# What is the cost of living for students in the UK?

> UK student living costs vary widely by city — London is significantly more expensive than most other UK cities.

The cost of living for international students in the UK depends heavily on location, accommodation type and personal spending. London is significantly more expensive than other UK cities for rent and general living. UKVI sets a monthly maintenance figure for the Student visa financial requirement — a higher figure for London and a lower figure elsewhere — which gives a baseline, though actual costs can be higher or lower. Typical student expenses include accommodation, food, transport, course materials and personal costs.

## Quick facts
- **Biggest cost:** Accommodation (varies greatly by city and type)
- **London premium:** Significantly higher than rest of UK
- **Visa baseline:** UKVI monthly maintenance figure (confirm on GOV.UK)
- **Student discounts:** Available widely — NUS/TOTUM card recommended

## Key takeaways
- Living costs vary significantly — London is notably more expensive than other UK cities.
- Accommodation is typically the largest expense; type and location drive the difference.
- UKVI's maintenance figure (set for the visa) gives a useful baseline but actual costs vary.
- Students can reduce costs by choosing university accommodation, cooking at home and using student discounts.

## What drives the difference between cities
Rent is the dominant variable: London private rents are considerably higher than cities like Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Glasgow. University-managed accommodation often offers the best value and security, especially in the first year. Beyond rent, food, local transport, mobile bills, subscriptions and social costs add up — most students find a realistic monthly budget sits above the UKVI maintenance figure, which is designed as a visa floor, not a lifestyle target.

## Building a realistic budget before you arrive
Start with the known fixed costs: your tuition fee payment schedule, confirmed accommodation cost and the cost of returning home for holidays. Then estimate variables — food (cooking at home cuts costs substantially), transport (a student railcard and city travel card save money), and personal spending. Study UK Now provides a personalised cost-of-living briefing for your chosen city and helps you plan a budget that avoids mid-year financial pressure.

## Frequently asked questions
### How much money should I budget per month as an international student in the UK?
Monthly living costs depend on your city and lifestyle. The UKVI maintenance figure gives a minimum floor for the visa, but many students spend more — especially in London. Comparing your confirmed accommodation cost with typical local costs for food and transport gives a more accurate personal budget. Study UK Now can provide city-specific guidance for where you plan to study.

### Is it cheaper to study outside London as an international student?
Generally yes — accommodation and many daily costs are lower in cities like Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Birmingham compared with London. The academic quality of UK universities is excellent across the country, so studying outside London can deliver strong value without sacrificing opportunity.

## Sources
- [GOV.UK — Student visa: money you need](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money) — GOV.UK

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Verified: 2026-05-20