Living Expenses in UK 2025 | Total Cost Breakdown

The United Kingdom is one of the most quintessential and desirable study-abroad destinations amongst Indian students due to the presence of premier universities, exceptional yet cost-efficient education, cultural diversity, and the myriad of work opportunities that students can tap into post-degree completion. The latest figures show a striking 54% increase in sponsored study visas issued to Indian students in the UK.  Find out the living expenses in the UK per month for Indian students in this blog! 

Why should you choose the UK as your study-abroad destination?

Studying in the UK offers numerous advantages that cater to students’ academic and personal growth ambitions. Some of these are as follows:

• High-Quality Education

The UK institutions are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and high-quality teaching, making it an attractive option for Indian students.

• Cultural Diversity

The UK attracts numerous international students from diverse backgrounds and students get to experience a rich cultural tapestry. Cultural diversity enhances students’ educational experience.

• Work Opportunities

The UK provides a valuable opportunity to gain work experience while studying, as the UK student visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week.  

• Rich Historcial Context

Indian students in the UK get to visit iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London and explore a country steeped in history and tradition.

• Free Healthcare

Indian students in the UK who have been staying in the UK for a longer duration can access healthcare through the National Health Service at no additional cost. 

Recommended read: 5 benefits to know for studying in the UK

Complete Breakdown of Living Costs in the UK for Indian Students

Explore the following table to know the average monthly living expenses in the UK per month for Indian students: 

CATEGORIES	Average Cost/Expenditure
Accommodation in London	Rs 75,000 per month
Accommodation in other cities (excluding London)	Rs 55,000 per month
Health Insurance	Rs 52,140 per year
Transportation Cost	Rs 10,300(monthly pass cost for London)Rs 5,400(monthly pass cost in other regions)
Household Bills	Gas, electricity, water, and broadband, an average of Rs. 14,000(in London), 8,000(in the rest of the UK)
Grocery Expenses	Rs. 15,500(in London)Rs. 11,600(in rest of the UK)
Dining and Socializing	Rs. 15,000(in London)Rs. 8,000(in rest of the regions)
University Dormitory Fees	₹80,960 to ₹1,21,440 per year

Food and Transportation Costs in the UK

Following below is the tabular representation of the budget outlay that you will have to prepare for food and transportation costs in the UK.

Food	Cost(in INR)	Transportation	Cost(in INR)
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district	₹1,633	Volkswagen golf 1.4 TSI 150 CVS (or equivalent), with no extras, new	₹ 3,207,807
Combo meals in fast food restaurants (Big Mac meal or similar)	₹846	1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas	₹162
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast	₹425	Monthly ticket public transport	₹11,462
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole-fat milk	₹126	–	–
12 eggs, large	₹398	–	–
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes	₹295	–	–
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese	₹552	–	–
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples	₹236	–	–
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes	₹105	–	–

Student Visa Costs in the UK | Eligibility Criteria | Fees

You can apply for a student visa if:

• You are 16 or above.
• You have an admission offer from a university by a licensed sponsor.
• You have enough funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
• You can read, write, speak, and understand English.

Below is the UK Visa Fees for international and domestic students:

Student Visa from Outside the UK	£490
Student Visa from Inside the UK	£490

Also read: UK student visa: Types, Eligibility, Latest updates and more

Latest Update on UK Student Visa

The new guidelines, which were announced in September 2024, will be applicable from January 2, 2025, and are as follows:

• If you are planning to pursue your higher studies in London, you will need to show proof of having £1,483 per month in savings.
• Those students who are planning to study outside London will need to show £1,136 per month in savings.

The status quo amount is £1,334 for London and £1,023 for other regions.

Who is exempt from the financial requirements?

• Sabbatical officers of the Student Union
• Dentists or postgraduate doctors who are enrolled in recognized foundation programs
• Those students who have held a UK visa for at least 12 months before applying for a new student visa.

Moreover, students hailing from countries categorized under the “differential evidence requirement”  are exempted from meeting the financial requirements. The countries are Australia, Canada, and the United States, and many Asian and European countries. 

Average rent in the UK by region

The average rent in the UK in 2024 is estimated to be £740(76,850 INR), If you exclude inner London it’s £656(67,607 INR). Explore the below table for the average rent region-wise:

Region	Average Monthly rent in 2024	Average Monthly rent (In Rupees)
East Anglia	£662	₹68,265
East Midlands	£562	₹57,953
North East	£544	₹56,097
North West	£609	₹62,800
Northern Ireland	£557	₹57,437
Scotland	£696	₹71,771
South East	£735	₹75,793
South West	£655	₹67,543
Wales	£578	₹59,603
West Midlands	£562	₹57,953
Yorkshire and Humberside	£560	₹57,747
London	£983	₹1,01,366
UK	£740	₹76,308
UK (excl London)	£656	₹67,646

Is the UK really that Expensive- Average Monthly Costs in the UK

• For a family of four

In the United Kingdom, a family of four estimated monthly costs is 3,615$ (2,755.9£)(2,55,782 INR) without rent.

