driving up basic costs. However, students can save their money by making practical adjustments to their everyday lives. Following are some of the best means through which students can save money:

• Plan Inclusive Accommodation: Book your place at least 6 to 8 months in advance to get cheaper options. Choosing inclusive accommodation can also help you avoid changing utility bills, which average around £69 per month.

• Living With Others and Saving on Housing Expenses: Choose to live with others or rent apartments with other students to reduce basic housing costs by 22% to 35% compared with living alone in expensive private apartments.

• Make the Most of Digital Student Discounts: Register as a student on free apps like Student Beans to access digital discounts offered by grocery stores. Discounts can be up to 10% to 20%.

• Live Close to Campus to Avoid Public Transport: Select accommodation close to the university so that you can walk or cycle to classes. This can help you save up to £540 per year compared with regularly using public transportation or rideshare services.

• Prioritise Cooking at Home: Replace regular food delivery orders with bulk cooking at home. Students can also eat at highly subsidised college buttery dining halls. These choices can reduce the food budget by 40% and keep individual meal costs between £4 and £7.

Is Cambridge Affordable for International Students?

Cambridge is a highly desirable UK city for study and is affordable for international students, depending on how well they budget. The real cost of living in Cambridge is expected to be between £1,250 and £1,400 per month, which is more affordable than other cities in the north. However, students looking for luxury private studios will face much higher costs. Average rent in Cambridge is 8.4% higher than in Oxford and a significant 24% higher than in Bristol, which makes the cost of living in Bristol more feasible. When comparing total monthly expenditures between the UK’s largest university cities, Cambridge is 35% more affordable than London, where students spend about £1,950 a month on average. At the same time, Cambridge has a far larger budget than Manchester (£1,050), Nottingham (£950), and Sheffield (£880). Therefore, the place you choose to live in will play the biggest role in managing your cost of living in Cambridge.

Conclusion

As the sun sets behind King’s College’s stone buildings and its reflection appears on the River Cam, the feeling of studying in Cambridge comes closer to reality. To live comfortably in this historic city, one should be able to combine academic study with sound financial planning. Cambridge is one of the most prestigious places for study in the UK, where the realistic cost of living in Cambridge per month is about £1,250 to £1,400. However, students can keep up with this budget by being reasonable during the day. One can save on transport by buying a used bicycle, and subsidized college food costing £4 per meal can help reduce food costs. Therefore, securing a suitable room early is one of the most important steps towards stress-free university experience. This extra money will help them have more for socializing, travelling, and other experiences during their stay. Let University Living make your move easy. Discover its safe and reliable range of cheap student housing in Cambridge and secure the perfect place before the beginning of the university term.

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