We’re well into the start of the academic year now. The fresher’s flu is wearing off and the realities of day to day student life are kicking in… including the cost of living in your chosen city of study. To cheer you up we’ve put together a list of the top ten most expensive areas in the UK for students to live. Let’s hope you’re city isn’t on the list…
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?
This list of the most expensive areas in the UK for students to live was compiled by L&C Mortgages. They looked at factors related to typical student monthly expenditures, like rental costs (in an out of the city), utility bills, food shopping and transport prices.
Here are the top 10 most expensive student cities in the UK
- London (£1542.44 per month)
- Brighton (£1410.33 per month)
- Oxford (£1291.13 per month)
- Bristol (£1286.31 per month)
- Guildford (£1271.15 per month)
- Buckingham (£1257.03 per month)
- High Wycombe (1250.22 per month)
- Cambridge (£1246.50 per month)
- Reading (£1227.43 per month)
- Edinburgh (1217.68 per month)
Read more about each below.
10th most expensive area in the UK for students…Edinburgh
9th most expensive area in the UK for students…Reading
Reading is a sneaky one – it’s not quite London, but the prices will make you double-check your location. Rent is steep, especially near the university or city centre, and nights out aren’t exactly budget-friendly. That said, Reading has a decent vibe, with plenty of bars, clubs, and events to keep you busy. Plus, being so close to London has its perks – you get all the access without paying full London prices. Just don’t expect a bargain.
8th most expensive area in the UK for students… Cambridge
Surprise, surprise – Cambridge is expensive. Who’d have thought living among centuries-old colleges and genius-level peers wouldn’t come cheap? Rent here is sky-high, especially if you want to be close to the action. And nights out? Great, but they’ll leave your wallet feeling pretty empty. At least cycling is the norm, so you can save on transport. It’s all worth it, though – there’s nowhere else quite like Cambridge, and the experience is pure magic (even if it’s also pure financial pain).
Luckily, there’s lots of outdoor things to do in Cambridge, with many of these being free activities!
7th most expensive area in the UK for students…High Wycombe
High Wycombe is a bit of a wildcard. It’s close enough to London for convenience but far enough away to avoid some of the costs – though rent is still on the high side. Student housing can be hit or miss, but at least the town itself has some affordable spots to eat and hang out. Nights out are more chill, but you’ve got the option to head into London if you’re after a proper party. It’s a mix of suburban life with city perks – just be prepared to pay for the privilege.
6th most expensive area in the UK for students…Buckingham
Tiny town, big prices. Buckingham is all about exclusivity, and that extends to its cost of living. Rent here is higher than you’d expect for such a small place, and the lack of competition means you don’t have many budget options. Nights out? Let’s just say it’s more about quiet pints than wild clubbing. Still, the close-knit student community makes up for it, and if you’re after a peaceful study environment, you’ll definitely find it here. Just don’t expect it to come cheap.
5th most expensive area in the UK for students…Guildford
Guildford is basically Cambridge’s quieter, posher cousin, and it comes with a price tag to match. Rent is high, and the bars are more “wine and dine” than “cheap and cheerful.” Nights out are more low-key, but hey, you’re only a short train ride from London if you’re desperate for a big one. Guildford’s charm is its balance – peaceful countryside vibes with just enough going on to keep you entertained. Expensive? Absolutely. But worth it if you’re into a more relaxed student life.
4th most expensive area in the UK for students…Bristol
Bristol is effortlessly cool, and living here? Well, it’ll cost you a pretty penny to be part of the vibe. Rent is high, and student accommodation isn’t exactly a bargain. Nights out? Incredible, but prepare for your bar tab to rival your rent. That said, there’s loads of free stuff to do if you’re skint – think street art tours and chilling in the parks. It’s a city with creative energy and big personality, so even if it’s pricey, you won’t regret it.
3rd most expensive area in the UK for students… Oxford
Fancy being surrounded by history, dreaming spires, and some of the smartest people in the world? Welcome to Oxford – but be warned, it’s going to cost you. Rent here is steep, especially in those cute little townhouses near the colleges. And eating out? Hope you like pot noodles. It’s not cheap, but the trade-off is that you get to live in one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the UK. Plus, cycling is the done thing here, so at least you won’t need to shell out for buses.
2nd most expensive area in the UK for students… Brighton
Both the University of Brighton and University of Sussex students have to endure the pretty pricey living costs of living it up by the seaside. At least they’ve got a good view out the window!
Brighton is like the cool, edgy kid of UK student cities. Living here is as expensive as it is trendy, and trust me, it’s very trendy. Want a flat near the seafront? Good luck affording anything more than a box room. Nights out in Brighton are legendary, but your wallet won’t be thanking you after. On the plus side, you can save on transport since the city’s so walkable, and the beach is free – if you’re not spending all your time staring wistfully at your empty bank balance.
The most expensive student city… London
Wow, what a shocker! We all know the deal now: if you study in London, be prepared to cough up. I mean…it’s hardly unexpected so presumably you’ve been saving since the day you were born to be able to live here…or you’re the King’s second cousin’s grandson, twice removed?
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!
Last Updated on January 30, 2025
Published on April 19, 2020
