Cost of Living in UK (2025): Student, Single & Family Living Costs

The United Kingdom has some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Oxford, Cambridge, and King’s College are highly renowned universities. However, they charge steep tuition fees of GBP 11,400 to 38,000 per year (INR 13- 48 lakhs), with an additional GBP 9,710 to 23,400 (INR 11-30 lakhs) in living costs. 

This blog will cover the overall cost of living in the UK as an Indian student, including food, utilities, rent, to transport, to help you budget properly, and also gain key insights on how to save funds. Read on to know more!

Key Highlights

• The cost of living for an international student in the UK is GBP 1300-1400(INR 1.5- 1.6 lakhs )  per month in London, and GBP 900- 1300 (INR 1.5- 1.6 lakhs) in the rest of the UK. 
• The cost of living in the United Kingdom is, on average, 230.9% higher than in India.
• London has one of the highest cost-of-living indices in the world and is ranked in 8th place globally. 

Yes, the UK is costly for Indian students. The monthly cost of living in the UK can exceed INR 2 lakhs as an international student, depending on your lifestyle. The tuition is GBP 10,000 to 38,000 (INR 11.5 - INR 43.7 lakhs) for UG students per year, and GBP 9,000 to 30,000 (INR 10.35 - INR 34.5 lakhs) for Master's students. Since living costs can also add up to a significant amount, approximately GBP 12,000 (INR 13.85 lakhs)/ year, excluding rent, international students like you need to budget wisely.

To combat these costs, however, you can avail yourself of several student loans, part-time work opportunities (up to 20 hours a week during term time), and student discounts. With excellent scores, you can also apply for merit-based scholarships and student discounts to ease the financial burden. To get an idea of how to go about this, it is important to understand the costs associated with actually living in the UK.

The cost of living in the UK can range from GBP 9,710 to 23,400 (INR 11 lakhs - INR 30 lakhs) annually. This includes expenses like accommodation in the UK (ranging from GBP 3600 to GBP 12,000/ INR 4 lakhs to INR 14 lakhs approximately), transportation (GBP 360 to GBP 1200/ INR 40,000 to INR 1.4 lakhs, depending on whether you are using public transport, taking the tube or spending on ubers) and food (GBP 1,200 to GBP 3,000/ INR 1.4 lakhs to INR 3.4 lakhs) which can quickly become a significant drain on your finances if you don't budget appropriately. 

The location of your residence and university has a huge impact on your monthly expenses. London specifically is significantly more expensive as compared to other cities. The estimated cost of living in London for a single student is around INR 2 lakhs to INR 2.5 lakhs monthly.

While living costs can also vary according to personal preference and spending, listed below are some standard rates for living costs that you can expect in the UK.

The cost of living in the UK can range from GBP 22,000 - 36,600 (INR 24- 41 lakhs) depending on whether you live as a student, single professional, or with your family.

The expense differs significantly depending on your lifestyle and living arrangements. 

Students tend to spend less by sharing accommodation and keeping things simple, while single professionals tend to spend more for extra convenience and independence. Families, of course, have the highest expenses due to more housing requirements and greater grocery, utility, and transport costs. 

Here's a quick comparison to give you an idea of how the costs compare:

Accommodation costs are 30% of the monthly expenses of an average UK resident. Prices can fluctuate based on location, proximity to big business hubs, and according to the type of accommodation. Here is an outline of the types of housing available to you in the UK. 

Student Accommodation

A student accommodation that was built to serve this purpose costs approximately GBP 166/ INR 18,600. A big factor is also whether the administration is private (GBP 259/ INR 29,000 per week), or university-run (GBP 212/ INR 23,800 per week.)

Studio Apartments

Prices of rent for studio apartments vary drastically across the UK. A studio’s rent in London can range from GBP 1,100 to 1,690 (INR 1.2 lakhs to INR 1.89 lakhs) per month, according to the area. In other parts of the country, the rents are significantly lower.

1-Bedroom Apartments

In the UK, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment usually ranges from GBP 1,600 to 2,190 (INR 1.7 lakhs to INR 2.4 lakhs) per month. Prices vary due to the location and amenities provided across the UK.

