University News and Updates..
  • Home
  • Accommodation
  • Admission Guide
  • Student Finances
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Blog Stories

Type and hit Enter to search

University News and Updates..
  • Home
  • Accommodation
  • Admission Guide
  • Student Finances
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Blog Stories
Book your stay, get £50* CASHBACK!

Explore University Living accommodations now!

Explore Now
Student Finances

Cost of Living in London for Students

April 7, 2023 5 Mins Read
Updated On: March 5, 2025
cost of living in london

Table of Contents

  • What is the monthly cost of living in London UK?
  • Budget-friendly or not?
  • Is it expensive to study in London?
  • Is accommodation in London costly?
    • There are three types of accommodation:
  • How much does food cost in London?
  • How expensive are utility bills in London?
  • What is the best way to travel in London?
  • Does London have good entertainment?
  • Tips to live cheaply in London
    • Find affordable accommodation
    • Try to eat home meals
    • Visit local markets
    • Use student discounts
    • Use public cards for transport

London is one of the finest cities in the world. It is home to some of the top universities in the world, and a popular study destination for both domestic and international students.

London is a center of excellence for education due to its high quality of teaching and learning.

What is the monthly cost of living in London UK?

For an international student, the estimated cost of living is approximately £2,000 monthly, excluding tuition fees.

But, this can vary depending upon your lifestyle, accommodation, and other expenses.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living. 

Budget-friendly or not?

budget friendly

Being the finest and top-class city in the world, it is an expensive city. It lies in the 6th position as the most expensive country in the world.

Yet, you can still enjoy the thrilling experience of this country. When you have your cost of living covered, depending on the lifestyle you live, you can have a good experience in London.

When we speak of accommodation, London is expensive. Be mindful of the location and its accommodation prices. You can still get something within your budget too!

Travel costs a lot in London. But, if you take a bus, the fare is only £3.00, and using an oyster card or contactless payment will cost you £5.25 for the whole day.

Other things like food, shopping, and social activities depend on your lifestyle again.

It’s all in your hands to make the city expensive or affordable! We will hand out some handy tips at the end to help you live a budget life in London.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in London, let’s give you a brief summary of its cost.

ExpensesCost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees£10,000 – £40,000 / Year
Accommodation£850 – £2,100 / Month
Local Transport£150 – £260 / Month

Is it expensive to study in London?

London is an expensive city to study. But the cost of educational fees will depend from person to person. The type will determine the cost, of course, you choose to study or the university you’ll enroll in London. This table will give you a brief idea of its costs.

Undergraduate Tuition FeePost-Graduate Tuition Fee
£10,000 – £38,000 / Year£11,000 – £50,000 / Year

Is accommodation in London costly?

student accommodation cost in London

The cost of your accommodations will depend on where you stay. It depends on the location, accommodation type, provider, facilities, etc. The starting rate for a single room starts at £250 weekly, and prices are determined per room requirements. Below we’re listing the three types of student accommodation in London to give you an idea of their features and help you choose the right type of student housing in London. 

There are three types of accommodation:

  1. Student Housing

Student housing is a type of accommodation provided by universities as an alternative to on-campus housing. In this type of accommodation, you get a furnished house with modern amenities and utility bills included. 

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.

Student HousingPrice
Ensuite/ Studio£850 – £1300 /Month

2. Private Apartment

This is very different from student housing, where in PBSA students can rent rooms in shared flats or rent the whole place. In this type of accommodation, you get some personal space and privacy!

ApartmentPrice
Private£1450 – £2100 /Month

3. University Hall

University halls are managed by universities. They are located on campus or close to the university. They offer two types of rooms: one is single and the other is shared. Whether you take a private or shared room, you share communal spaces such as lounges and kitchens.

University HallPrice
Ensuite/ Studio£800 – £1200 /Month

How much does food cost in London?

Food is expensive in any part of the UK, and eating out in London will cost a lot. Fast food costs £12-25, and a starter costs around £8-10. The cost of monthly groceries will be around £200. It is advisable to cook and eat at home; it will save your cost of living.

How expensive are utility bills in London?

If you stay in London, your utility bills will include water, heating, cooling, Wi-Fi, etc. The cost of your bills will depend upon the accommodation. If you choose to stay in student housing, it will be included in your rent. As for university halls, you will have to learn more about their policies when choosing a place to stay.

What is the best way to travel in London?

Transport in London is easy, affordable, and quick. The public transportation system offers cheap travel options for everyone. You can use the London buses and the London underground to get around the city. And, all at a discounted fare with an oyster or contactless payment card!