• For a family of two

A single person’s estimated monthly costs are 1,066.3$ (812.8£) without rent.                                                                               

• For a student

As an Indian student in the UK without dependants, you can expect to pay around £1300-£1400(₹1,34,000 to ₹1,45,000 INR) per month in London or £900-£1300(₹92,000 to ₹1,32,800) in the rest of the UK to cover your accommodation, bills, groceries, and a range of other living expenses during your studies.                          

Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students

• For Undergraduate

The undergraduate tuition cost of studying in the UK for Indian students varies from £11,400 – £38,000(11,75,568 INR-39,18,560 INR).

• For Graduate

For students pursuing a Graduate degree, tuition fee varies from £9,000 – £30,000(8,35,313 INR-27,84,377 INR).

Tips to Reduce Your Living Expenditure in the UK

Here are a few frugal tips you can follow if you wish to reduce your expenditure while studying in UK

• Create a Detailed Budget

Start by mapping out your monthly income and expenses. Track your expenses and note down the ones that you can cut back. For essentials like rent, bills, groceries, and transportation, allocate funds and set aside a portion for savings. 

• Save on Accommodation Cost

To save on accommodation, consider living in a shared accommodation, which may be more affordable than private rentals. 

• Reduce Utility Bills

Put a track on your energy consumption to keep utility bills in check. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and use energy-efficient light bulbs to keep heating costs down. 

• Use Public Transport Wisely

If you are a regular traveller, invest in National Railcard to save 30% on train fares. Consider split ticketing for long journeys to reduce train travel costs. 

• Work Part-Time

Many Indian students in the UK consider working part-time, which provides them an additional income to help cover living costs. However, understand the work regulations associated with your visa and find a job that best suits your interests and favors your schedule. 

• Explore Free and Discounted Services

Many universities offer free or discounted gym memberships, and various community initiatives provide free access to food and household items. 

Scholarships You Can Take Benefits from While Studying in the UK

To make your study and living affordable in the UK, various scholarships are available for Indian students. The following are some of the popular scholarships for the Indian students in the UK:

• Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for one one-year master’s program in the UK. The scholarships are aimed at academically outstanding students who have prior leadership skills and exceptional performance in their respective fields.

• Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships is designed for students from commonwealth countries seeking to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. The scholarship covers tuition fees, airfare, and personal maintenance expenses.

• GREAT Schoalrships

Funded by the UK government and the British Council, The GREAT Scholarships offers a minimum of £10,000 for students from India. The scholarships support students across various subjects in the UK.

• Rhodes Schoalrship

The Rhodes Scholarship is the University’s oldest international scholarship program. It offers two-year scholarships (renewable for a third year) available to applicants to Oxford from several countries around the world. 

• INLAKS Scholarships

For a full-time master’s program, INLAKS Scholarships are available to bright students from India. The scholarship covers all necessary costs, including tuition fees, living expenses, and travel. 

Part-Time Student-Friendly Jobs You Can Consider to Do

To help supplement their income while also gaining valuable work experience, Indian students in the UK have access to a wide range of part-time job opportunities. Following are some of the popular part-time jobs for Indian students in the UK:

• Retail Assistant: This job involves helping customers and managing inventory. The average pay for the job is about £9.88 per hour. 
• Barista: This job involves working in cafe, preparing and serving drinks. Due to its vibrant environment and flexible hours, it is particularly appealing with an average pay of £9.97 per hour. 
• Library Assistant: By helping patrons find resources and manage returns, students can support library functions. The general pay for the role is between £10 to £15 per hour. 
• Tutoring: As an Indian student in the UK you can provide one-on-one instructions in subjects like math and science which will not only provide you significant financial rewards but also brush up on your old learnings.
• Online Job Portals: There are websites like StudentJob UK that provide online job options for Indian students in the UK.

Part-time jobs not only provide Indian students with financial support but also with financial support, valuable experience and more exposure to UK culture.

Summary

In this blog, you will explore how, as an Indian student in the UK, living can be an exciting yet financially challenging experience. Living expenses in the UK per month range between £900-£1400(83,531-1,29,937 INR) depending on location, with London being on the higher end. The Key costs include accommodation, health insurance, transportation, and daily living expenses like groceries and utilities. Families and students alike must craft their budgets carefully to cover rent and other essentials. Strategies such as shared accommodation, reduced utility bills, and using public transport efficiently can help manage costs. The cost of studying in the UK for Indian students is  £11,400 – £38,000(10,58,063-35,26,878 INR) (for undergraduates) and £9,000-£30,000(8,35,313-27,84,377 INR) (for graduates). Additionally, part-time work and exploring free or discounted services offered by universities can ease the financial burden while studying in the UK. The blog also provides the most preferred part-time jobs for Indian students in the UK. 

FAQs

1. Is the UK a safe country to live in?

The Global Peace Index(GPI), One of the best-known measures of security and safety in countries around the world, has put the UK in the top 25 per cent of the world’s safest countries.                                    

2. Is the UK an expensive country for education?

The UK is considered to be a moderate country in terms of expenses. Education costs in the UK can be higher than in other countries. The UK’s strong economy provides various employment opportunities for students to work part-time which alleviates financial stress. 

3. How much is the accommodation cost in the UK?

The average monthly cost of accommodation in London is estimated to be 75,000 INR and 55,000 INR for other regions.