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Cost of Living in the UK

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Introduction

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Planning to study in the UK in 2025? This guide gives the latest rents, visa funds, monthly budgets, wages and scholarships into one decisive playbook. 

If you compare this with the cost of living in the US, you will find that the UK is 9.8% cheaper.

Key Highlights

CategoryAmountsNotes
Monthly Cost (Avg.)£950 - £1,250 (₹1L - ₹1.2L)Depends on city, accommodation, and lifestyle
Rent (Shared Flat)- London: £900 - 1,100 (₹1L - ₹1.2L)
- Other cities: £450 - 700 (₹52K - ₹81K)
Based on Rightmove & Save the Student 2025 data
Utilities + Internet£70 - 90 / month (₹8K - ₹10K)Includes electricity, gas, water, broadband
Groceries£140 - 160 / month (₹16K - ₹18.5K)Tesco, Aldi, Asda pricing used
Transport Pass- London Zones 1 - 2: £95 (₹11K)
- Other Cities: £55 - £70 (₹6K - ₹8K)
18+ Oyster / Rail Card discounts available
Proof of Funds (9 months)- London: £12,006 (₹13.8L)
- Outside London: £9,207 (₹10.6L)
Mandatory for visa as of Jan 2025
Student Visa Fee£490 (₹56K)Unchanged for 2025
NHS Health Surcharge£1,035 per year (₹1.1L)Paid upfront with visa application
Part-time Work Limit20 hours/week (term)
Full-time (vacation)
National Living Wage = £11.44/hr (₹1K)
Top ScholarshipsGREAT India, Chevening, CommonwealthAward up to full tuition + living costs
Mobile + Streaming£30 - 40/month (₹3K - ₹4K)Combo of SIM-only & Netflix/Spotify
Ideal Annual Budget£11,000 – £15,000 (₹12.7L - ₹17.3L)For 9 - 12 months, depending on lifestyle

Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students

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In 2025, the average student spends £1,104 (₹128,000) a month on essentials such as rent, food, utilities, transport and social life. Rent alone absorbs about 49% of that budget, while groceries £144 (₹16K) and household bills £76 (₹8K) rank next.

Icon Expert Insight

UK maintenance loans rarely cover true living costs, so advance planning (and part-time income) is essential.

Cost of Living in the UK per Month for Indian Students in 2025

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Depending on the city and the students' lifestyle, the average monthly cost of living for Indian students in the UK in 2025 will vary between £950 and £1,250 (₹1L to ₹1.4L).  This includes rent, food, utilities, and transportation. By planning well ahead, students can establish a sensible budget and avoid financial surprises throughout their study abroad experience.

Cost categoryAverage Amount in London (GBP/INR)Average Amount in Outside London (GBP/INR)Notes
Rent (shared)- £2,698 / flat (₹3.1L)
- £900–1,100 / student bed (₹1L - ₹1.2L)
- £1,349 / flat (₹1.5L)
- £450 - 650 / student bed (₹52K - ₹75K)
Based on Q1 2025 Rightmove listings; assumes 3-bed share.
Utilities- £143 / household (₹16K)
- £70 / student (₹8.1K)
- £143 (₹16K)
- £70 (₹8.1K)
Dual-fuel, direct-debit.
Groceries£160 / student (₹18K)£140 / student (₹16K)Save the Student 2025 survey.
Transport pass£95 (18+ TfL Zones 1-2) [₹11K]£55 - 70 (bus/rail) [₹6K - ₹8K]Student Oyster/Rail Cards.
Mobile & Internet£35 (₹4K)£28 (₹3K)SIM + fiber bundle.
Leisure/Misc.£180 (₹21K)£150 (₹17K)Gym, streaming, nights out.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Proof of Funds & Visa Costs (Jan 2025 Rule)

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The Home Office raised living-cost requirements on 2 January 2025. Applicants must show bank statements, a government loan, or official sponsorship covering the above totals.

ItemAmount
Student Visa application fee£490 (₹56.7K)
Immigration Health Surcharge£1,035 / study year (₹1.1L)
Maintenance funds (9 months)- London: £1,334 per month (₹1.5L)
- Outside London: £1,023 per month (₹1.1L)
Total cash required- London: £12,006 (₹13.8L)
- Outside London: £9,207 (₹10.6L)

Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Accommodation Costs in 2025 (London vs Other Cities)

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Demand remains intense but national supply improved 18% year-on-year, tempering price hikes.

London

  • Zones 1 - 2: £950 - 1,400 (₹1L - ₹1.6L) per student room (studio premiums ≥ £1,700 [₹1.9L]).
  • Zones 3 - 4: £750 - 950 (₹86K - ₹1L); 20-minute rail into central.
  • Hidden fees: Council-tax bands B–D (usually exempt for full-time students), TV licence £169.50 (₹19K), tenancy deposits (5 weeks’ rent).

Key Student Hubs Outside London

CityTypical room in shared flatUniversity halls (cheapest)
Manchester£550 - 700 (₹63K - ₹81K)£140 pw (₹16K)
Birmingham£500 - 630 (₹58K - ₹73K)£135 pw (₹15K)
Glasgow£470 - 600 (₹54K - ₹69K)£125 pw (₹14K)

Note: The amount may vary depending on the currency exchange rate.

