Liverpool is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city in the northwest of England, a popular destination for international students who want to experience the British way of life while pursuing their academic goals. But how much is the cost of living in Liverpool when you are studying in the UK as a student?
If you are deciding to relocate to Liverpool for your higher education, you should be aware of the recent statistics on the cost of living in Liverpool. In this blog, we will explore the different aspects of the cost of living in Liverpool, and give you some information on student accommodation in Liverpool.
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Cost of Living in Liverpool
The cost of living in Liverpool will depend on your lifestyle and preferences, but you can expect to spend around GBP 843 per month (without rent) for a single person. This is an average estimate, and it may vary depending on the living standard and preferences of a person.
The living expenses in Liverpool for a person depend on some crucial factors, such as housing rent, meals and grocery prices, utility bills, recreation costs, local transport costs and a few others. The following table shows the average monthly cost of living in Liverpool for different categories:
Category | Average Cost |
Rent | GBP 500 to GBP 1000 |
Food | GBP 178 |
Entertainment | GBP 121 |
Utilities & Bills | GBP 302 |
Monthly Pass (Local Transportation) | GBP 68 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Sheffield: A Guide
Let’s look at each category in more detail:
Cost of Living Accommodation in Liverpool
One of the major expenses for international students is accommodation. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget, preferences, location, and availability. The accommodation cost covers the major portion of the cost of living in Liverpool. The following table shows the average monthly rent for different types of student accommodation in Liverpool:
Type of Accommodation | Approx Rent |
University halls | GBP 500 |
Private halls | GBP 600 |
Shared house or flat | GBP 400 |
Studio apartment | GBP 600 |
Planning and managing the cost of living in a foreign country is one of the major factors to be considered in your journey of study abroad. If you are planning to study at the University of Liverpool it is not necessary that you get accommodation from the university. In that case, you need to find a suitable place to stay in the city. Check all the major spots of student accommodation in the table below:
Grove Street Studios | Art School Lofts |
The Octagon | Maple House |
Hayward House | The Hahnemann Building |
Plato House | Cathedral Campus |
Crosshall Street | One Islington Plaza |
Cost of Groceries in Liverpool
You will need to buy groceries and cook your meals, or eat out at restaurants, cafes, or takeaways. The cost of food and groceries will depend on your diet, preferences, and habits, but you can expect to spend around GBP 178 per month on food as a single person.
Grocery costs are primary and can affect the cost of living in Liverpool as preferences and quality may vary. The following table shows the average monthly cost of some grocery items in Liverpool:
Grocery Items | Approx Cost |
Milk (1 L) | GBP 0.86 |
Bread (0.5 kg) | GBP 0.94 |
Rice (1 kg) | GBP 1.82 |
Eggs (12) | GBP 2.42 |
Cheese (1 kg) | GBP 8.12 |
Chicken breast (1 kg) | GBP 6.65 |
Apples (1 kg) | GBP 2.68 |
Bananas (1 kg) | GBP 1.28 |
Oranges (1 kg) | GBP 2.57 |
Tomatoes (1 kg) | GBP 2.94 |
Potatoes (1 kg) | GBP 1.26 |
Onions (1 kg) | GBP 1.15 |
Water (1 L) | GBP 0.83 |
Coca-Cola (2 L) | GBP 2.2 |
Cost of Entertainment in Liverpool
You may want to enjoy Liverpool’s nightlife, cultural attractions, sports events, or other leisure activities. The cost of entertainment will depend on your interests, preferences, and frequency, but you can expect to spend around GBP 121 per month on entertainment as a single person.
The following table shows the average monthly cost of some entertainment options in Liverpool:
Entertainment Option | Approx Cost |
Beer at a pub (0.5 L) | GBP 5.56 |
Cappuccino at a cafe | GBP 3.51 |
Soda at a cafe (0.5 L) | GBP 1.69 |
Cinema ticket | GBP 11.5 |
Theatre ticket | GBP 30.67 |
Fitness club membership | GBP 25.92 |
Tennis court rent (1 hour) | GBP 12 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Indiana: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Utilities Bills in Liverpool
The cost of utilities and bills will depend on your usage, provider, and contract, but you can expect to spend around GBP 165 per month on utilities and bills as a single person. For your convenience, we have already counted these utility costs to the cost of living in Liverpool. The following table shows the average monthly cost of some utilities and bills in Liverpool:
Utility / Bill | Approx Cost |
Electricity, gas, water, heating (for an 85 m2 apartment) | GBP 130 to GBP 199 |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) | GBP 30.67 |
Mobile phone plan (with calls and data) | GBP 11.5 |
Cost of Transportation in Liverpool
The cost of transportation will depend on your distance, mode, and frequency, but you can expect to spend around GBP 68 per month on transportation as a single person. Liverpool has a good transport system, with various options available for students.
