Cost of Living in United Kingdom

Updated:

NovoExpat

If you've ever considered moving to United Kingdom, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in United Kingdom?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in United Kingdom and whether the reported $2305 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $2386.98.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries

United Kingdom

restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

14.91 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

58.57 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

6.39 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

4.26 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

4.26 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.07 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

1.52 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

1.11 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.03 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.06 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.46 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

2.15 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

6.12 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

5.94 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

9.19 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.01 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.16 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.87 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.14 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.15 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.04 $

Lettuce (1 head)

0.75 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.04 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

7.45 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.88 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.19 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

12.78 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

2.66 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

69.45 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

3.19 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.32 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

18.53 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

1.66 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

22362.88 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

23291.31 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

190.5 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.13 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

32.18 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

32.9 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

10.96 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

10.65 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

1062.53 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

14550.15 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

64.47 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

31.98 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

68.49 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

68.16 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

944.99 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

711.24 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1707.73 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1263.29 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

4421.12 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

3368.75 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2386.98 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

3.09 %

Cost of Living in United Kingdom Overview

Welcome! Here’s a guide to understanding the typical costs of living in United Kingdom, from dining out and groceries to housing and utilities. Use this overview to help plan your budget and make informed decisions about living expenses.

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 14.91 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 58.57 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.03 USD, a loaf of bread 1.06 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 2.15 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 2.66 USD and a monthly pass around 69.45 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 190.5 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 32.9 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 10.96 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 1062.53 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 14550.15 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 64.47 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 68.49 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 944.99 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 711.24 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 4421.12 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 3368.75 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 2386.98 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 3.09% annually.

United Kingdom

How Safe Is United Kingdom for Travel?

Warnings & Dangers in United Kingdom

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The United Kingdom is considered a very safe country. Even though there are parts that are dangerous and should be avoided, it is, for the most part, completely safe to travel to, and if you use your common sense, your trip should go smoothly.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and other forms of transportation are known to be very safe and reliable in the United Kingdom, as would be expected in such a developed European country.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpocketing is the most common form of street crime in the United Kingdom. It is common to a certain degree and there are even some locations known for pickpocketing being reported there mainly popular landmarks. Take basic precaution measures and minimize your chances of being pickpocketed.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

You can relax when it comes to natural disasters, because, apart from constant raining, there are no threats!

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

When it comes to mugging and kidnapping, the United Kingdom is relatively safe. However, you should be careful and avoid dangerous areas where you could get attacked.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

The United Kingdom has recently been targeted by a terrorist attack and it is now publicly announced that the threat to the UK is present.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Since it is so filled with tourists, it only makes sense that there will always be people trying to scam them. Always be cautious with people trying to distract you, help you with your luggage, or groups of people acting strange. Always check your change twice and negotiate everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The United Kingdom is mostly very safe for women to travel to. Just follow your basic common sense and general rules of things to avoid, and you should be fine.

Useful Information & Tips

credit_card

Visas

Member countries of the EU do not need visas to enter the United Kingdom, as well as some other countries, but there is a considerable number of countries that do, and the procedure for obtaining a visa for the UK is of a high standard. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the United Kingdom. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality.

currency_exchange

Currency

The British pound is the currency in the United Kingdom. Keep in mind that this is one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the prices of accommodation in London are skyrocketing. You should bear in mind that you will need about 100£ per day, including accommodation, and if you're based in London - 150£.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The weather in the UK is mild with cool summers, and heavy rainfalls during the year. The best time to visit is during summer, from June to August.

flight_takeoff

Airports

The two busiest airports are London based (Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport), and the third busiest is Manchester Airport, also the busiest of the non-London airports.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to the United Kingdom, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in United Kingdom with other countries

Cost of living in countries