Curious about how your city ranks compared to your mates? Are you living like a king on a fiver a week or is your student loan dwindling faster than lightning? OR are you a college student looking at where to apply to uni next year with the hope of avoiding the most expensive student cities in the UK?
We used help from Uniadmissions, who combine data from Numbeo, Natwest’s Student Living Index, and more to curate their list of the most expensive cities in the UK for students in 2026.
Make sure you also check out the cheapest UK cities for students too!
Here are the top 10 most expensive student cities in the UK in 2026
- London (£1793 per month)
- Oxford ( £1555 per month)
- Edinburgh (£1548 per month)
- Cambridge (£1507 per month)
- Exeter (£1419 per month)
- Manchester (£1364 per month)
- Bristol (£1353 per month)
- Glasgow (£1331 per month)
- York (£1330 per month)
- Cardiff (£1295 per month)
Read more about each below.
10th most expensive area in the UK for students…
10th. Cardiff (£1,295 per month)
Cardiff might not feel expensive at first glance, but student living costs here can quietly add up. Rent near the city centre or close to campus isn’t cheap, and nights out — while very fun — can definitely chip away at your budget. The upside? You’re right by the coast, surrounded by green spaces, and there’s always something going on, from gigs to sports. It’s not the priciest on this list, but your bank balance will still notice.
9th. York (£1,330 per month)
York is one of those cities that looks like it belongs in a period drama — and unfortunately, sometimes it costs like one too. Rent can be steep, especially within the historic centre, and cosy pubs have a habit of turning into pricey evenings out. That said, it’s an absolutely stunning place to live, with loads of free walks, museums, and a really strong student community. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
8th. Glasgow (£1,331 per month)
Glasgow might surprise you. While nights out are still cheaper than most southern cities (thankfully), rent has been creeping up fast — especially around popular student areas. The city itself is buzzing, with legendary nightlife, live music everywhere, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. You’ll spend more than you expect, but you’ll also have the time of your life.
7th. Bristol (£1,353 per month)
Bristol is effortlessly cool — and it knows it. Rent is high, competition for housing is fierce, and student accommodation rarely comes cheap. Nights out are incredible, but your bar tab can rival your weekly food shop. Luckily, there’s loads to do for free if you’re skint, from street art spotting to chilling in the parks. Pricey, yes — but the vibe makes it hard not to love.
6th. Manchester (£1,364 per month)
Manchester is massive, buzzing, and packed with students — which means demand for housing is high. Rent has jumped in recent years, especially near the city centre. Nights out are legendary, but they’re no longer as cheap as they once were. Still, you get world-class music, sport, shopping, and food, all in one place. You’ll spend a lot — but you’ll rarely be bored.
5th. Exeter (£1,419 per month)
Exeter is smaller and calmer than most cities on this list, but don’t let that fool you — it’s expensive. Rent is high thanks to limited housing and strong demand, and nights out aren’t exactly budget-friendly either. The trade-off? A gorgeous campus, beautiful countryside, and a more relaxed pace of student life. It’s not cheap, but it’s very easy on the eyes.
4th. Cambridge (£1,507 per month)
Shock horror — Cambridge is expensive. Living among centuries-old colleges and genius-level peers doesn’t come cheap, especially if you want to be anywhere near the centre. Rent is sky-high, but at least cycling is the norm, so you can save on transport. There’s also loads of free outdoor stuff to do, which helps soften the financial blow. Magical city, painful prices.
3rd. Edinburgh (£1,548 per month)
Living in Edinburgh is like starring in a postcard — stunning views, historic streets, and… eye-watering rent. Student housing is pricey, especially in popular areas like Marchmont, and festival season can send costs through the roof. Nights out are amazing but rarely cheap. Luckily, there’s loads to do for free, from hiking Arthur’s Seat to wandering the Old Town. Expensive? Definitely. Worth it? Almost always.
2nd. Oxford (£1,555 per month)
Oxford is dripping in history, prestige, and very high rent. Housing near the colleges is particularly expensive, and eating out can feel like a luxury rather than a regular thing. That said, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and cycling everywhere helps keep costs slightly down. You’ll pay a lot — but you’re paying to live somewhere iconic.
1st. London (£1,793 per month)
Wow. Who could have seen this coming?
London takes the crown as the most expensive place to be a student in the UK — and by a long way. Rent is notoriously high, especially anywhere near central areas, and even with a student Oyster card, travel costs add up fast. Nights out? Amazing. Affordable? Not so much. Still, the sheer scale, diversity, and opportunity of the capital mean plenty of students decide it’s worth the hit to their bank account.
If you’re brave enough to take it on, check out our tips for saving money in London.
Rent in London is notoriously high, with student housing in central areas often costing double what you’d pay elsewhere in the UK. Add to that travel expenses (thankfully there’s the student Oyster card) and pricey nights out, and your student budget can get stretched pretty thin. That said, the city’s sheer diversity of experiences makes it worth the splurge for many.
If you’re looking for ways to survive the big city, read our tips on saving money in London.
We hope your city didn’t make the most expensive areas in the UK for students, for the sake of your bank account!
FAQs on the Most Expensive UK Cities for Students
Which city is the most expensive for students in the UK?
London remains the most expensive student city, with average monthly living costs above £1,700. High private rent (often £1,000+ per month), pricey transport, and premium nightlife make it the costliest place to study.
What other cities are in the top 5 for living costs?
Brighton, Oxford, Bristol, and Guildford join London in the top five. Each city sees average student expenses exceed £1,250 per month due to high housing demand and premium social and food scenes.
What factors make these cities so expensive for students?
Key drivers include private rent prices, utility bills, transport costs, eating out, and nightlife. Popular destinations with limited housing supply like Brighton and Oxford see rents soar above the UK average.
Are there ways for students to save money in expensive cities?
Yes. Sharing flats, using railcards or bikes, cooking at home, using student discounts, and seeking hardship funds can help reduce costs. Many universities offer budgeting support and advice services for students.
Is it worth studying in a more expensive city?
For many, yes. Big cities like London and Brighton offer career networking, culture, and entertainment that smaller cities can’t match. However, weigh living costs against your budget, course value, and available student support.
Which UK cities are cheaper alternatives for students on a budget?
Cities like Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Cardiff offer far lower living costs, with cheaper rent, affordable nightlife, and strong student support—often £400–£600 less per month compared with London.
Does the type of accommodation impact costs the most?
Yes. Private studios and city-centre apartments are far pricier than shared flats or university halls. Choosing housing slightly outside the centre can cut monthly rent by £200–£400.
Are part-time jobs easy to find in expensive cities?
Generally, yes. London, Brighton, and Bristol have abundant hospitality and retail work, though competition can be high. Students with flexible schedules can offset living costs with part-time roles.
Do students in expensive cities get extra financial support?
Some universities in costly cities offer larger bursaries or hardship funds, and government maintenance loans are slightly higher in London. Always check your university’s financial support options when budgeting.
How much more expensive is London compared to the UK average?
London students spend on average £400–£600 more per month than those in mid-priced cities like Manchester or Nottingham, mainly due to rent and transport. Budgeting carefully is crucial if you study in the capital.