If you’re an international student thinking of moving to Liverpool, you have made an excellent choice. Since the city offers warm hospitality and a rich history in music and football while saving on the high cost of living found in cities like London or Manchester.
The estimated cost of living in Liverpool as a student varies between £900 and £1,350 per month. This covers rent, food, transport, and extras. Liverpool is one of the least costly large cities for students in the UK compared to London or other cities with a high number of students.
The guide will take you through different aspects of the cost of living, such as monthly costs, where to live, ways to save money, extra expenses, and a lot more.
Tired of hopping from platform to platform in search of student accommodation Liverpool? Let’s make your move easier with University Living.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Liverpool
Only when you know how much money you need to spend on monthly expenses is it easy for you to exist in Liverpool as a student. For the majority of students, the cost of living in Liverpool varies from £900 to £1,350 a month, depending on the student’s lifestyle.
The biggest expense of the student is rent, which may take up to 50% of total monthly expenses in case you don’t manage to be smart with your student budget in Liverpool. Therefore, it would be better for you to rent accommodation in student zones, like Smithdown Road, and live in the center in private flats costs more.
But what else causes expenses to vary? Habits have a huge influence on us. Shopping, using discounts, and saving money help you save extra costs. Hanging out and visiting pubs every weekend will increase your expenses. However, keep in mind that you are the one who manages your money.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
| Rent | £450 – £700 |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 |
| Transportation | £40 – £70 |
| Utilities | £50 – £100 |
| Internet & Mobile | £25 – £45 |
| Entertainment | £50 – £150 |
| Health & Insurance | £15 – £30 |
| Total Estimated Cost | £900 – £1,345 |
Students must note these figures are just a rough estimate, and you can use University Living’s Cost of Living Calculator for a more accurate budget.
Student Accommodation Costs in Liverpool
It is the only expense that will affect your budget entirely. Once you have got this right, everything else regarding the cost of living in Liverpool is easily affordable. It is recommended that you research well-known student areas such as Smithdown Road and Kensington. The choice of a proper room will matter the most in terms of finance.
Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA) will give you an opportunity to enjoy flat rates and all-inclusive student accommodation in Liverpool, unlike the fluctuating cost of living in private accommodations.
Types of Student Accommodation in Liverpool
Choosing the best student residence in Liverpool for international students will not be a hassle anymore when you are studying abroad. There are many types of accommodations available to choose from depending on your preference and budget. Be it PBSA with all expenses paid or you are looking for comfortable en-suite accommodations or even studio apartments.
Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): It is a fully furnished student apartment in Liverpool that is meant for international students. Such accommodations have fully furnished rooms, 24 hours of security, high speed Wi-Fi, study areas, gyms and social spaces. Most PBSAs have all utilities covered in rent. The average prices are likely to be between £420-£950 per month.
- Studio Apartments Liverpool: Such apartments are the most appropriate for students who value their privacy. These types of rooms have a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. They are most preferred by postgraduate students and couples. The average price is around £700-£950 per month.
- En-suite Rooms: Such accommodation types create a balance between affordability and privacy. They offer their occupants a private bedroom and en-suite bathroom and share the kitchen and other social areas with other occupants. Such accommodation will cost an average of £420-£700 per month.
- Non-Ensuite Rooms: This option is much more affordable than studio rooms in Liverpool. In this option, students have their personal bedroom only. Nevertheless, the kitchen, bathroom, and other social areas are shared with fellow students. Average monthly rent for a non-en-suite room in Liverpool starts at around £400-£650 per month.
- Shared Apartment: These types of student accommodation involve sharing common spaces such as bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and other living areas. Shared apartments are most suitable for students who are on a strict budget. Their average prices are between £350-£550 per month.
Private apartments: These student accommodation UK choices provide complete freedom. But remember that separate electricity bill, water bill, and Internet bill will need to be managed, thus adding to the cost factor. The rent on average comes out somewhere between £450 – £750 per month, depending on utilities as well.
