Cost of Living in Chester UK for International Students

Cost of living in Chester, UK: Chester is a historic city in Cheshire, England with an average cost of living in Chester is approximately GBP 900 per month for a single person excluding the tuition fee and GBP 3184 for a family of four, positioning it among the top 23% of the most expensive cities worldwide, as per living cost.org. The key expenses include rent, which averages GBP 883 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, and food costs around GBP 377.92 monthly for an individual. Chester has a population of about 87,500 and is noted for its quality of life, ranking 1099th globally and 96th in the UK. So, if you are a student, ready to pursue a dream of studying in UK, and are on a quest to know more about the cost of living in Chester continue reading this blog hereon. 

Cost of Living in Chester UK – Overview 

As already mentioned Chester, UK offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other UK cities. While housing can vary in price, especially in the city centre, overall expenses tend to be lower.  However, in the centre of the city housing can be pricier. Study abroad students often find Chester particularly budget-friendly due to factors like shared accommodation and cheaper living options.

Costs of Accommodation in Chester UK

While the city centre offers stylish apartments and historic houses at a premium, more affordable options can be found in the surrounding areas. Students often opt for shared houses or university halls of residence to reduce costs. Overall, Chester’s accommodation options cater to a range of budgets, making it possible to find suitable housing for most people.

Accommodation Type	Price Range (per week)	Price Range (per month)
Shared Rooms	£95 – £150	£410 – £650
Private Rooms	£150 – £250	£650 – £1,083
Studios	£200 – £300	£867 – £1,300
University Halls (Ensuite)	£500 – £800	£2,167 – £3,467
Private Apartments	£725 – £1,060	£3,142 – £4,600

Cost of Utility in Chester UK

The cost of utility consists of the following areas- electricity, gas (for heating), water, and potentially council tax. It’s worth noting that many student accommodations include utility bills in the rent, making budgeting easier for students.

Utility Type	Average Monthly Cost
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	£302.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data)	£30.80
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (with Calls and 10GB+ Data)	£12.75

Also Read- Guide to Study in UK: Scholarships, Top Universities

Costs of Dining in Chester UK

From budget-friendly pubs and cafes serving hearty meals to upscale restaurants offering gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone. Expect to pay a moderate amount for a mid-range restaurant meal, while fast food options are readily available at standard UK prices. Moreover, exploring the markets in the city can open doors for possible food options. 

Dining Option	Average Cost (£)
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	£15.47
Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant (3 courses)	£60.00
Fast food meals (e.g., McDonald’s)	£7.00
Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught)	£4.35
Imported beer (0.33 liter bottle)	£4.00
Cappuccino (regular)	£3.10
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	£1.50
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	£0.93

Cost of Grocery in Chester UK

While prices can fluctuate based on factors like seasonality and specific items, you can expect to find a good balance of fresh produce, everyday essentials, and budget-friendly options at various supermarkets and local shops.

Grocery Item	Average Price (£)
Bread (1 loaf)	1.14
Milk (1 liter)	1.35
Eggs (1 dozen)	2.64
Boneless chicken breast (1 kg)	7.27
Apples (1 kg)	2.01
Bananas (1 kg)	1.00
Oranges (1 kg)	2.08
Tomatoes (1 kg)	2.61
Potatoes (1 kg)	0.82
Onions (1 kg)	0.96

Cost of Transportation in Chester

The city has a good public transport system with buses connecting various parts of the city. Additionally, Chester’s compact size makes walking a viable choice for many residents, further reducing transportation expenditures.

Transportation Costs in Chester	Cost (£)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	3.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	67.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	2.80
Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)	0.62
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	14.40

Also Read – Top Colleges & Universities in the UK

Cost of Living in Chester Compared to Other Cities in the UK

Citiwise Cost of Living in UK	Average Cost of Living (including rent)	Comparison with Cost of Living in Chester
Cost of Living in London	GBP 1,107	Lower than London
Cost of Living in Birmingham	GBP 764	Higher than Birmingham
Cost of Living in Manchester	GBP 851	Higher than Manchester
Cost of Living in Sheffield	GBP 842	Higher than Sheffield
Cost of Living in Newcastle	GBP 799	Higher than New Castle
Cost of Living in Edinburgh	GBP 909	Lower than Edinburgh
Cost of Living in Glasgow	GBP 843	Higher than Glasgow
Cost of Living in Bristol	GBP 811	Higher than Bristol

Miscellaneous Costs in Chester UK

Eating out, especially at casual dining establishments, is often affordable. Leisure activities like visiting museums, and parks, or attending local events can be budget-friendly. Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced, making commuting convenient. However, costs for entertainment, such as cinema tickets or shopping, might align with the national average.

Miscellaneous Costs in Chester	Cost (£)
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	£15.47
Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	£60.00
Fast food meals (e.g., McDonald’s)	£7.00
Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught)	£4.35
Cappuccino	£3.10
Bottle of water (0.33 litre)	£0.93
Monthly public transport pass	£40.00
One-way ticket (local transport)	£3.00
Utility bills (average monthly)	£100
Monthly groceries	£200
Entertainment (monthly average)	£49
Clothing (monthly average)	£70
Transportation (monthly average)	£46

Average Tuition Fees in Chester

Chester is particularly student-friendly, with living costs for students averaging between £1,196 and £1,299, depending on accommodation type, making it an attractive option for those pursuing education in the area. 

Tuition Fees in Chester	Cost (£)
Undergraduate Programs	£14,000 – £15,000 / Year
Postgraduate Programs	£15,000 – £20,000 / Year
Average Tuition Fee (University of Chester)	£12,950 – £13,450 / Year

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Related Reads:

Cost of Living in the UK	Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students
Cost of Living in Cambridge	Cost of Living in Bath
The Cost of Living in Portsmouth	Cost of Living in Durham
Cost of Living in Slough	Cost of Living in Edinburgh

So, this was all about the cost of living in Chester. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.