Cities in the UK with low cost of living: The cost of living across the UK varies greatly depending on individual, couple, or family based on lifestyle choices and their needs. The most common components of the cost of living include housing, food, transportation, and childcare. The cost of living across the UK varies as some cities tend to be more expensive than other places which are normal in most countries.
The UK is one of the top destinations for immigrants today especially nursing students. This is because the UK is the best choice when it comes to the field of nursing as it’s one of the easiest ways to get a Permanent Resident Visa in the UK. The country is ranked the 33rd most expensive country to live in on Numbeo.
As a student with plans to move to the UK one of the things to look out for are areas with low cost of living in the UK to enable you to utilize your money. In this article, I will be listing out cities you can comfortably live in as an international student without breaking your back.
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What is considered a low cost of living in the UK?
Low cost of living is generally seen as situations where the expenses required to maintain a comfortable standard of living are affordable by a higher percentage of the habitants. Areas with low cost of living in the UK can be seen as areas where the total monthly expenses (excluding rent) are as low as £800 or even lesser depending on the individual’s lifestyle.
Top 6 cities in the UK with low cost of living
1. Bradford
Bradford is a city located in West Yorkshire, in the north of England. Bradford has a relatively low cost of living. Bradford is known to be a multicultural city with a rich industrial heritage. Bradford is home to the University of Bradford, a public research university. This city has numerous attraction center which includes the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford Cathedral, and the Alhambra Theatre. The city is also home to the Bradford Industrial Museum and the Bronte Parsonage Museum, which celebrate the city’s industrial and literary heritage.
The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Bradford
| Accommodation | 537.50£ |
| Transport | 57.40 £ |
| Utilities | 169.62 £ |
| Feeding | 190 £ |
2. Swansea
Swansea is located on the south coast of Wales, with the city center located approximately 70 miles west of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Swansea is home to Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. This city is popular among international students for its relatively low cost of living. Swansea is known for its attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the National Waterfront Museum, the Dylan Thomas Centre, and Swansea Bay
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The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Swansea
| Accommodation | 630.00£ |
| Transport | 72.00 £ |
| Utilities | 159.92 £ |
| Feeding | 190 £ |
3. Belfast
Belfast ranked 1st in affordable cities for international students according to the 2021 survey by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast is home to two public universities: Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Belfast has a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the UK. For instance, rent prices in Belfast are 61.6% lower than in London. Generally, you will need double of monthly expenses in Belfast to maintain the same lifestyle in London.
The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Belfast
| Accommodation | 868.18 £ |
| Transport | 60.00 £ |
| Utilities | 158.00 £ |
| Feeding | 200 £ |
4. Liverpool
Liverpool is 2nd on the list of most affordable cities for international students according to the 2021 survey by the (UKCISA). This city is situated in the Northwest of England and is known for its music scene and historic waterfront. This city houses about 3 public institutions: the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool Hope University
The cost of living in Liverpool is lower compared to other major UK cities, with an average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around £500-£600 per month.
The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Liverpool
| Accommodation | 782.31 £ |
| Transport | 69.57 £ |
| Utilities | 225.34 £ |
| Feeding | 200 £ |
See Also: Visa Application Fees for Canada and the UK
5. Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne, commonly referred to simply as Newcastle, is a city in North East England and is known to be welcoming to immigrants. Newcastle city ranked 3rd on the list of most affordable cities for international students according to the 2021 survey by the (UKCISA). Home to popular universities among international students. Newcastle University, Northumbria University, and Newcastle College University Centre are all located in this city. With Quayside as its popular tourist destination. The people of Newcastle are known for being some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the UK, making it a great place to visit or live.
The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Newcastle
| Accommodation | 817.60 £ |
| Transport | 72.50 £ |
| Utilities | 244.53 £ |
| Feeding | 185 £ |
6. Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and has a thriving cultural scene. Glasgow is known for its relatively low cost of living. It is ranked 8th in affordable cities for international students according to the 2021 survey by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Glasglow is home to about four universities: the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the University of the West of Scotland. Glasgow is one of the best places to reside for someone who wishes to further in the nursing field.
The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Glasgow
| Accommodation | 795.38 £ |
| Transport | 73.04 £ |
| Utilities | 248.61 £ |
| Feeding | 180-195 £ |
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7. Sheffield
Sheffield is considered to be one of the more affordable cities in the UK for international students to live in. It is ranked 7th on affordable cities for international students according to the 2021 survey by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). The cost of living in Sheffield can vary depending on Individual lifestyle and choices, it is relatively lower than most of the larger cities in the UK.
Sheffield is welcoming to international students, and it is well known for its peaceful ambiance. The city is home to the popular Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.
The estimated monthly expenses for an individual in Sheffield
| Accommodation | 715.83 £ |
| Transport | 69.46 £ |
| Utilities | 300.21 £ |
| Feeding | 160-190 £ |
Note that the estimated monthly expenses may vary depending on the individual’s choices.
See Also: Nursing Schools in UK: Best Nursing Schools in the UK, Requirements, and Fees
I advise you to weigh the options using instances like possible job opportunities, crime rates, climatic conditions, etc, before deciding to move as some of these areas might be relatively cheap while having a high crime rate.