Cost of Living in the United Kingdom

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 22, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The total cost of living in the United Kingdom is around £1,867 (roughly €2,200) for a single person and £4,508 (around €5,300) for a family of four.

Let’s break down the cost of living in the United Kingdom; we’ll look at essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare, to help you manage your budget more effectively.

*All costs are in GBP (£). £1 is approximately €1.19 or $1.33, based on current (September 2024) Wise exchange rates.

How expensive is it to live in the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom cost of living is quite high; it's ranked as the 22nd most expensive country in the world by Numbeo. For a family of four, monthly costs average around £4,508, with rent taking up about £1,755 of that. For a single person, the total monthly expenses are roughly £1,867, and rent alone is £1,055. So, whether you're supporting a family or just yourself, a significant part of your budget will likely go toward housing.

Compared to other European countries, the UK cost of living is on the pricier side. In Germany, for instance, a family's total monthly costs are a bit lower at around £4,252, so it’s slightly more affordable for a similar lifestyle. A single person in Germany spends about £1,585 a month, which is noticeably less than in the UK. Spain is even more budget-friendly. A family of four can get by on about £3,395 a month, while a single person would need around £1,414 (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in the UK?

The most expensive city in the UK is London, with an average monthly cost of about £3,224 for a single person. Edinburgh and Manchester aren't far behind, but they're a bit more affordable. In Edinburgh, a single person can expect to spend around £2,154 per month, while in Manchester, it's roughly £2,027.

Cheapest city in the UK

The cheapest city for a single person in the UK is Kingston upon Hull, with an average monthly cost of around £1,056. Sunderland and Barnsley are also quite affordable, costing about £1,090 and £1,060 per month, respectively.

Cost of living in the United Kingdom vs the US

Living in the US is generally more expensive than in the UK, especially when it comes to housing costs. A family of four in the US spends around £5,409 a month, with £2,238 of that going to rent, while in the UK, the total is about £5,169, including £1,755 for rent. For a single person, monthly costs in the US are about £2,279, with £1,388 spent on rent, compared to £2,183 in the UK, where rent is around £1,055. Although some daily expenses like food and transportation might be similar, the higher rent in the US usually makes it the pricier option overall (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national average in the UK.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in the United Kingdom vs the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a bit more affordable compared to the United Kingdom cost of living, particularly for families. A family of four in the Netherlands spends around £4,091 a month, including rent, while in the UK, the same family would spend about £5,169. For a single person, the cost in the Netherlands is roughly £1,812 per month, compared to £2,183 in the UK. While everyday costs like food and transport are fairly similar in both countries, the lower rent in the Netherlands often makes it a more budget-friendly option overall (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

The average monthly rent in the UK varies depending on the size and location of the place (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: £1,055
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: £848
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: £1,755
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: £1,341

If you are looking to rent in the UK, be aware that the rental market is competitive, and prices are continuing to rise, especially in high-demand areas, increasing the cost of living in the United Kingdom. In 2024, rents have increased for both new and renewing tenants, and this trend is expected to persist. As demand remains high and the supply of rental properties is limited, it's crucial to budget carefully and be ready to act quickly when a suitable property comes up (Source: Houst).

How to find an apartment in the UK

Finding an apartment in the UK as a foreigner is tough due to high demand, but there are reliable platforms like Zoopla and Rightmove that make the search process easier by offering a wide range of listings from reputable landlords and agencies. To get started, you’ll need essential documents such as proof of identity, proof of income, and references, as these are typically required by landlords to assess your reliability as a tenant. If you’re new to the UK and don’t have local references, some landlords may ask for a larger deposit or a guarantor. You can find more information about guarantors on Citizens Advice. If you are unable to attend in-person viewings, many agencies now offer virtual tours, which can help you assess a property remotely.

One key challenge for foreigners is avoiding scams, which can be more prevalent when using social media or informal online groups. Always confirm the legitimacy of a landlord or letting agent through platforms like Propertymark or the government’s approved agent list. Additionally, make sure your deposit is protected in a government-approved scheme, as detailed on gov.uk. If you run into any issues or need legal advice, Shelter UK is a great resource for understanding your rights as a tenant and avoiding common pitfalls like illegal fees or substandard housing.