Accommodation Cost Comparison Table
The cost of rent in Liverpool for students could vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation one goes for, as well as the amenities provided. No matter whether you go for private flats or cheap student rental Liverpool, there are many choices available in Liverpool.
Here is an estimation of average rent in Liverpool for students for various types of accommodations:
| Accommodation Type | Average Monthly Cost |
| Studio Room (PBSA) | £700 – £950 |
| En-suite Room (PBSA) | £420 – £700 |
| Shared Apartment | £350 – £550 |
| Private Apartment | £450 – £750+ |
Best Student Areas to Live in Liverpool
Dealing with the monthly cost of living in Liverpool for students can seem daunting due to varying rent across the city. However, the most important aspect to think about is the student neighbourhood to move into because it will influence university life significantly.
The following are the best student areas in Liverpool in terms of cost of living, transportation, nearness to universities, and student environment:
Budget-Friendly Areas
Kensington
- Average Rent: £75 – £110 per week
- Nearby Universities: University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University
- Transport Convenience: A 15-minute walk or short bus ride to campus and the city’s main attractions
- Student Vibe: Traditional terraced streets popular with first years, with some of the cheapest rents in the city
Wavertree
- Average Rent: £80 – £115 per week
- Nearby Universities: University of Liverpool, LJMU, and Liverpool Hope University
- Transport Convenience: Frequent bus routes link Wavertree directly to campus and the city centre
- Student Vibe: A relaxed, residential feel with green spaces like Wavertree Park, a strong community atmosphere, and quieter nightlife than Smithdown Road
Mid-Range Student Areas
Smithdown Road
- Average Rent: £110 – £150 per week
- Nearby Universities: University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University
- Transport Convenience: The frequent 86 bus service gets students to campus in around 20 minutes
- Student Vibe: Widely considered the heart of student life in Liverpool, packed with independent cafes, pubs, takeaways, and 24-hour supermarkets
Edge Hill
- Average Rent: £100 – £140 per week
- Nearby Universities: University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University
- Transport Convenience: Close enough to walk to campus, with good bus links into the city centre
- Student Vibe: A quieter, more residential alternative to Smithdown Road, popular with second and third-year students
Premium Student Neighbourhoods
City Centre & Baltic Triangle
- Average Rent: £150 – £230+ per week
- Nearby Universities: University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
- Transport Convenience: Walking distance to most campuses, with excellent bus and rail connections
- Student Vibe: High-energy city living close to independent bars, creative studios, and Liverpool’s famous waterfront and nightlife
Popular Student Accommodation Options in Liverpool
There are many good choices for student living options in Liverpool, ranging from purpose-built studios to shared houses. Purpose-built student accommodation is very common among international students, as it is normally close to the main universities, has all the necessary facilities, and provides convenient access to the city centre.
Searching for a perfect student accommodation near University of Liverpool might help you adjust to your new life more easily. Let’s look at five great choices for affordable cost of living in Liverpool for students:
- Starting from: £127 per week
- Room Types: Studios, En-suite Rooms
- Nearby University: Short walk to University of Liverpool
- Best For: Students who want modern city-centre living with strong social spaces
- Key Amenities: Gym, study lounges, games room, high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry, 24/7 security
- Starting from: £170 per week
- Room Types: Studios, En-suite Rooms
- Nearby University: Close to University of Liverpool and LJMU
- Best For: Budget-conscious students who still want private studio living
- Key Amenities: Communal lounge, study spaces, on-site laundry, secure entry, bike storage
- Starting from: £97 per week
- Room Types: En-suite Rooms, Studios
- Nearby University: Walking distance to University of Liverpool
- Best For: Students who enjoy a social, community-driven living experience
- Key Amenities: Courtyard gardens, common room, cinema room, study areas, 24/7 security
- Starting from: £115 per week
- Room Types: En-suite Rooms, Shared Apartments
- Nearby University: Georgian Quarter, close to University of Liverpool and the Mount Pleasant campus
- Best For: Students looking for one of the most affordable central options
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, social spaces, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, on-site management
- Starting from: £153 per week
- Room Types: Studios, En-suite Rooms, Shared Apartments
- Nearby University: Central location near LJMU and University of Liverpool
- Best For: Students who want contemporary design with easy access to city-centre life
- Key Amenities: Gym, roof terrace, study spaces, smart TVs, all-inclusive bills, secure entry
Ready to find your spot? Compare verified student properties in Liverpool with University Living today!