Does London have good entertainment?

London is a youthful city with limitless options for entertainment. There’s food, drinks, vibrant culture, and social activities, and you will never run short of a fun life! On average, entertainment and fun activities cost £30 per person per day. If you love the nightlife, you will have to spend, on average, £80 per person per day.

Tips to live cheaply in London

cost of living in London check accommodation, transportation comes with a price, but gives one an unforgettable experience. Why not take advantage of London life? It does not have to be expensive if you know a way to budget your expenses. Here are a few tips to help you budget your expenses and enjoy some of London’s fun side.

Find affordable accommodation

If your university is not in the center of London, you can stay a few hours away from London and get an affordable one. This way, you save money and yet still get to enjoy London on the weekends.

Try to eat home meals

If you know how to cook, make meals at home. And if you do not know how to cook, start by making small meals.

Visit local markets

Shop weekly at your local markets for groceries. Prices will differ from those found in stores.

Use student discounts

Shop at places that offer discounts. To get discounts, you need to show your student ID card at the checkout counter.

Use public cards for transport

Choose public transportation and travel around using your Oyster Card. There are buses, trains, and tubes available. If you are travelling to a nearby location, try to walk or cycle to your destination.

London is a city of dreams, and the cost of living is expensive. But with a well-paid part-time job and balanced budget, you can ease your financial burden. As we listed a few tips above, they can help in small ways to reduce your expenses. But if you follow them religiously, there’s a lot you can save!

We hope this concise post on the cost of living in London has helped you better understand how to meet your expenses.

View all stories
Explore Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence
Explore Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence
Best 7 Free Online Courses by Harvard University
Best 7 Free Online Courses by Harvard University
Top 7 Universities as Per World University Rankings
Top 7 Universities as Per World University Rankings
7 Top Fast Food Restaurants in UK
7 Top Fast Food Restaurants in UK
7 Benefits of Studying at Nighttime for Students
7 Benefits of Studying at Nighttime for Students

Tags:

LondonUnited Kingdom

Share Article

Other Articles

best studying cafe in London
Previous

Top 5 Studying Cafes in London For Students

Room organization tips
Next

Smart Room Organisation Tips for Student

Next
Room organization tips
April 7, 2023

Smart Room Organisation Tips for Student

Previews
April 6, 2023

Top 5 Studying Cafes in London For Students

best studying cafe in London

Contact Us

blog side banner

Recent Posts

Top Universities in Illinois
Top Universities in Illinois 2025: Rankings, Courses, Fees & Admission Guide
Top Universities in Pennsylvania
Top Universities in Pennsylvania 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
Top Student Accommodations in Chester
Top Student Accommodations in Chester
University of Alabama
University of Alabama: Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
Top Universities in Arizona
Top Universities in Arizona for 2025: Courses, Rankings & Tuition Fees

Related Posts

Cost of Living in Bolton

Cost of Living in Bolton for Students 2025

University Living
May 6, 2025
Fully Funded Scholarships in UK

Top Fully Funded Scholarships in UK For International Students in 2025

University Living
April 9, 2025
Scholarships in UK for Indian Students

Top 7 Scholarships in UK for Indian Students 

University Living
April 1, 2025
Best PhD Scholarships in UK for International Students

Best PhD Scholarships in UK for International Students – 2025 Guide

University Living
March 29, 2025
Safe home for every student
Company
  • About
  • Blog
  • Scholarship
  • Refer & Earn
  • Industry Report
  • Services
  • List Your Property
  • Student Ambassador
  • Cost Of Living
Help
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • FAQs
  • care@universityliving.com
Support
United Kingdom
3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London - EC2A 4NE
+44 203 695 6785
India
Riana Aurelia Plot No- 93-94, 8th Floor, Sector-136, Noida-201305
+91 9484707142
Australia
3 McLoughlin Street, Marsden Park NSW 2765 Australia
+61 279 123 007
United States
178 Columbus Ave #237190 SMB 32557 New York, NY 10023
+1 617 861 6668
University Living Logo
© 2025 University Living Accommodation Pvt Ltd. | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
App Store Google Play
Explore Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence Best 7 Free Online Courses by Harvard University Top 7 Universities as Per World University Rankings 7 Top Fast Food Restaurants in UK 7 Benefits of Studying at Nighttime for Students
Explore Harvard University: A Legacy of Excellence Best 7 Free Online Courses by Harvard University Top 7 Universities as Per World University Rankings 7 Top Fast Food Restaurants in UK 7 Benefits of Studying at Nighttime for Students