Scholarships & Part-time Jobs to Offset Costs

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Scholarships (AY 2025-26)

  • GREAT Scholarships India - 26 awards, £10,000 (₹11.5L) each.
  • Chevening - Full tuition + stipend.
  • Commonwealth Master’s - Full support for STEM & development courses.
  • University hardship funds - Up to £3,000 (₹3.4L) emergency grants.

Part-time Work

  • National Living Wage: £11.44/hr (₹1.3K) from 1 April 2024 (applies in 2025).
  • Weekly limit: 20 hours in term; full-time during vacations.
  • Typical student roles: 
    • Campus barista: £11.50/hr (₹1,330)
    • Library assistant: £12/hr (₹1,340)
    • Tutoring: £15 - 20/hr (₹1,736 - ₹2,315). 
    • Earning £450–500/month (₹52K - ₹58K) can cover grocery bills entirely.

Icon Pro Tip

Pair on-campus jobs with rent-inclusive halls to simplify budgeting.

FAQs

Q. What are the living expenses in the UK for international students?

Ans. As an international student in the UK, you can expect to spend between INR 87K (£812) per month without rent and INR 2.95L (£2.7K) per month, including rent. This includes all your basic expenses, such as food, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. Understanding these costs will help you budget effectively and ensure that you can comfortably manage your finances while studying.

Q. How much does accommodation cost in the UK?

Ans. Accommodation costs in the UK vary widely depending on the type and location. University dormitories are generally more affordable, ranging from INR 30K to INR 77K (£280 to £720) per month. On the other hand, renting a private apartment can cost between INR 92K to 1.15L (£854 to £1K) per month. Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for managing your overall living expenses.

Q. What are the typical food expenses in the UK?

Ans. Food expenses can add up quickly, but on average, you can expect to spend around INR 11K (£100) per month on groceries. Supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda offer competitive prices and loyalty programs that help you save more. Shopping at local markets for fresh produce can also be a cost-effective way to manage your food budget.

Q. How much does transportation cost in the UK?

Ans. Public transport in the UK is reliable and affordable, with an estimated monthly cost of INR 7.5K (£70). Students can benefit from various discounts and travel cards that reduce costs significantly. If you prefer private transportation, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are widely available. Planning your travel efficiently can help you save money on transportation.

Q. What is the cost of living in London?

Ans. Living in London is notably more expensive than in other parts of the UK. On average, you can expect to spend around INR 2.31L (£2.1K) per month. This amount includes essential expenses such as accommodation, groceries, health insurance, and transportation. Accommodation in London can be quite costly, with rent being a significant portion of your monthly budget. Groceries and dining out are also more expensive compared to other cities.

Q. What is the cost of living in the UK per month?

Ans. The cost of living in the UK per month for an international student ranges between INR 87K (£812) without rent and INR 2.95L (£2.7K) including rent. This estimation covers essential expenses such as food, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. Proper budgeting is essential to manage these expenses effectively.

Q. What is the cost of living in the UK with rent?

Ans. Including rent, the cost of living in the UK for an international student is around INR 2.95L (£2.7K) per month. Rent is a significant part of the living expenses, and choosing affordable accommodation can greatly help manage overall costs. Depending on the city and type of accommodation, rental costs can vary widely. University dormitories are typically more affordable, while private rentals might be higher, especially in larger cities.

Q. What is the average cost of living in the UK?

Ans. The average cost of living in the UK varies depending on the city and lifestyle. For an international student, it ranges from INR 87K (£812) to INR 2.95L (£2.7K) per month. This includes essential expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities. Living in smaller cities or towns can be more affordable compared to metropolitan areas like London.

Q. What is the accommodation cost in the UK?

Ans. Accommodation costs in the UK vary widely depending on the type and location. University dormitories cost between INR 30K to INR 77K (£280 to £720) per month. These are generally more affordable and conveniently located near campuses. Private apartments, on the other hand, range from INR 92K to 1.15L (£854 to £1K) per month. While they offer more privacy and independence, they can be more expensive.

Q. What is the cost of living in the UK for Indian students?

Ans. For Indian students, the cost of living in the UK ranges from INR 87K (£812) per month without rent to INR 2.95L (£2.7K) per month, including rent. This covers expenses such as food, transportation, accommodation, and other living costs. Proper budgeting and exploring scholarships can help manage these costs. Additionally, taking advantage of student discounts, cooking at home, and opting for shared accommodation can further reduce expenses.

Q. What financial support is available for international students in the UK?

Ans. Financial support includes scholarships, grants, and bursaries. Institutions like the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and the University of Cambridge offer significant financial aid to international students. Researching and applying for these opportunities can help reduce your financial burden.

Q. How can I effectively plan my budget for living in the UK?

Ans. To plan your budget effectively, consider all potential expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. Apply for scholarships, look for part-time work, and use discounts to manage your expenses. Careful planning and financial management will help you enjoy your time in the UK without financial stress.