Food & Grocery Costs in Liverpool
One of the simplest ways of maintaining your budget for the cost of living in Liverpool is being smart about eating. It will always be better for you to purchase groceries rather than eat out most of the time. Students tend to cook basic meals at home during weekdays and treat themselves over the weekend.
Some common habits of students are cooking in large quantities on Sundays, buying in bulk, and buying from grocery chains that provide discounts to students, namely Aldi, Lidl, and Asda. Take advantage of student discounts from applications such as Student Beans, UNiDAYS, and HungryHub. They are very important free ID apps in terms of lowering your food budget.
Let’s see what your food budget will look like in Liverpool for one month:
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost |
| Grocery Shopping | £120 – £180 |
| Eating Out | £50 – £100 |
| Food Delivery | £30 – £70 |
| Total Food Budget | £200 – £350 |
Save more with student discounts and budget-friendly food options in Liverpool!
Transportation Costs in Liverpool
It will not be difficult for you to travel around and to Liverpool, and it can even be cheap. Liverpool’s transportation system has an efficient service by bus and trains, including Merseyrail trains, and convenient connections around the city.
Walking and cycling are strongly recommended if you happen to be living close to your place of education, since this way you will save on transportation almost completely. This is directly proportional to saving tons on the cost of living in Liverpool. Moreover, get yourself a student transport pass like MyTicket or Merseytravel student pass in order to travel cheaply in Liverpool.
The table below shows the average monthly transportation cost in Liverpool for students:
| Mode of Transport | Average Monthly Cost |
| Student Travel Pass | £30 – £45 |
| Public Transport | £15 – £30 |
| Cycling | £0 – £10 |
| Taxi/Rideshare | £20 – £40 |
| Total Transport Budget | £65 – £125 |
Book airport pickup, flight tickets, and stay connected from day one with ULInfinity to make your arrival stress-free!
Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Liverpool
Utility bills can also become a big part of the cost of living in Liverpool unless you plan them in advance. First, you will need to pay your electricity bill (with heating cost), water bill, internet bill, and phone bill separately when you are in privately rented property.
Fortunately, all PBSA provide you with a great advantage of having your utility bills in Liverpool included in your rent. As far as the phone is concerned, you will have plenty of cheap mobile data plans to choose from. Anyway, buying yourself an international SIM card through ULInfinity would be the best choice in order to save some money.
The table below represents monthly costs by expense category in order to create your budget:
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost |
| Electricity & Heating | £35 – £60 |
| Water | £15 – £20 |
| Internet | £15 – £25 |
| Mobile Plan | £10 – £20 |
| Total Utility Budget | £75 – £125 |
Stay connected abroad with international student-friendly SIM plans from ULInfinity!
Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Liverpool
Having part-time employment will always be an excellent choice and it will help you to cover all kinds of financial needs while studying at college. You will be able to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and work full time during holidays.
The average salary is dependent on your age, and it ranges between £10.85 and £12.71 per hour. You will be able to look for a part-time job in retail/hospitality, on campus, and delivery. All of these part-time jobs for international students in the UK will definitely help you cover all the monthly costs of living and have some extra money for entertainment.
| Job Type | Average Hourly Wage |
| Retail | £11.00 – £13.00 |
| Hospitality | £11.00 – £13.00 |
| Campus Jobs | £12.00 – £15.00 |
| Delivery/Freelance | £11.00 – £16.00 |
Hidden Costs Students Often Miss
Despite proper planning, there are still some expenses which will come as a surprise to you once you start studying at college. The moment you arrive at the college, you will need money to buy bedding and kitchenware. Pre-purchasing the ULInfinity Room Essential Kit will help you save time after your arrival at the destination point.
