Cost of living in London accounts for a number of expenses. Living expenses in London are divided into categories like; rent, utilities, travel, food and drink, and entertainment. Apart from this, the average cost of living in London also accounts for medical expenses. Relocating to UK requires applicants to pay UK student visa fees that add up to the cost of living in London. Average cost of living in London is GBP 1300-GBP 1400 per month (INR 1,35,781.96 – INR 1,46,226.72). Housing cost in London is one of the most expensive within the category of cost of living in London for international students.

Note: 1 GBP = INR 104.25 (Dated 28th June 2023)

Cost of Living in London for International Students

Monthly expenses in London have been mentioned in the table below:

Item Cost (Per Month)
Off-Campus Accommodation GBP 408 (INR 42,567.66)
On-Campus Accommodation GBP 480 (INR 50,072.15)
Transportation GBP 159 (INR 16,586.53)
Food GBP 406 (INR 42,353.03)
Utility GBP 155 (INR 16,169.26)
Entertainment GBP 44 (INR 4,590.26)
Groceries GBP 155 (INR 16,169.26)
Clothes GBP 69 (INR 7,198.37)
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) GBP 1,237 (INR 1,29,049.00)
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) GBP 1,309 (INR 1,36,560.51)

On-Campus Housing Cost in London

Housing cost in London is divided into two different categories; on-campus and off-campus. Table below highlights on-campus housing London expenses for best universities in UK for international students. There are a number off-campus student accommodation in UK that can be availed by candidates.

University On-Campus Accommodation (Weekly Rent)
Imperial College London GBP 132 - GBP 339 (INR 13,794.48 - INR 35,415.21)
University College London (UCL) GBP 145.39 - GBP 443.38 (INR 15,179.39 - INR 46,330.51)
King's College London GBP 169 - GBP 347 (INR 17,647.91 - INR 36,224.33)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) GBP 140.70 - GBP 297.15 (INR 14,693.03 – INR 31,006.13)
City, University of London GBP 192.76 - GBP 295.08 (INR 20,127.94 - INR 30,815.61)
University of London GBP 189 - GBP 392.63 (INR INR 19,737.71 - INR 41,006.65)
Royal Holloway University of London Undergraduate: GBP 125 - GBP 205 (INR 13,043.75 - INR 21,388.95)

Postgraduate: GBP 119 - GBP 187 (INR 12,444.41 - INR 19,502.93)
Brunel University London Undergraduate: GBP 690-GBP 940 (INR 71,946.60 - INR 98,003.60)

Postgraduate: GBP 690-GBP 940 (INR 71,946.60 - INR 98,003.60)

GBP 1,250 (INR 130,487.50)

Per month Rates

SOAS University of London GBP 155 - GBP 562 (INR 16,174.45 - INR 58,660.18)

Off-Campus Housing Cost in London

Mentioned below is a table that highlights off-campus housing cost in London for different cities where top universities are located. In order to fund their expenses in their respective cities, applicants can consider part-time jobs in UK as most of the colleges and universities in UK allow part-time work for candidates:

Location 1 bedroom in City Center (GBP) 1 bedroom Outside City (GBP) 3 bedrooms in City Center (GBP) 3 bedrooms Outside of City (GBP)
Central London 1,700 (INR 177,631) 1,200 (INR 125,316) 3,000 (INR 313,290 INR) 2,000 (INR 208,860)
Durham 600 (INR 62,658) 400 (INR 41,772) 1,800 (INR 188,574) 6400 (INR 668,992)
Leicester 690 (INR 72,115) 520 (INR 54,145) 1,100 (INR 114,643) 825 (INR 86,159)
Lancaster 640 (INR 66,867) 530 (INR 55,335) 920 (INR 96,053) 780 (INR 81,509)
Lincoln 596 (INR 62,219) 522 (INR 54,501) 794 (INR 82,997) 720 (INR 75,336)
Liverpool 686 (INR 71,671) 500 (INR 52,215) 1,190 (INR 124,503) 800 (INR 83,544)

Cost of Food and Groceries in London

Expense of food and groceries in London adds up to the average expenses in London. Mentioned below is a table that highlights cost of living in UK with respect to daily necessities such as food, groceries, and other relevant expenses that add up to average monthly expenses in London:

