Cost of Living in Chester UK for International Students [Updated 2025-26]

Key Summary

• Chester offers a student-friendly cost of living, with monthly expenses generally lower than major UK cities like London or Manchester.

• Students spend on accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses, making budgeting important for a comfortable lifestyle.

• The blog provides detailed cost breakdowns, comparisons, and practical tips to help international students plan their finances effectively before moving.

This blog breaks down the cost of living in Chester, UK, for international students in 2025, covering everything from accommodation and food to transport, utilities, and personal expenses. Chester is one of the most student-friendly cities, but budgeting smartly is key to living comfortably. Here, you’ll find clear numbers, practical tips, and comparisons to help you plan your finances better before making the move.

Cost of Living in Chester, UK: Quick Highlights

If you are planning to study in Chester, understanding the cost of living in Chester, UK, for international students is very important. The city is more affordable compared to larger cities like London or Manchester, but students should still be aware of the average monthly expenses. Here is a table that highlights the typical costs international students can expect while living in Chester.

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (GBP)	What Students Should Know
Accommodation (Rent)	450 – 750	University halls are usually more affordable, ranging between 450 and 600 GBP, while private rentals cost between 600 and 750 GBP.
Food and Groceries	150 – 250	Costs vary depending on whether you cook at home or eat out regularly.
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet)	100–150	Many student accommodations include utilities in the rent.
Transport	40–70	Chester is a walkable city, and buses are available with student discounts.
Study Materials	30 – 50	This includes books, printing, and other course-related supplies.
Personal and Leisure	100 – 200	Covers clothing, social activities, gym membership, and entertainment.
Health Insurance / NHS Surcharge	About 470 per year (around 40 per month)	Required for international students applying for a visa.
Total Estimated Cost of Living	900 – 1,400	The cost depends on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Note: On average, students in Chester spend between 900 and 1,400 GBP per month, which makes it a more budget-friendly option compared to London, where living costs often exceed 1,600 GBP per month.

Costs of Accommodation in Chester, UK

On average, accommodation ranges from 350 GBP to 1,300 GBP per month, depending on the type of room and location. The table below highlights the most common options available for students in 2025.

Accommodation Type	Typical Cost (per week, GBP)	Typical Cost (per month, GBP)
Shared Rooms / House-shares	80 – 110 GBP	350 – 480 GBP
Ensuite Rooms in University Halls	120 – 200 GBP	520 – 860 GBP
Studio Apartments	135 – 250 GBP	580 – 1,075 GBP
Private Flats / Premium Options	200 – 300 GBP	860 – 1,300 GBP

Cost of Utility in Chester, UK

International students generally pay between GBP 170 and GBP 240 per month, though many accommodations include some of these costs. Here is a complete breakdown: 

Utility Type	Average Monthly Cost (GBP)
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)	170–240 GBP*
Electricity (medium UK household)	73 GBP
Gas (medium UK household)	70 GBP
Water (UK average)	35 GBP
Broadband (average)	26 GBP
Mobile Phone Plan (calls + 10 GB data)	12–15 GBP (UK norms)

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Costs of Dining in Chester, UK

Generally, students should budget between GBP 180 and GBP 250 per month for dining, depending on their habits and dining style. Here is a complete breakdown: 

Dining Option	Average Cost (GBP)
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal	15.50 GBP
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Dinner for Two)	60.00 GBP (total)
Fast-Food Meal (e.g., McDonald’s)	7.00 GBP
Supermarket Meal Deal (Sandwich + Drink + Snack)	3.00–6.00 GBP
Chain Pub Meal (e.g., burger + drink)	Approx. 7.50 GBP
Special Set-Menu (e.g., three plates at Twenty Eight)	18.00–30.00 GBP per person

Cost of Groceries in Chester, UK

Students can expect to pay between GBP 1.50 and GBP 9.00 for common items, depending on the product. Essentials like bread, milk, and vegetables remain affordable, while meat and fresh fruits are on the higher end. Here is a complete breakdown: 

Grocery Item	Average Price (GBP)
Bread (loaf)	1.60 GBP
Milk (1 litre)	1.64 GBP
Eggs (dozen)	3.97 GBP
Boneless Chicken Breast (1 kg)	8.87 GBP
Apples (1 kg)	2.89 GBP
Bananas (1 kg)	1.57 GBP
Oranges (1 kg)	4.10 GBP
Tomatoes (1 kg)	2.34 GBP
Potatoes (1 kg)	1.37 GBP
Onions (1 kg)	1.37 GBP

Cost of Transportation in Chester, UK

Let’s understand current transportation costs within Chester, focusing on the most practical modes for students. It includes public bus day tickets and regulated taxi fares to ensure accurate budgeting. Here is a complete breakdown: 

Transportation Option	Typical Cost (GBP)	Notes
Day ticket for Park & Ride buses	2.50 GBP	Valid for unlimited travel on the day of purchase.
Taxi starting fare (daytime)	2.50 GBP	Applies when hiring a taxi.
Taxi per kilometre (daytime)	0.60 GBP per km	Standard per-km charge during the day.
Taxi waiting fee (per hour)	20.40 GBP per hour	Applied when the taxi is stationary and waiting.

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Cost of Living in Chester Compared to Other UK Cities

Chester offers a noticeably more student-friendly budget, especially when compared to cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. Here is a complete breakdown: 

City	Estimated Monthly Cost of Living (GBP)	Compared to Chester
London	3,000–3,500 GBP	Substantially higher
Single Person UK Average	1,730 GBP	Higher
Student in UK Average	1,943 GBP	Higher
Edinburgh	1,000–1,300 GBP	Higher
Glasgow	800–1,000 GBP	Higher
Chester	1,200 GBP (excluding tuition)	Lower than major cities

Living in Chester comes with affordable leisure and lifestyle options compared to larger cities. Eating out at local restaurants, grabbing coffee with friends, or enjoying cultural events doesn’t weigh heavily on a student’s budget. Utilities and monthly groceries remain moderate, while entertainment and shopping align closely with the UK national average.

Expense Category	Average Cost (GBP)
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	15.50 GBP
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	60.00 GBP
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald’s)	7.00 GBP
Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught)	4.35 GBP
Cappuccino	3.10 GBP
Bottle of water (0.33 liter)	0.93 GBP
Utility bills (monthly average)	100.00 GBP
Monthly groceries	200.00 GBP
Entertainment (monthly average)	50.00 GBP
Clothing and shopping (monthly average)	70.00 GBP
Transportation (monthly average)	45.00 GBP

Average Tuition Fees in Chester, UK

Let’s take a look at annual tuition costs for international students at the University of Chester. Undergraduate fees are fixed for the entire course, while postgraduate costs can vary depending on program specifics and optional field trips. Here is a complete breakdown: 

Program Type	Annual Tuition (GBP)
Undergraduate	14,450 GBP per year (frozen across degree)
Postgraduate (taught)	Around 15,000 GBP per year
Foundation Year (UG)	10,750 GBP for Year 1; 14,200 GBP for Years 2–4
MBA	15,200 GBP per year
Master’s (e.g., MSc/MA)	15,000 GBP per year; some courses include additional field trip fees

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This was all about the Cost of Living in Chester UK, covering housing, food, groceries, transportation, tuition fees, and miscellaneous expenses to help you plan your budget better.  For more insights on studying abroad, student life, and essential preparations for international students, make sure to check out the Study Abroad page on Leverage Edu and stay updated!