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)
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
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
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!
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 £1,500. 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.