3-Bedroom Houses (Families)

For a 3-bedroom flat for a family, prices span across a huge range due to the variety in location, type, proximity, utilities, and accessibility. Rent is usually in the range of GBP  2,000 to 4,940 (INR 2.2 lakhs to INR 5.5 lakhs) per month. The further you are from city centres, the more affordable housing becomes.

Here’s an overview of region-specific apartment renting costs:

The average tuition fees in the UK is around GBP 17500 (INR 18 lakhs per year). Specialised programs such as an MBA can cost a lot more in prestigious universities (GBP 40,000 on average per year).  It is thus important to check what’s included in your fees. Some universities provide access to facilities, course materials or even housing. To get an idea of the approximate costs of tuition, see the table below.

The utilities cost in the UK is around GBP 100 to 250 (INR 10,500 to 26,250) a month, depending on how big your house is and how many people you live with. Shared student accommodations are usually cheaper, and you can also share these costs with your flatmates, but staying with a family is much more expensive. 

To get an idea of the same, refer to the table below.

On average, a student would spend between GBP 150 to 300 (INR 15,750- INR 31,500)  per month on food, according to their diet preference. Supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and Asda have a vast variety of reasonably priced items. Purchasing in bulk quantities, adhering to store brands, and shopping from discount stores can greatly reduce your monthly expenses on food. 

To know what you can expect to spend on everyday grocery items like Bread, Milk and Apples, refer to the table below. 

Cooking at home is both cheaper and healthier than ordering in. While eating out can be as expensive as GBP 10 - GBP 20 (INR 1,050 - INR 2,100) per meal, home-cooked food can be as cheap as  GBP 2 - GBP 4 (INR 210 - INR 420) per serving. While you can accommodate occasional restaurant treats in your budget, doing this too frequently can drain your funds 2-3 times faster than expected. To stay healthy in a budget-friendly way, cooking for yourself is the smartest decision you could make.

This is how much you’ll spend eating out vs cooking at home:

Travelling around the UK can be convenient and effective, and range from GBP 360- 1200 (INR 41,400 - 1.38 lakhs )annually. It thus helps to understand how much transport could cost, particularly when planning on a budget as an international student. Whether it is travelling to and from university or exploring new cities, these costs are recurring and substantial. 

Since the prices in the UK are exponential, as compared to those in India, it is easy for students to feel overwhelmed. This is why it becomes important to understand the best ways of travelling and to choose economical options. In this way, you can explore without paying a steep price.  Some of the options available are listed below. 

You can save money by using these methods for travelling in the UK as an international student:

Public transport

The UK offers several buses, Metro, Rail, and cab facilities to its inhabitants. It is easy to utilise these facilities, and you’ll find that the costs of your daily commute won’t gobble up your finances either. Public transport is thus your best bet for saving pounds. 

Pay-as-you-go tends to be the most purse-friendly way when you're jumping on buses, trams or the Tube on a routine.. One adult fare is limited at GBP 1.75 (INR 184) for a single trip, and even after you've used these a reasonable number of times, your daily charge won't be more than GBP 5.25 (INR 550). If you're out and about all week, the weekly limit is GBP 24.70 (INR 2,590), so you can travel without fear of astronomical costs.

Student Discounts 

While the UK is expensive, there are several concessions in place for the student community in the form of discounts. Using these wherever possible can significantly reduce your financial burden. 

With the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, you can save 30 % on Travelcards and Bus & Tram passes, ideal for reducing those daily journey fares. In addition, if you are under 18 years old, you can request the 16+ Zip Oyster photocard and travel on buses and trams for free of fare. For instance, the usual GBP 2.40 (INR 290 )journey in Zones 1-2 reduces to around GBP 1.68 (INR 180) once you include the discount.

Travel Passes

Time is money. Travel passes not only help you cut costs, but also save the daily time of buying tickets and waiting in lines during rush hours. A great boon for the days you’re late to class, Travelcard allows you unlimited use on the Tube, DLR, Overground, buses and trams for a consecutive seven days. 

The Zones 1-2 weekly pass costs GBP 44.70 ( INR 4690), and while this is no doubt a little bit of money upfront, there is no denying that it can save you a ton on fares versus daily payments.

