Cost of Living in Glasgow: Updated Prices, Comparison with Other Cities

Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is a dynamic, culturally diverse location with a high standard of living. To efficiently plan your budget, it’s crucial to be aware of the cost of living in Glasgow, just like in any other big city. Glasgow provides both locals and visitors with a high standard of living and a variety of options. Even though the cost of living in the city might vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle, it is typically less expensive than other significant UK cities like London or Edinburgh.

You can easily manage Glasgow’s cost of living and take advantage of all the city has to offer by taking into account the elements outlined above and organising your budget appropriately. The cost of living in Glasgow is covered in detail in this blog, including housing, transport, food, entertainment, and other necessities. Stay tuned till the end for all the details!

Why Choose to Study Abroad?

Although it may seem fascinating, studying abroad is not always simple. You will face a variety of unusual challenges, which are all part of the excitement and learning. Although moving away from your hometown is never easy, doing so will make the whole experience worthwhile.

Along with the effective cost of living in Glasgow, it is one of the most well-liked places in the world to study an international education. Let’s look at some of the factors that make studying in Glasgow a popular study-abroad destination for international students:

• You can expand your study horizons and learn from some of the top professors in the world by enrolling as an international student. 
• The opportunity to interact with people from a completely different culture than your own is one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad. 
• You will have a new perspective on things as a result of this enriching encounter. 
• Additionally, you have a deeper comprehension of the environment, which will undoubtedly benefit you at work. These are all soft skills that contemporary organisations seek out when employing.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamilton: Overall Expenses Guide

Cost of Living in Glasgow Overview

The average cost of living in Glasgow for one person, excluding rent, is approximately GBP 840 per month according to Numbeo. When factoring in rent, apartment costs typically range from GBP 700 to GBP 1400 per month. Moreover, the cost of living in Scotland is lower than in Glasgow. However, these expenses can vary significantly based on one’s lifestyle, the specific area of Glasgow, and personal preferences.

The cost of living in Glasgow covers various expenses, including housing rent, groceries costs, transportation fare tickets, utility bills, and entertainment costs. Below, we provide an overview of the average costs in different categories for those considering living in Glasgow. Take a look for a detailed understanding:

Cost of Accommodation in Glasgow

In any city, lodging is one of the biggest costs, and Glasgow is no different. The location, size, and kind of housing all affect the cost of renting or purchasing a property in Glasgow. The city provides a wide variety of housing alternatives, including suburban homes and contemporary apartments in the city core.

When calculating the cost of living in Glasgow, housing is undoubtedly the most important expense to consider. A one-bedroom apartment may cost between GBP 758 to GBP 1,084 per month, depending on the area. To assist you, we have compiled data on the average cost of apartments both in the city centre and outside the city centre of Glasgow.

Rent (Per month)	Average Cost
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	GBP 1,084
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	GBP 758
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	GBP 1,820
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	GBP 1,208

Finding student accommodation in the UK? Fly Homes have you covered!

Cost of Transportation in Glasgow

Glasgow boasts a well-connected public transport system that includes a vast bus and train network as well as the Glasgow Subway. The cost of a single bus ride in the city is about GBP 2.77, while a monthly pass that allows for unlimited travel anywhere in the city would run you about GBP 61.

For those who choose to ride, Glasgow also offers a growing network of bike lanes and bike-sharing programmes, offering an economical and environmentally beneficial mode of transportation. Evaluating transportation costs in Glasgow is crucial, as they significantly influence the overall cost of living in Glasgow city. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of transportation expenses in the Glasgow area:

Mode of Transport	Approx Cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	GBP 2.77
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	GBP 61.80
Gasoline (1 litre)	GBP 1.51
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	GBP 4.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	GBP 1.60
Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	GBP 20.00

Cost of Food and Groceries in Glasgow

Depending on your choices and lifestyle, Glasgow’s prices for shopping and eating out can change. With their extensive selection of reasonably priced options, supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons are well-liked options for food shopping. Depending on eating habits and nutritional preferences, a single person’s average monthly food spend can be anywhere from GBP 150 – GBP 250.

Glasgow also has a wide variety of restaurants, from upmarket eateries to inexpensive cafes, offering dining alternatives for people of all income levels. However, eating out is generally more expensive than preparing meals at home and can significantly impact your overall cost of living in Glasgow. Below is a table outlining the average grocery costs in Glasgow:

Groceries Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	GBP 1.24
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	GBP 1.23
Rice (white), (1kg)	GBP 1.61
Eggs (regular) (12)	GBP 2.92
Local Cheese (1kg)	GBP 7.70
Apples (1kg)	GBP 2.30
Banana (1kg)	GBP 1.07
Oranges (1kg)	GBP 2.22
Tomato (1kg)	GBP 3.24
Potato (1kg)	GBP 1.01
Onion (1kg)	GBP 1.09

Cost of Utilities in Glasgow

Utility costs should be taken into account while creating a budget for the cost of living in Glasgow. Bills for electricity, gas, water and the internet are included. Glasgow’s one-bedroom flat typically has monthly utility expenses between GBP 80 to GBP 120.

