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Preston is a popular city that welcomes hundreds of international students every year from all over the world. When it comes to studying in this UK city, the cost of living in Preston is one of the most important things to consider. Understanding the various types of expenses included in the cost of living in different countries can help plan your ideal budget. This way, you will spend mindfully while receiving top-quality education from Preston’s prestigious colleges and universities. In this blog, you will read all about the cost of living in Preston including expenses related to accommodation, food, transport, and more.
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What is the Cost of Living in Preston UK?
The average cost of living in Preston for a student is £650 – £800 per month excluding tuition fees. Whereas, the average cost of accommodation in Preston can go as low as £100 – £150 per week. However, the overall costs also depend on several factors affecting your lifestyle.
Living in Preston as an international student can be an exciting chapter of your life. This seemingly small city has a lot of amenities to offer despite its affordability and lower cost of living. The overall expenses include everything from accommodation to groceries, utilities, and transportation. Other factors such as the size of your apartment, its location, or the number of times you eat at a restaurant can also affect your expenses.
Cost of Accommodation in Preston
Accommodation is one of the most important things to consider when planning to study abroad. When it comes to Preston, UK, you can find various options including shared rooms, private rooms, and studio flats. Since the city is home to the University of Central Lancashire, you can explore units with all-inclusive rents. This option might be cheaper and closer to your university. Apart from this, the average cost of private accommodation in Preston can range around £550 – £1500.
| Apartment type | location | Average Cost |
| 1 bedroom | City Centre | 700.00-800.00 |
| 1 bedroom | Outside of Centre | 550.00-650.00 |
| 3 bedrooms | City Centre | 1,250.00-1,500.00 |
| 3 bedrooms | Outside of Centre | 1,000.00-1,500.00 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in the UK: Expense, Rent and Fees
Cost of Food in Preston
Several factors such as your eating habits and preferences can affect the overall expenses of food while studying in Preston. While some students prefer to cook in their units, others prefer to eat out, which may increase the expenses. Nonetheless, going out with friends to eat and explore local restaurants and cafes can be enjoyable.
| Category | Average Price |
| Meal for 2 people in a restaurant | 40.00-100.00 |
| Water | 1.00-5.00 |
| Cappuccino | 2.50-5.00 |
Cost of Grocery in Preston
Groceries are essential for students who prefer to cook their own meals. It includes everything from a fresh loaf of bread to purchasing fruits and vegetables from local vendors. You may also notice different prices of the same grocery item at different places, influencing the overall cost of living in Preston.
| Grocery item | Average Cost |
| Milk (1 liter) | 0.64-1.50 |
| White bread | 0.75-2.00 |
| White rice (1kg) | 0.80-5.00 |
| Eggs (12) | 1.99-3.96 |
| Apples (1kg) | 0.70-5.08 |
| Banana (1kg) | 0.69-3.50 |
| Tomato (1kg | 1.00-4.44 |
| Potato (1kg) | 0.47-2.00 |
Also Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students
Cost of Transportation in Preston
Transportation is another important factor which influences your cost of living in Preston. Exploring the city as an international student is pretty easy due to its wide range of transportation options and compact size. You can go for the most common transport option, buses, or go with private choices.
| Mode of transport | Approx cost |
| One-way ticket in local transport | 1.50-2.20 |
| Monthly pass | 52.17-91.30 |
| 1-liter gasoline | 1.42-1.77 |
| Taxi fare for 1 km | 1.04-2.50 |
Cost of Utilities in Preston
The next thing on our list of the cost of living in Preston is utilities. Here, the term utility refers to essential services such as electricity, gas, heating, and water which are mandatory in your daily life. Once you get a basic idea, you will be able to manage the overall expenses while studying abroad.
| Utilities / Bills | Average cost |
| Mobile phone monthly plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data) | 10.00-25.00 |
| Internet | 25.00-45.00 |
| Electricity, heating, cooling, and water | 150.00-350.00 |
Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Study in the UK in 2024?
Miscellaneous Costs in Preston
Apart from food, accommodation, travelling, and utilities, there will be some additional expenses which you may not even expect. For instance, you may plan to watch a movie with your friends, start a gym, or play tennis on weekends to give yourself a much-deserved break from studies. These miscellaneous costs may also vary depending on individual preferences.
| Category | Average cost |
| Monthly fitness club fee | 18.00-40.00 |
| Cinema (1 seat) | 5.99-14.00 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 40.00-103.97 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | 10.00-12.00 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Preston vs Other Cities
While evaluating the cost of living in Preston as an international student, you must also compare it with other cities in the UK. This will help you assess which location is more suitable depending on your budget and finances. To give you an idea, below we have compared the cost of living in Preston with other popular cities in the UK.
| City | Estimated Cost of living (monthly) | Comparison |
| Cost of Living in London | £2,000 | Higher |
| Cost of Living in Bristol | £1342 – £1900 | Higher |
| Cost of Living in Nottingham | £850 | Similar |
| Cost of Living in Manchester | £755 | Similar |
| Cost of Living in Liverpool | £701 – £1,192 | Higher |
| Cost of Living in Southampton | £1242 – £1700 | Higher |
Why Study in Preston?
Apart from understanding the cost of living in Preston, you must also evaluate why it is the ideal study-abroad destination. Let’s explore the myriad of reasons why you should study in Preston.
- Home to esteemed universities: Preston offers international students a chance to study at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), one of the largest universities in the UK. Additionally, students can also find other prestigious educational institutions including Myerscough College, Preston College, and Cardinal Newman College.
- Easy access to other cities: This city is connected to other major cities in the UK such as Manchester and Liverpool. This expands your career scope and network opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and experience a lively culture.
- Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Preston is comparatively lower than in other cities, making it easier for international students to pursue their study abroad dreams. This means you get to pursue your preferred field of study without breaking the bank.
- Attractions and tourist spots: Preston allows students to explore its historical landmarks such as the Lancashire Infantry Museum, Harris Museum Art Gallery, and Ribble Steam Railway & Museum. In other words, there is scope to dedicate your time in new activities and hobbies besides studying.
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FAQs
Interestingly, the cost of living in Preston is comparatively cheaper than in other UK cities such as London, Bristol, and Southampton. The average cost of accommodation ranges between GBP 700.00 – GBP 1,500.00. However, the ultimate cost depends on personal preferences and circumstances.
Preston is known for its welcoming community, affordable housing, and top education. It is located near to major cities like Liverpool and Manchester, making weekend getaways a piece of cake. You can choose from numerous undergraduate or postgraduate courses at the University of Central Lancashire or other prestigious universities.
Preston can be an excellent choice for international students. The cost of living in Preston is lower as compared to some other big cities such as London and Manchester. Moreover, it is home to the University of Central Lancashire, Preston College, and Myerscough College. Students can choose from a diverse range of courses and pursue their preferred field of interest.
This blog was all about the cost of living in Preston UK for international students. If you are also looking to study in Preston and want help to get admitted to your dream university, reach out to Leverage edu. Our experts will help and guide you with a smooth process to ensure that you achieve your study abroad dreams with flying colours.
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