Own Vehicle 

Owning your vehicle gives a sense of freedom and control. However, in the UK, between paying for fuel, insurance, road tax, servicing, and depreciation, this freedom can cost upto GBP 280-300 ( INR 29,400-31,500) every month. It is thus strongly recommended that you check how this fits into your monthly budget before taking the driver’s seat. 

There is always something new to discover when you’re studying abroad. One of the best ways to make new friends while staying fit is to book a tennis court at a university or local club. A fitness membership in the UK costs GBP 20 to GBP 60 (INR 2200 to INR 6700) on which you can use student discounts to lower the cost.

The UK has something for everyone and every wallet, with live comedy nights at tiny clubs to weekend outings to bustling festivals. 

To assist you in budgeting in advance, here is a glance at average expenses for common entertainment pursuits in the UK.

You should note that the majority of UK government-run Art Galleries, Museums, Memorials, and Monuments are either free or heavily discounted for students in the UK. Make sure you carry your student ID with you!

As an Indian student in the UK, healthcare costs can be managed through the NHS's free-at-the-point-of-use GP appointments, emergency treatment, and most community services, thanks to your Immigration Health Surcharge. You might still pay flat fees for dental work and prescription drugs, but Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) can limit those expenses over three or twelve months. 

If you want quicker access to experts or single rooms, you can add private cover by simply adding those premiums to your expenditure. Generally, the mix of full NHS treatment and optional co-payments means you get excellent care without having to fear the shock bills.

The table below gives a general idea of what you can expect each service to cost. 

The cost of living varies significantly according to the city in the UK. While London is the most expensive, cities like Leeds, Bristol, and Coventry are significantly cheaper. Because rent is the highest in London, other costs add up, making it a very expensive city to live in, for international students. But you can still get to very good universities in other cities, and with cheaper costs of living.

The following table provides an idea of where they rank in terms of rent and dining out through the cost of living index.

Expensive Cities to Live in the UK

Not all British cities are equal when it comes to living expenses, and for Indian students, this variation can be a huge factor in their monthly budget. The section below provides a brief outline of some of the UK's most expensive student cities, with estimates for essentials such as rent, food, bills, and nights out.

London

For a month’s worth of groceries, utilities, transport and entertainment, it is advisable to budget GBP 1045 (INR 1.09 lakhs). Getting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you around GBP 2260 (INR 2.37 lakhs).

Brighton

You will require around GBP 900 (INR 94,510) per month to cater for living expenses apart from rent. Consider café trips, electricity bills and weekend excursions. Here, a one-bedroom apartment in the city’s centre with a view of the sea costs an average of GBP 1730 (INR1.81 lakhs).

Oxford

On average, the University of Oxford recommends a monthly budget of GBP 1420- GBP 2030(INR 1.5 lakhs - INR 2.13 lakhs), including all expenses and rent, for its students.  Typical accommodation prices are GBP 790- GBP 950 (INR 90,850- INR 1.09 lakhs). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre normally demands GBP 1660 (INR 1.74 lakhs)

Affordable Cities to Live in the UK

While the UK is expensive overall, some cities are quite affordable. With great colleges and minimal expenses, the following are some great value cities that don’t compromise on a rich student life. 

Durham

Known for being scenic and budget-friendly, Durham has a typical student living cost of about GBP 800 (INR 84,000) per month.

Ipswich

Ipswitch has monthly expenses of GBP 850 (INR 89,250) excluding accommodation costs. Here, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is priced at GBP 650 (INR 68,250) per month.

Lancaster

The typical spending of students here is about GBP 900 (INR 94,500) per month. If we see basic items, and the cost of a one-bedroom flat, it would average GBP 700 (INR 73,500).

Portsmouth

Portsmouth has living costs priced at GBP 950 (INR 99,750) per month, apart from rent. Here, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment is about GBP 750 (INR 78,750).

Salisbury

On average, the general expenses in Salisbury are GBP 1,000 (INR 1.05 lakhs) per month. The rent for a one-bedroom flat in the heart of the city is around GBP 800 (INR 84,000).

