Cost of Living in Leicester: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Leicester is a city in the East Midlands of England, with a population of more than 300,000 people. It is a lively and vibrant city with a rich and diverse history and culture. Leicester is also home to two universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, which attract thousands of students from all over the world every year. But how much does it cost to live and study in Leicester? This blog will explore the cost of living in Leicester and give some tips on how to reduce your expenses. Read on to know more!

Why Choose to Study in Leicester?

Leicester is a great choice for international students who want to experience life in the UK. Here are some reasons why you should consider studying in Leicester:

• Leicester is one of the most affordable student destinations in the UK, with the cost of living in Leicester being 39.8% less expensive than in New York and 16.6% less expensive than in London.
• Leicester is a multicultural and diverse city, with people from different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. You can enjoy various festivals, cuisines, and events throughout the year, such as the largest Diwali celebration outside India, the Caribbean Carnival, and the Comedy Festival.
• Leicester is a city with a lot of history and heritage dating back to Roman times. It also has a lot of green spaces and nature where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air.
• Leicester is a city with a lot of transport links and connections, making it easy to travel around the UK and Europe.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Manchester, UK

Cost of Living in Leicester

The cost of living in Leicester depends on various factors, such as your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. However, here are some average monthly costs that you can expect to pay as an international student in Leicester:

Category	Cost
Living accommodation	£400 – £800
Food	£150 – £250
Entertainment	£50 – £100
Utilities and bills	£50 – £100
Transportation	£20 – £40
Total	£670 – £1290

Cost of Accommodation

One of the biggest expenses that you will have as an international student in Leicester is your living accommodation. The cost of your accommodation will depend on the type, location, and quality of your housing. Here are some average monthly rents for different types of student accommodations in Leicester:

Type	Cost
University halls	£400 – £600
Private halls	£500 – £700
Shared flat/house	£300 – £500
Studio flat	£500 – £800

Also Read: Cost of Living in Sheffield: A Guide

Cost of Food

Another major expense that you will have as an international student in Leicester is food. The cost of food will depend on your eating habits, preferences, and dietary requirements. Here are some average monthly costs for different grocery items in Leicester:

Item	Cost
Milk (1 litre)	£1.07
Bread (500g)	£0.82
Eggs (12)	£2.69
Cheese (500g)	£4.45
Rice (1kg)	£1.58
Chicken (1kg)	£3.16
Apples (1kg)	£2.08
Bananas (1kg)	£0.98
Tomatoes (1kg)	£1.58
Potatoes (1kg)	£0.88
Onions (1kg)	£0.66
Total	£26.62

You can save money on food by cooking at home, buying in bulk, shopping at local markets or discount stores, or using student discounts or vouchers. You can also eat out occasionally, but be aware that eating out can be more expensive than cooking at home. Here are some average prices for eating out in Leicester:

Meal	Cost
Fast food meal	£6
Inexpensive restaurant meal	£15
Mid-range restaurant meal for two	£40
Coffee	£2.50
Beer	£3.50
Wine	£7

Cost of Entertainment

As an international student in Leicester, you will also want to have some fun and enjoy your free time. The cost of entertainment will depend on your hobbies, interests, and social activities. Here are some average monthly costs for different types of entertainment in Leicester:

Entertainment	Cost
Cinema ticket	£10
Theatre ticket	£20
Museum ticket	£5
Gym membership	£30
Nightclub entry	£5
Netflix subscription	£10

You can save money on entertainment by taking advantage of student discounts or offers, joining clubs or societies, volunteering, or exploring free or low-cost attractions in the city. Here are some examples of free or low-cost things to do in Leicester:

• Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the discovery of the king’s remains in a car park.
• Explore the National Space Centre, where you can see rockets, satellites, and planets.
• Enjoy the festivals, such as the largest Diwali celebration outside India, the Caribbean Carnival, and the Comedy Festival.
• Relax in the parks, such as Victoria Park, Abbey Park, or Bradgate Park, where you can see deer roaming freely.
• Walk along the River Soar or the Grand Union Canal.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Bath

Utilities and Bills

Another expense that you will have as an international student in Leicester is utilities and bills. The cost of utilities and bills will depend on the type, size, and location of your accommodation, as well as your usage and consumption habits. Here are some average monthly costs for different types of utilities and bills in Leicester:

Utility/Bill	Cost
Electricity	£40
Gas	£40
Water	£20
Internet	£25
Mobile phone plan	£15

You can save money on utilities and bills by choosing an energy-efficient accommodation, using less electricity, gas, and water, switching to a cheaper provider or tariff, sharing internet or phone plans with your flatmates, or using free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Cost of Transportation

The last expense that you will have as an international student in Leicester is transportation. The cost of transportation will depend on how often and how far you travel within or outside the city. Here are some average monthly costs for different modes of transportation in Leicester:

Transportation	Cost
Bus pass	£20
Train ticket to London (return)	£40
Taxi fare (per km)	£1.50

You can save money on transportation by walking or cycling to campus or nearby places, using public transport instead of taxis or cars, buying tickets in advance or online, using student discounts or railcards, or carpooling with friends.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Belfast

Average Tuition Fees

Apart from the cost of living in Leicester, you should be aware of the average tuition fees charged by the universities here. This will help you properly plan your education budget. So, see below the average tuition costs in Leicester:

Course Level	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Undergraduate	£14,750 to £30,000
Postgraduate	£14,750 to £30,000
PhD	£16,277.85

Leicester is a wonderful city to live and study in as an international student. It offers a lot of opportunities, benefits, and attractions for students from different backgrounds and interests. But living in Leicester can also be expensive if you don’t plan and manage your budget well. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the cost of living in Leicester and follow some tips to reduce your expenses and make the most of your money.

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FAQs

We hope this blog has helped you understand the cost of living in Leicester and how to save money while studying in this amazing city. For more living costs-related information during the student life abroad, subscribe to Leverage Edu.