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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.
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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 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 GBP | 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 GBP | Costs vary depending on whether you cook at home or eat out regularly. |
| Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet) | 100 – 150 GBP | Many student accommodations include utilities in the rent. |
| Transport | 40 – 70 GBP | Chester is a walkable city, and buses are available with student discounts. |
| Study Materials | 30 – 50 GBP | This includes books, printing, and other course-related supplies. |
| Personal and Leisure | 100 – 200 GBP | Covers clothing, social activities, gym membership, and entertainment. |
| Health Insurance / NHS Surcharge | About 470 GBP per year (around 40 GBP per month) | Required for international students applying for a visa. |
| Total Estimated Cost of Living | 900 – 1,400 GBP per month | 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 to 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 Grocery 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:
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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:
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FAQs
Ans: Chester is more affordable compared to bigger cities like London, Edinburgh, or Manchester. International students usually spend between 1,200 GBP and 1,300 GBP per month, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. The compact city layout also reduces commuting costs.
Ans: On average, living comfortably in the UK requires around 1,200 GBP to 1,600 GBP per month for an international student, depending on the city. Larger cities like London can push costs above 1,800 GBP monthly, while smaller cities like Chester stay on the lower end.
Ans: The average annual salary in Chester is around 33,000 GBP, which is slightly below the UK national average. However, due to Chester’s relatively lower cost of living, residents and students can maintain a comfortable lifestyle compared to people in more expensive cities.
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| The Cost of Living in Portsmouth | Cost of Living in Durham |
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!
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