Woking

Leaning towards slightly expensive, is the vibrant city of Woking. With a monthly expense of GBP 1,100 (INR 1.15 lakhs), a 1-bedroom apartment here costs GBP 900 (INR 94,500 ).

If you get a job as an international student in the UK, the taxes are applicable only to the income you earn in the UK economy. Incomes generated through overseas investments, etc, are not taxed.

The income tax in the UK is much higher than that in India.

In India, the minimum tax rate for an employed person is 5%, whereas in the UK it’s around 20%. But the average income in the UK is also much higher than in India.

The government charges you taxes according to your tax brackets, keeping in mind the taxes paid to the home country, to avoid double taxation. Sometimes reliefs and exemptions are also granted due to this.

Those who earn less than GBP 12,570 (INR 14.4 lakhs) are not taxed due to this being the official Personal Allowance granted to every individual in the UK. The following table illustrates the tax brackets (bands) of the UK. 

To stay in the UK, ideally, you should keep a budget of GBP 1000 to GBP 1500 (INR 1.15 lakhs to INR 1.7 lakhs). Not only does creating a budget give you a realistic view of what your opportunities and capabilities are, but it also encourages you to be mindful of how, when, and where you spend. Budgets vary if you are a student, a single person, or are living with a family. T

To help you get a realistic breakdown of the monthly budget for living in the UK , have a look at the table below. 

The cost of living in the UK, as discussed thoroughly across this blog, ranges from GBP 22,000 - 36,600 (INR 24- 41 lakhs), depending on the size of your family or whether you are living alone. Although this may seem high, if we compare it to the cost of living in the US, it is 13% higher than living in the UK. If you’re a student in India, you’ll probably spend INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 per month, in tier 1 cities. 

Let’s discuss the cost of living in the UK compared to other countries:

It is thus evident how important it is to factor in cost when we decide where to study abroad. We can see that countries like the UK are in the mid-to-high range, while India and Germany offer more affordable day-to-day costs and places, while the  US and Australia are the most expensive.

The UK has several scholarship opportunities created to reward academic talent, leadership potential, and to cater to financial constraints. From government-sponsored awards to university-specific grants, qualifying for a scholarship can assist you with covering tuition, living expenses, and other fees. Financial aid can help you achieve your dreams of studying in the stellar universities of the UK.

Masters Scholarships

There are several fully or partially funded scholarships for Master's programs in the UK. Both need-based and merit-based, these scholarships reward exceptional academic performance and professional potential. Following is a compilation of some of the best master's scholarships for Indian students.

Chevening Scholarship

Coverage:

• Fully funded (tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses)
• Valid for one-year master’s programs in the UK

Description:

• Funded by the UK Government, this scholarship targets professionals who show leadership potential and a strong academic background.
• It may be extended in special circumstances.
• Selection is handled by the British embassies and the UK High Commission.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (including India)
• Have an undergraduate degree and at least two years of work experience
• Return to home country for a minimum of two years after the award ends

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship

Coverage:

• Full tuition, airfare, and living costs
• Multiple award categories including Master's, PhD, Split-site, and Distance Learning

Description:

• Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), this scholarship supports students from Commonwealth nations pursuing postgraduate education.
• Includes awards like Commonwealth Shared Scholarships and Professional Fellowships.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
• Should hold a first degree of at least upper second class
• Financial need and academic merit are considered

GREAT Scholarship

Coverage:

• Minimum of GBP 10,000 / INR 11.5 lakhs toward tuition fees
• Offered for one-year postgraduate programs

Description:

• A joint initiative between the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council
• For Indian students, 13 postgraduate scholarships are available across 12 UK universities
• Deadlines vary based on the institution

Eligibility:

• An Indian citizen with an undergraduate degree
• Meet English language and course-specific entry requirements
• Display interest in the proposed subject area

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)

Coverage:

• Varies by program type (Long-term, Short-term, or Final Year Doctoral)
• Includes living allowance, international airfare, and sometimes tuition

Description:

• Supports mid-career Indian professionals in fields like arts, heritage conservation, and humanities
• Offers short and long-term grants for academic and research work in the UK

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen aged 25–38 (depending on grant type)
• Graduate with work experience in relevant fields
• Not currently receiving any other UK Government scholarship

Scotland Saltire Scholarships

Coverage:

• Up to GBP 8,000 / INR 9.2 lakhs toward tuition fees for a one-year master’s program

Description:

• Sponsored by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities
• Up to 50 awards are given each year across five key sectors

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of India, Canada, the USA, Pakistan, China, or Japan
• Have an offer for a full-time postgraduate program in Scotland
• Demonstrate leadership potential and interest in innovation

There are plenty of universities that provide undergraduate scholarships in the UK, which offer generous support to high-achieving students from India. Award committees often consider past academic record, extracurricular involvement, and personal background to select worthy students.