There are more expenses other than the cost of living in Liverpool you might incur, like visa fees, deposits using Forex, international money transfers, a student bank account, health insurance, and emergency funds via ULInfinity. This platform also provides a guarantor service for students in Liverpool.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
| Setup Costs | £100 – £200 |
| Visa Fees | £490 – £776 |
| Insurance | £20 – £40 |
| Emergency Fund | £200 – £400 |
Protect yourself abroad with secure student support services by ULInfinity!
Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Liverpool
In order to manage the cost of living in Liverpool for students, some suggestions for a student to follow are:
- Sharing accommodation will help you save on accommodation costs and also provide a social environment as you live with other students.
- Booking your place of stay in advance will give you good bargains with low accommodation prices.
- Use student discounts wherever possible, as many shops, restaurants, and services offer reduced prices with a valid student ID.
- Cook at home instead of eating out regularly, as this can significantly cut down your monthly food expenses.
- Choose accommodation near the university to save money and time on daily commuting and transport.
- Use public transport such as buses and trains, which are much more affordable than taxis or private travel options.
- Opt for all-inclusive rent so that utilities like electricity, water, and Wi-Fi are covered, making budgeting simpler and more predictable.
Is Liverpool Affordable for International Students?
Indeed, studying in Liverpool is quite affordable for foreign students. This place is ideal for those students who love cities with excellent universities, great musical tradition, football, and cozy atmosphere but do not wish to pay London and Manchester prices.
For budget students who live in hostels or shared apartments, cook their meals and use various discounts, as well as for students who prefer more comfortable apartments in central parts of the city, Liverpool is a place where everyone will find something suitable for their budget.
It is obvious that living in Liverpool will cost you less than the cost of living in London, Manchester and even Bristol.
Conclusion
Being one of the most cost-effective student destinations in the UK, Liverpool is an affordable city to study at. However, even if Liverpool is less expensive compared to other cities in the UK, it doesn’t imply that you can ignore financial management for the cost of living in Liverpool.
In terms of expenses, the rent is usually the largest expenditure each month; therefore, choosing your student housing intelligently right from the beginning is crucial. Regardless of whether you opt for a shared flat or all-inclusive PBSA, everything will be fine with such a start.
With the right planning and the right accommodation, you’ll soon be joining the Scousers and embracing everything Liverpool has to offer. Let University Living guide you in search of affordable student apartments in Liverpool. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Liverpool for international students?
The average international student living cost in Liverpool varies from £900 to £1,350 monthly. It comprises all expenses: accommodation costs, food, transportation, and other expenditures. However, the amount may differ based on different preferences and needs.
Which area in Liverpool is the most affordable for students?
Kensington and Wavertree are among the cheapest and most attractive neighbourhoods for students in Liverpool, both offering affordable shared housing and good access to transport and campus.
Is student accommodation expensive in Liverpool?
Students can get relatively cheaper accommodation in Liverpool than in other places such as London and Manchester, starting from £350 per month for shared apartments. Studios and other private apartments are more expensive due to specific criteria. Accommodation takes the largest part of the cost of living in Liverpool.
What are the ways to cut the cost of living for students in Liverpool?
There are several options for students to decrease their spending, including the use of student discounts, cooking meals at home, sharing accommodation, and living close to the university. Travelling with the use of public transport and booking a place in advance will also help save some money.
Do student rentals in Liverpool include utility bills?
Generally, utility bills such as electricity, water, heating and Wi-Fi are already included in the rent in PBSAs. When it comes to private renting, students pay for these services themselves.