Food Item Average cost
Milk (regular) (1 liter) GBP 1.29 (INR 134.2889)
Loaf of White Bread (500g) GBP 1.35 (INR 141.3635)
White Rice (1 kg) GBP 2.01 (INR 209.7241)
Eggs (12) GBP 3.09 (INR 322.8509)
Local Cheese GBP 6.86 (INR 716.6126)
Chicken Filet (1kg) GBP 7.22 (INR 754.8202)
Apples (1kg) GBP 2.04 (INR 213.1164)
Banana (1kg) GBP 1.19 (INR 124.4579)
Oranges (1kg) GBP 2.07 (INR 216.0041)
Tomato (1kg) GBP 2.83 (INR 295.4843)
Potato (1kg) GBP 1.12 (INR 116.9632)
Onion (1kg) GBP 1.10 (INR 114.9781)
Water (1.5 liter bottle) GBP 1.15 (INR 120.0507)
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) GBP 9.00 (INR 939.69)

Cost of Transportation in London

Provided below is a table that highlights the cost of living in London for a single person in terms of transportation. Each of the amount for cost of living in London per month is tabulated down below:

Items Cost
Monthly pass (Regular Price) GBP 65 (INR 6,784.81)
One-way ticket (local transport) GBP 2.5 (INR 260.98)
Taxi start GBP 2.8 (INR 292.29)
Taxi 1 hour waiting GBP 17.5 (INR 1,826.80)
Gasoline (1 liter) GBP 1.26 (INR 131.52)

Cost of Leisure of Sports and Leisure

Mentioned below is a table that highlights expense on leisure and sports activities:

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult GBP 51.79 (INR 5,400.66)
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) GBP 13.51 (INR 1,408.82)
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat GBP 12.00 (INR 1,251.36)

Cost of Utilities in London

Cost of living in London for Indian family requires expenses in regard to daily utilities as well. This adds up to the total cost of average expenses in London. Table below highlights the average monthly expenses in regard to utilities:

Utilities (Monthly) Average Cost (GBP)
Basic bill payments – Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment GBP 203 (INR 21,183.01)
1 min. of Prepaid-Mobile-Tariff Local -No Discounts/ Plans GBP 0.12 (12.52)
Internet (60 Mbps/ more, Unlimited Data, Cable or ADSL) GBP 31 (INR 3,234.84)

Cost of living in London for a single person amounts to the above-mentioned evaluations. Expenses recorded above account for daily average necessities of individuals who are planning to study in UK. Cost of living in London is comparatively high because it is regarded as the fourth most expensive city in the world index and comparison.

FAQs

Q: What is the cost of living in London?

A: The cost of living in London is generally high compared to other cities in the UK. Expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and dining out can be quite expensive.

Q: How much does accommodation cost in London?

A: The cost of accommodation in London varies depending on the location and type of property. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from £1,500 to £2,500 per month, while outside the city center, it can be slightly lower.

Q: How expensive is transportation in London?

A: Transportation costs in London can add up, but the city has an extensive public transportation system. The cost of a single journey on the London Underground (Tube) or bus typically ranges from £2.40 to £4.90, depending on the zones traveled and the payment method used.

Q: Are groceries expensive in London?

A: Groceries in London can be pricey, especially if you shop in central areas. However, there are various supermarkets and local markets where you can find more affordable options. On average, a monthly grocery bill for one person can range from £200 to £400, depending on your lifestyle and dietary choices.

Q: How much does dining out cost in London?

A: Dining out in London can be quite expensive, particularly in upscale restaurants. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around £15 to £30 per person, excluding drinks. However, there are also affordable options available, such as street food markets and budget-friendly eateries.

Q: Is healthcare expensive in London?

A: Healthcare in the UK is provided by the National Health Service (NHS), which offers free medical services to residents. However, some services, such as dental care and prescriptions, may incur costs. It is advisable to register with a local GP (general practitioner) to access NHS services.

Q: How much does education cost in London?

A: The cost of education in London varies depending on the level and type of education. Public primary and secondary education is free, but private schools can have significant tuition fees. Additionally, university tuition fees for international students can range from £10,000 to £30,000 or more per year, depending on the institution and course.

Q: Are taxes high in London?

A: The tax rates in the UK, including London, depend on various factors such as income, employment status, and other personal circumstances. The UK has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 20% to 45% for individuals.

Q: How much does entertainment cost in London?

A: Entertainment costs in London can vary greatly depending on your preferences. Attractions such as museums and galleries often have free or discounted entry, while theater tickets, concerts, and sporting events can range from £20 to £100 or more, depending on the venue and popularity of the event.

Q: Is it possible to live affordably in London?

A: While London is known for its high cost of living, it is still possible to live affordably by making conscious choices. Opting for shared accommodation, utilizing public transportation, shopping at affordable supermarkets, and taking advantage of free or discounted activities can help manage expenses and live within a budget.