Utilities

Average monthly costs for utilities in the UK (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: £245
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: £12.50
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): £31

To reduce your utility costs in the UK, make sure to:

• Switch energy suppliers: Regularly check for cheaper energy deals using sites like MoneySavingExpert and Which?. Switching to a better tariff, especially fixed-rate plans, can save you money, especially if prices are expected to rise.
• Use less and be efficient: Small changes like turning off lights, using energy-efficient bulbs, and running appliances on eco settings can make a difference. Close curtains and use draft excluders to keep the heat in.
• Pay by direct debit: Most suppliers offer a discount for paying by Direct Debit, which is usually cheaper than other payment methods.
• Get a smart meter: A smart meter can help you track your energy use and spot areas to cut back and it makes it easier to avoid surprises on your bill.
• Upgrade appliances: Older appliances can use more energy. If possible, switch to energy-efficient models. has guides to help you choose more efficient options.
• Get help if you’re struggling: If you’re finding it hard to pay your bills, get in touch with your supplier — they might offer payment breaks or access to hardship funds. You can also check Citizens Advice for support options like the Warm Home Discount.

Public transport

Public transport in the UK is pretty straightforward, with options like trains, buses, trams, and ferries. Trains are the fastest way to get between cities like London and Edinburgh, and you can save money by booking ahead on Trainline. For cheaper travel, buses and coaches like National Express and Megabus are good options. In London, get an Oyster Card to make getting around on the Tube (the London Underground) and buses easier. If you're heading to rural areas, renting a car through Discover Car Rentals might be your best bet. Apps like Citymapper and Moovit are handy for navigating and checking schedules in real time.

Here’s a quick snapshot of prices for public transport in the UK (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: £2.20
• Regular monthly pass: £70
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: £3
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: £17.40
• Gasoline: £1.47 per litre

Food

For grocery shopping, you have plenty of options like Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, and more upscale stores like Waitrose. If you're looking to save, Aldi and Lidl are great budget-friendly choices. Most supermarkets offer online shopping and delivery through services like Ocado or meal kits from HelloFresh. Don't forget to bring your own bags, as they don't give out free ones. Many stores have self-checkout stations, and loyalty programs like Tesco Clubcard can help you save a bit more. For international foods, check out ethnic grocery stores in bigger cities or online shops like Sous Chef. Just remember, supermarkets are closed on big holidays like Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, so plan ahead.

Depending on personal shopping and dietary habits, groceries in the UK cost around (Source: Reddit):

• For a single person: £150-£300
• For a couple: £300-£600
• For a family of four: £400-£800

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £15
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): £60
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): £7
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): £4.50
• Cappuccino (regular): £3.30
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): £1.74
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): £1.25

Mobile phone plan

To get a mobile plan in the UK, you'll need a UK address, proof of identity (like a passport or driver's license), and usually a UK bank account for payments. If you don’t have one, get the prepaid option.

Major mobile providers:

• EE: Offers 5G plans starting at £15/month for 5GB of data.
• O2: Plans start from £10/month for 5GB of data.
• Three: Plans starting at £10/month with unlimited texts and calls.
• Vodafone: 5G plans start from £11/month.

Cheaper options:

• Giffgaff: Flexible plans starting from £6/month.
• Tesco Mobile: Plans start at £7.50/month with data rollover.

Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) / Prepaid:

• Ideal if you don’t have a UK bank account or prefer not to commit to a contract.
• Available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and mobile phone shops.
• Prices start at around £5-£10.
• VOXI: Social media-friendly plans starting from around £10/month.

eSIMs:

• EE and Vodafone offer eSIM plans, typically starting around £10/month.

Childcare

In the UK, you can choose between many childcare options like nurseries, childminders, preschools and nannies. Government support is available through schemes like Tax-Free Childcare, which provides up to £2,000 per child per year, and free childcare hours for children aged 2-4. Working parents can get up to 30 hours of free childcare per week for 3-4-year-olds, and some benefits recipients can access free care for 2-year-olds. So, if you have a family, be sure to check out your options as childcare support can really help with the United Kingdom cost of living.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Moneyhelper):

• Nursery schools: £200 - £300 per week; for ages 3-5, offering structured learning.
• Childminders: £4 - £6 per hour; registered carers providing home-based care.
• Preschools and playgroups: £10 - £20 per session; informal settings focusing on socialization.
• After-school clubs: £40 - £60 per week; care outside school hours. Check with local schools or community centers for availability.
• Nannies: £400 - £600 per week; personalized care in your home.
• Au pairs: Minimum £90 per week; live-in carers offering flexible help.

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: £1,264 (around €1,500)
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: £15,179 (roughly €18,000)

Gym

The UK offers plenty of gyms to fit different fitness levels and budgets, with flexible memberships, including no-contract options. You'll find modern equipment, group classes, and sometimes extras like pools and saunas. If you're an expat, many gyms have locations across the country, which is handy if you're moving around. It's a good idea to visit a few nearby gyms to see which one works best for you, most of them do a trial day or session.

Major gym brands and their monthly prices:

• PureGym: From £15.99 + joining fee
• The Gym Group: From £13.99
• Better Gyms: From £10 & concessions available
• Fitness First: From £65
• Nuffield Health: £95 +
• David Lloyd Clubs: From £94.50
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult: £33 (around €40)