Cheapest UK Cities and Rent for International Students (2025–26)
Studying in the UK is a coveted dream for many Indian students seeking world-class education and global exposure. However, understanding living costs for international students in the UK is critical for realistic budgeting, student visa approval, and a stress-free academic journey in 2025. This guide covers average monthly expenses, tuition, accommodation, and actionable tips for saving money in London and other UK cities.
Average Living Costs in UK for International Students (2025)
| Expense Item | London (per month) | Other Cities (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £750–£1,200 | £450–£850 |
| Food | £150–£250 | £120–£200 |
| Transport | £60–£100 | £40–£80 |
| Miscellaneous | £70–£100 | £50–£70 |
In 2025, the average monthly living cost is £900–£1,350 in London and £650–£1,100 in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leicester. These figures exclude tuition fees.
Cost Breakdown: Tuition, Accommodation & More
Your largest expenses as an international student in the UK are typically tuition fees and accommodation. Tuition for undergraduates in 2025 averages between £12,000–£38,000 per year for top universities, while postgraduate programs usually range from £10,000–£30,000 per year.
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (UG/PG) | £10,000–£38,000/year |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (London) | £1,000–£1,500/month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Other Cities) | £700–£1,100/month |
| Health Insurance (NHS Surcharge) | £776/year |
Choosing shared or university accommodation, cooking your meals, and using student discounts on travel are proven ways to manage expenses. For more about grants and savings, see scholarship opportunities for Indian students.
Top Affordable Universities in UK: Options for Indian Students
| University | City | Average Tuition/Year | Est. Living Costs/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staffordshire University | Stoke-on-Trent | £12,500 | £650–£850 |
| Teesside University | Middlesbrough | £13,000 | £700–£900 |
| Leeds Trinity University | Leeds | £12,000 | £750–£950 |
| London Metropolitan University | London | £14,000 | £1,000–£1,400 |
Explore more affordable UK universities and compare living costs city-wise for optimal budgeting.
UK Student Visa 2025: Minimum Funds & Proof Requirements
- London: Show at least £1,334 (approx. ₹1,63,000) per month for 9 months
- Other UK cities: Minimum £1,023 (approx. ₹1,25,000) per month for 9 months
- Tuition deposit proof for the first year
- IELTS/TOEFL score card (see IELTS requirements)
- CAS Letter from the admitting university
For a detailed visa process and guidance, visit our UK Student Visa Guide.
Popular Cities: London vs Other UK Cities Living Costs
| City | Total Approx. Cost/Month |
|---|---|
| London | £1,350–£1,800 |
| Manchester | £950–£1,200 |
| Edinburgh | £1,000–£1,250 |
| Birmingham | £900–£1,100 |
| Leeds | £850–£1,100 |
Living in smaller cities or university towns is significantly more economical, and students often enjoy a better quality of life with manageable expenses and vibrant communities.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Indian Students (2025)
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship
While most scholarships in the UK primarily cover tuition, some awards and grants contribute towards partial living costs. Apply early and check eligibility based on your program and citizenship. Learn more: Top Fully Funded Scholarships.
Part-Time Jobs & Saving Tips for International Students
- Allowed to work up to 20 hours/week during term time
- Part-time jobs pay on average £10–£15 per hour
- Popular roles: retail, campus assistant, food service
- Leverage student discounts for travel, shopping, and food
- Consider university meal plans or shared accommodation
Find more on part-time work in the UK and student saving hacks.
Post Study Work Visas & Career Prospects
After graduation, international students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)—allowing you to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years. This is an excellent way to gain professional experience and offset previous expenses.
- 2 years post-study work for undergraduates/masters; 3 years for PhDs
- No sponsor required; switch to skilled worker visa later
- Popular job sectors include IT, finance, business, and healthcare
For in-depth admission and student life advice, you may also explore UK universities & programs.
In summary, while living costs for international students in the UK can be high—especially in London—precise planning, scholarship applications, city selection, and part-time work opportunities can make your UK education affordable and rewarding for 2025 and beyond.
FAQs on Cost of Living in the UK for International Students: 2025–26 Guide
1. How much does it cost to live in the UK as an international student?
Living costs for international students in the UK typically range between £1,100 to £1,400 per month outside London, and £1,300 to £1,600 per month in London. This amount covers accommodation, food, transport, study materials, personal expenses, and entertainment. Actual costs depend on lifestyle, accommodation choice, and city.
2. How much do UK students need to live on?
On average, UK students (both domestic and international) should budget around £12,000 to £16,000 per year outside London, and £16,000 to £21,000 per year in London for living expenses. This includes rent, utilities, food, transportation, and study materials.
3. What is the cheapest city in the UK for international students to live?
Popular and affordable UK cities for international students include Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Cardiff, and Newcastle. These cities offer lower accommodation and general living costs compared to London, Oxford, or Cambridge.
4. How much is rent in the UK for international students?
The average rent for international students in the UK is £400–£800 per month outside London and £700–£1,200 per month in London. University accommodation is often slightly cheaper than private housing. Shared rentals and university halls can help save money.
5. What are the average monthly living expenses for international students in the UK?
An international student in the UK should expect to pay £1,100–£1,400 per month outside London, and £1,300–£1,600 per month in London for all living expenses combined. These costs include accommodation, food, transport, study materials, and personal expenses.
6. What are the minimum required living expenses in the UK for a student visa?
To secure a UK student visa, you must show proof of funds for at least £1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or £1,023 per month for up to 9 months outside London. These figures are set by the UK government for visa application purposes (2024).
7. How much does it cost to live in London as an international student?
Living in London is more expensive than most other UK cities, with average monthly expenses for international students ranging from £1,300–£1,600 per month. This covers rent, utilities, travel, food, study supplies, and leisure.
8. What are the typical living expenses for students living outside London in the UK?
For students outside London, average monthly living expenses range between £1,100 and £1,400. Cost varies based on the city, accommodation choice, and spending habits, but smaller cities are generally more affordable.
9. What is included in the monthly living expenses for international students in the UK?
Monthly living expenses usually cover:
- Accommodation (rent and utilities)
- Food and groceries
- Public transport
- Books and study materials
- Mobile and internet bills
- Personal expenses and leisure
10. Are UK university fees included in the living costs for international students?
No, university fees are not included in living expenses. Tuition fees for international students in the UK typically range from £11,000 to £38,000 per year depending on the course and university. Living costs are separate and must be budgeted in addition to tuition fees.
11. Which UK cities offer the lowest living costs for international students?
Cities such as Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cardiff, and Coventry offer some of the lowest living costs for international students in the UK, making them popular choices for affordability and student-friendly amenities.
12. Is there a living cost calculator for international students in the UK?
Yes, several UK university websites and student organizations provide living cost calculators to help international students estimate their monthly and yearly expenses. These calculators allow input for rent, food, travel, study materials, and personal spend to create a personalized budget plan.