The following list of universities can give you an idea of where you can apply to help fund your studies.

Everything is so expensive in the UK, purely because of supply and demand. From limited housing and global influences to lifestyle choices, everything affects the cost and standards of living. 

Limited Housing

Cities like London, Oxford, and Cambridge are industrial and student hubs, each with a skyrocketing demand. Students, professionals, and tourists all compete for very limited housing and end up paying high premiums for rent and utilities. Within a city as well, there can be a world of difference between neighbourhood prices. 

Macroeconomic forces 

Inflation and rising energy prices drive up everyday costs. Recent surges in global gas and electricity prices mean that your bill can rise unexpectedly, and landlords tend to push those increases along through your rent or service charges. Exchange rates also impact prices. A recent example is huge surges in heating costs during the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Lifestyle choices

If you dine out frequently, get a membership to the gym or the West End theatre, your social expenditure will increase more than someone who eats in and attends free student functions. And don't forget to set aside for any lab charges, field trips or special materials your course entails, as import delays and post-Brexit bureaucracy can make those pieces more expensive as well.

Yes, Student life in the UK is expensive, while remaining something of a dream, with classes you love, cities steeped in history, and endless opportunities. You can still make the most of your experience there by following a few clever habits and budget-friendly hacks. From finding deals on food to getting amazing discounts, here are a few tips to help you economise. 

Make (and adhere to) a budget

Begin by creating a detailed budget to monitor what you're bringing in and spending. This allows you to identify areas where you can save and maintain control over your finances. This can be simplified and made fast through budgeting apps. 

Utilise public transport wisely

Public transport is the best thing about large cities like London. Not only is the travel fast, but also extremely economical as compared to other alternatives like owning a car. It is a great idea to obtain an Oyster card or check out regional travel cards to build up on some great travel discounts.

Shop around for utilities

The utilities game requires research. Find and compare as many providers as you can to subscribe to plan that fits your needs the best. Finding less expensive plans for electricity, gas, and internet can significantly help you save in the long run. 

Do it yourself where necessary.

Attempt to do minor repairs and maintenance tasks yourself prior to seeking the services of a professional. Service fees tend to be costly in the UK, so mastering some simple repairs will save you plenty.

Reduce unused subscriptions

Not getting use from that streaming platform or gym membership? Cancel or put on hold subscriptions that no longer suit your lifestyle or budget. You can subscribe later once you've settled.

Pre-book travel

Last-minute travel arrangements typically involve a high cost. Book in advance wherever possible to obtain cheaper tickets and travel deals.

Cook more, eat out less

Meals from outside can drain your finances very quickly. It is both healthier and cheaper to cook for yourself. Cooking 3-4 times a week will make you fitter and your wallet happier. 

Make financial planning a habit

Proper management of your finances is the priority if you are studying overseas. Every bit of effort in budgeting and planning pays off in assisting you in being well-prepared, not stressed out, and living your student life to the fullest.

We've uncovered the real cost of studying and living in the UK, including paying your yearly tuition fee, your monthly expenses on groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transport (with student discounts and travel-pass hacks), as well as the priciest vs budget-friendly cities. You also found the best scholarships for bachelor's and master's degree programs, and understood how demand, inflation, energy prices, and exchange-rate fluctuations push prices up, all relative to other study destinations.

Ready to take insights to action? With Yocket Premium's expert one-on-one support, you'll receive personalised shortlists of universities and cities, scholarship advice, bespoke budgeting checklists, and prompt reminders, so you're never behind schedule. Let's make your UK study experience seamless, confident, and thrilling!