You can also use taxis, which are convenient but more expensive than public transport. Transportation costs are a significant part of the average cost of living in Liverpool. The following table shows the average monthly cost of some transportation options in Liverpool:
Option | Approx Cost |
Bus single ticket | GBP 2.2 |
Bus monthly ticket | GBP 68 |
Train single ticket (zone A) | GBP 1.8 |
Train monthly ticket (zone A) | GBP 56 |
Ferry single ticket | GBP 3.1 |
Ferry monthly ticket | GBP 69 |
Taxi fare (per km) | GBP 1.8 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Arizona: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Average Tuition Fees in Liverpool
Along with the average cost of living in Liverpool, the other significant expense is the average tuition fee in Liverpool universities, which varies according to the level and type of the program and the institute chosen. Overall, it ranges from GBP 10,600 to GBP 59,920. Given below are the average tuition fees for some of the programs offered by the universities in Liverpool:
Level | Average Tuition Fee (GBP) |
Undergraduate (All courses) | GBP 18,300 – GBP 23,550 |
Undergraduate (Performing Arts) | GBP 10,600 – GBP 14,000 |
Postgraduate (Taught) | GBP 19,500 – GBP 59,920 |
Postgraduate (Research) | GBP 19,500 – GBP 23,550 |
Cost of Living in Liverpool Compared to Other Cities
You’ll observe certain differences when comparing the cost of living in Liverpool to that of nearby cities. To provide clarity, we’ve outlined the monthly living expenses in Liverpool in contrast to cities such as Manchester, London, and Dubai, excluding rent. The table below highlights the affordability of Liverpool, illustrating its impact on your overall expenses.
Cost of living city-wise | Approx Costs | Comparison Cost of Living in Liverpool |
Cost of Living in London | GBP 1,102 | Higher than Liverpool |
Cost of Living in Manchester | GBP 851 | Higher than Liverpool |
Cost of Living in Dubai | GBP 857 | Higher than Liverpool |
Why Choose to Study in Liverpool?
Apart from the lower cost of living in Liverpool as compared to other cities in the UK, here are some reasons why international students should choose this city to study abroad:
- Liverpool offers some of the best universities in the UK, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and support.
- You can benefit from Liverpool’s links with industry, business, and public sector organisations, and gain valuable skills and experience for your future career.
- You will have the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures and learn from their perspectives and experiences in Liverpool.
- Liverpool has a plethora of world-class museums, art galleries, theatres, music venues, and famous festivals and events.
- You can enjoy a variety of pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes, catering to all tastes and budgets.
- Liverpool is a city of opportunity and affordability, with a lower cost of living than many other UK cities. You can find reasonable prices for accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment, and make the most of your student budget. You can also take advantage of the city’s location and explore other parts of the UK or Europe by train, bus, or plane.
Tips on How to Reduce the Cost of Living in Liverpool
As an international student in Liverpool, you may want to save money and reduce your expenses while enjoying the city. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Plan your budget and track your spending
It is vital to have a clear idea of how much money you have and how much you need to spend each month. Use online tools or apps to help you plan your budget, track your spending and manage your finances better.
Cook your meals and pack your lunch
Eating out can be expensive and unhealthy, so it is better to cook your own meals and pack your lunch whenever possible. You can also cook in bulk and freeze your leftovers for later use.
Use public transport or walk
Using public transport or walking is cheaper and greener than using taxis or driving a car. You can also walk or cycle to nearby places and enjoy the scenery and exercise.
Take advantage of student discounts and freebies
You can use your student ID card or a student discount card such as NUS Extra or UNiDAYS to get discounts on food, clothing, entertainment, travel, etc. You can also visit free attractions such as museums, parks, libraries, etc.
Liverpool is a great city for international students as it offers a lot of opportunities, diversity, and fun for students who want to learn, grow, and enjoy their time abroad. However, Liverpool is not a cheap city, and students need to be aware of the cost of living in Liverpool and plan their budget accordingly. By following these tips and tricks, students can reduce their expenses and make the most of their money while living in Liverpool.
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FAQs
Ans: The average cost of living without rent in Liverpool is around GBP 843. However, the cost of living in Liverpool can vary depending on a person’s area, standard of living and preferences.
Ans: Liverpool is in the top 30% of the most expensive cities in the world, ranked 2833rd out of 9294 in our global list. But it is also lower than many other UK cities, the average monthly cost of living in Liverpool for a single person is around GBP 843.
Ans. Living in Liverpool could mean more savings and comfort for you, as the costs are lower. However, London is an amazing city with a rich history and a huge variety of things to do, even though it has some of the highest living expenses in the world. The average cost of living in Liverpool is around GBP 843 whereas, the average cost of living in London is around GBP 1,103.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Liverpool. 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.