However, Internet access is generally available, and depending on the provider and connection speed, a monthly subscription might cost anywhere between GBP 20 and GBP 40. The table below provides an overview of the average utility bills in Glasgow:

Utilities Types	Approx Cost
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	GBP 271.35
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	GBP 31.87
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	GBP 12.94 £

Cost of Entertainment and Recreation in Glasgow

The vibrant arts and cultural scene of Glasgow is well-known for providing a wide range of entertainment alternatives. Numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and music venues can be found throughout the city. While some sites are free to enter, others may charge a GBP 5 – GBP 20 entrance fee.

Glasgow also features a lot of parks, gardens, and green areas, all of which are ideal for leisure activities and are typically cost-free. In addition to the essential cost of living in Glasgow, there are other necessary expenses to consider. Some of these include recreational activities, with their cost are given below:

Entertainment	Approx Cost
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	GBP 37.33
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	GBP 12.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	GBP 14.00

Healthcare in Glasgow

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides healthcare, and citizens have access to free medical care. Private health insurance is recommended for supplemental coverage and quicker access to specialised care, though. The price of private health insurance varies according to the extent of coverage, the person’s age, and their state of health.

Average Tuition Fees in Glasgow

In addition to handling the cost of living in Glasgow, students can better manage their budgets by researching the average tuition fees at universities in the area. It’s important to keep in mind that in Glasgow, tuition fees vary depending on the university, program, and level of study.
Generally, public universities in Glasgow offer lower tuition fees than private institutions. It is important to research and compare tuition fees at different universities in Glasgow. Below is a summary table showing tuition fees at some selected universities in Glasgow:

University Name	Average Fees
University of Glasgow	GBP 6,800 to 53,460
University of Greenwich	GBP 8,100 to 12,250
University of Cambridge	GBP 24,507 to 63,990

Also Read:

The Cost of Living in Glasgow Compared to Other Cities

Glasgow is often seen as one of the more budget-friendly places to live in Scotland when compared to other cities. But what exactly makes it so? Well, when you look at the cost of living in Glasgow compared to other places, you’ll notice several key factors at play. These include housing prices, transportation costs, dining options, and entertainment expenses.
To help you understand how the cost of living in Glasgow stacks up against other cities like London, Edinburg, Manchester, Belfast, Bristol, Melbourne, Toronto, Aberdeen, Leeds and Brisbane. we’ve provided a comparison of living expenses (excluding rent) in these places. Take a look:

Cost of Living City Wise	Average Cost of living	Comparison with Cost of Living in Glasgow
Cost of Living in Edinburg	GBP 906	Higher than Glasgow
Cost of Living in Manchester	GBP 852	Approximately equal to Glasgow
Cost of Living in Belfast	GBP 747	Lower than Glasgow
Cost of Living in London	GBP 1,109	Higher than Glasgow
Cost of Living in Bristol	GBP 812	Lower than Istanbul
Cost of Living in Toronto	GBP 866	Higher than Istanbul
Cost of Living in Melbourne	GBP 829	Lower than Istanbul
Cost of Living in Aberdeen	GBP 825	Lower than Istanbul
Cost of Living in Leeds	GBP 784	Lower than Istanbul
Cost of Living in Brisbane	GBP 856	Higher than Istanbul

Glasgow offers a more affordable cost of living option compared to cities like Edinburgh, London, and Toronto while being on par with Manchester. It is, however, more expensive than cities like Belfast, Bristol, Melbourne, Aberdeen, and Leeds.

Things to Consider Before Moving to Glasgow

Before moving to Glasgow for higher education, it’s essential for students to be aware of several critical factors along with the average cost of living in Glasgow. Understanding these elements can help in better planning and budgeting for a comfortable stay. Below mentioned are a few of the things to consider before moving to Glasgow:

• Glasgow residents gain greatly, particularly in terms of their quality of life. 
• Glasgow’s cost of living is significantly cheaper than that of the majority of American cities, and the city’s sustained economic expansion creates more jobs for its citizens. 
• You still have access to parks, eateries, stores, and other city amenities wherever you choose to live, though.
• The transport system in Glasgow is one of its benefits. 
• The city has bus, train, and underground transportation options. There is a service called Nextbike that offers 700 bikes for rent if you wish to go biking. 
• Glasgow is moreover a walking city. 
• Glasgow is a pleasant place to stroll around, especially in the city core. While on foot, you may take in the amazing architecture.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Birmingham: A Comprehensive Guide	Cost of Living in Wales: A Comprehensive Guide on Wales’s Expense
Cost of Living in Edinburgh: A Comprehensive Guide on Expenses	Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Living in Sheffield: A Guide	Cost of Living in Scotland: A Guide on Expected Expenses

FAQs on Cost of Living in Glasgow

This was all about the Cost of living in Glasgow, if you are also planning to study from Edinburgh and want to explore the university options contact Leverage Edu our Study Abroad experts will help you with the same.