Choosing a University by Cost of Living
Cost of Living Guide
Location Choice
Each UK region offers unique advantages for international students.
Browse through our comprehensive regional profiles to discover cost of living data, major cities, and university options.
Average Rent Per Region
Review rental costs and student accommodation prices across regions. Look beyond just tuition fees for your cost of living will significantly impact your student experience. This guide helps you balance academic ambitions with practical financial planning.
London
Areas: Central, East, South, West, and North
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £985
1 bed house: £1,702
2 bed house: £2,156
3 bed house: £2,546
Universities in region: Queen Mary University of London, University of Westminster, Kingston University London, City St George's University of London,
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South East
Cities / Towns: Oxford, Cambridge,
Brighton, Cantebury (Kent), Southampton, Surrey, Sussex, Portsmouth
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £692
1 bed house: £984
2 bed house: £1,250
3 bed house: £1,515
Universities in region: University of Brighton, Royal Holloway, University of Surrey, University of Sussex
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South West
Cities / Towns: Bath, Bristol,
Bournemouth, Plymouth, Exeter
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £660
1 bed house: £940
2 bed house: £1,187
3 bed house: £1,423
Universities in region: Bournemouth University, University of Bristol, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
West Midlands
Cities / Towns: Birmingham, Coventry
Wolverhampton
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £595
1 bed house: £778
2 bed house: £955
3 bed house: £1,121
Universities in region: University of Birmingham, Coventry University, Birmingham City University
East Midlands
Cities / Towns: Nottingham, Derby,
Leicester, Lincoln, Northampton
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £570
1 bed house: £687
2 bed house: £864
3 bed house: £1,026
Universities in region: Nottingham Trent University, University of Nottingham, University of Derby, University of Leicester, De Montfort University
Yorkshire & Humber
Cities / Towns: Leeds, Sheffield,
Bradford, York
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £546
1 bed house: £647
2 bed house: £800
3 bed house: £944
Universities in region: University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, University of Sheffield, University of York, University of Huddersfield, University of Bradford
North West
Cities / Towns: Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Lancaster, Carlisle
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £628
1 bed house: £697
2 bed house: £862
3 bed house: £1,022
Universities in region: Manchester Metropolitan University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University, University of Chester
North East
Cities / Towns: Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £546
1 bed house: £592
2 bed house: £726
3 bed house: £867
Universities in region: Durham University, Teesside University, Northumbria University, University of Sunderland
Scotland
Cities / Towns: Aberdeen, Glasgow,
Edinburgh, Dundee
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £645
1 bed house: £779
2 bed house: £983
3 bed house: £1,245
Universities in region: University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University,
University of Dundee
Wales
Cities: Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Aberystwyth
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £589
1 bed house: £700
2 bed house: £835
3 bed house: £938
Universities in region: Cardiff University, Aberystwyth University Swansea University, University of South Wales
Northern Ireland
Cities: Belfast, Londonderry
Average Rent per Month:
Per room: £589
1 bed house: £815
2 bed house: £1,004
3 bed house: £1,154
Universities in region: Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University
The Benefits of Understanding Cost of Living
When choosing which university and region to study in, it is also important for students to consider the cost of living across different parts of the UK. Living expenses, particularly average rental prices, can vary significantly by region. For example, cities such as London and parts of the South East typically have higher accommodation costs, while regions like the North East, Yorkshire, and parts of Scotland may be more affordable. Understanding these differences helps students plan their finances more effectively and choose a location that aligns with their budget, supporting a more manageable and comfortable student experience throughout their studies.
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