Wakefield is a city in West Yorkshire, England, located on the River Calder. It is a lively city with a rich history and a diverse population. Wakefield is also home to several universities and colleges, making it an ideal destination for students looking to study abroad. If you’re planning to move there for higher studies, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Wakefield, UK.
Proper budgeting is crucial for ensuring a comfortable stay in this vibrant country. If you want to know what essential costs should be considered when calculating the average cost of living in Wakefield, UK, and how to manage them properly. So read this blog to discover the cost of living in Wakefield for international students. Let’s get started!
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Cost of Living in Wakefield, UK: Overview
For a single student, the cost of living in Wakefield comes to around GBP 1271 per month according to LivingCost data. This places Wakefield among the top 33% of the most expensive cities globally. However, it’s important to note that living expenses can vary based on lifestyle, location, and personal preferences.
For immigrant students, the cost of living in Wakefield includes expenses such as housing rent, food, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. Given below is a general breakdown of the monthly living expenses of Wakefield, UK.
Cost of Livig Category | Average Monthly Cost |
Living Accommodation | GBP 450 – GBP 850 |
Food | GBP 397 |
Entertainment | GBP 50 – GBP 100 |
Utilities and Bills | GBP 156 |
Monthly Transportation Pass | GBP 80.9 |
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Cost of Accommodation in Wakefield
When calculating the cost of living in Wakefield, accommodation is undoubtedly a crucial factor. Typically, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of Wakefield can have approx cost approximately GBP 750.
The cost of living accommodation in Wakefield varies depending on the type of accommodation, size and location. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in Wakefield:
Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent |
University Hall of Residence | GBP 400 – GBP 500 |
Shared Apartment | GBP 300 – GBP 450 |
Studio Apartment | GBP 450 – GBP 600 |
Private Room | GBP 500 – GBP 600 |
Since sharing an apartment will cost the least, here are some apartment options for students based on their location:
Type of Apartment | Monthly Rent |
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | GBP 750 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | GBP 525 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | GBP 1,600 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | GBP 1,183 |
Restaurant Food Costs in Wakefield
The cost of eating out in Wakefield can vary according to the type of restaurant you are dining at, its location, the cuisine and the menu offered. Dining out in Wakefield can be more expensive than cooking in your room and can affect your budget for the cost of living in Wakefield.
Here’s an estimate of the average cost of a meal at restaurants in Cape Town you can expect:
Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
Meal for 2 person (in a Mid-range Restaurant) | GBP 63 |
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | GBP 13 |
Equal meal. to McDonald’s | GBP 7 |
Cappuccino | GBP 3.14 |
Cost of Grocery in Wakefield
Now you have seen the food cost at the restaurants of Wakefield. It’s a wise idea for students to cook food at home. For preparing food at home you can buy the grocery from the local market which can save you some money. It is essential to compare grocery prices to get the most suitable value for your money.
The cost of groceries there can have a direct impact on the overall cost of living in Wakefield. In the following table, we have provided an overview of average grocery expenses in Wakefield:
Grocery Items | Approx Cost |
Milk (regular), (1 liter) | GBP 1.48 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | GBP 1.41 |
Rice (white), (1kg) | GBP 1.45 |
Eggs (regular) (12) | GBP 3.17 |
Local Cheese (1kg) | GBP 5.65 |
Apples (1kg) | GBP 2.1 |
Banana (1kg) | GBP 0.93 |
Oranges (1kg) | GBP 1.61 |
Tomato (1kg) | GBP 2.73 |
Potato (1kg) | GBP 1 |
Onion (1kg) | GBP 0.93 |
Lettuce (1 head) | GBP 0.69 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) | GBP 1.08 |
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Cost of a Utility in Wakefield
The monthly utility cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Wakefield typically amounts to around GBP 260. This expense can vary depending on usage and the size of the apartment. When planning your monthly budget for the cost of living in Wakefield, it is crucial to account for utility expenses as they form a significant part of the living costs of Wakefield. Here is a list of different types of utilities and their costs in Wakefield:
Utility Type | Utility Name | Approx. Cost |
Basic Utility Bills | Water, Electricity, Heating, Cooling, and Garbage | GBP 260 |
Monthly Plan Mobile Phone | including Calls and 10GB+ Data | GBP 11 |
Internet | Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL monthly | GBP 32.50 |
Cost of Transportation in Wakefield
Transportation cost in Wakefield is around GBP 69 per month, depending on the mode of transportation. Wakefield has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, trains, etc.
It’s necessary to evaluate transport costs in Wakefield because they have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in Wakefield. Take an overview of the following table for the cost of transportation around the Wakefield area:
Mode of Transport | Approx Cost |
Ticket for Monthly Pass in a Public transport | GBP 69 |
Ticket for Local Public transport | GBP 2 |
Local tariff for the Taxi Ride of 1 km | GBP 0.87 |
Normal Tariff of taxi for 1 hour Waiting | GBP 12 |
1 L or 0.26 gal Gas / Petrol | GBP 1.43 |
Miscellaneous Costs in Wakefield UK
In addition to the primary categories of cost of living in Wakefield, UK, there are several other essential expenses to consider. These include costs for items and activities that you’ll likely need or want after spending some time in Wakefield, such as clothing, entertainment, and minor healthcare services. Below is a table detailing some miscellaneous expenses:
Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
Movie Ticket | GBP 8.98 |
Brand Jeans | GBP 68 |
Fitness Club | GBP 26.5 |
Summer Dress | GBP 37.5 |
Pair of Sports shoes | GBP 80 |
Doctor’s visit | GBP 82.5 |
Average Tuition Fees in Wakefield
The average tuition fees for international students in Wakefield range from GBP 10,000 – GBP 15,000 per year. Students can budget more effectively for their preferred university by checking the average tuition fees at Wakefield’s Universities.
Please note that tuition fees of the Universities in Wakefield may change depending on the university, level of study, field of study and budget you choose. See the table below for a summary of some of the tuition fees at selected Wakefield universities:
University in Wakefield | Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
Wakefield College | GBP 6,000 to GBP 9,000 |
University Centre Wakefield (Part of Wakefield College) | GBP 7,500 to GBP 8,500 |
Backstage Academy | GBP 9,000 to GBP 12,000 for degree courses |
Cost of Living in Wakefield Compared to Other Cities
Cape Town is generally considered a relatively affordable city to live in compared to some cities and countries like London, Leeds, the UK, Melbourne, Sydney, and Newcastle. However, it can have a higher cost of living than other cities in the UK. To give you an idea of how the cost of living in Wakefield compares to these cities and countries, we have provided a detailed comparison below. Please have a look:
Cost of Living City/Country Wise | Average Cost of living (including rent) | Comparison with Cost of Living in Wakefield |
Cost of Living in London | GBP 2635 | Higher than Wakefield |
Cost of Living in Leeds | GBP 1486 | Higher than Wakefield |
Cost of Living in the UK | GBP 1732 | Higher than Wakefield |
Cost of Living in Melbourne | GBP 1869 | Higher than Wakefield |
Cost of Living in Sydney | GBP 2175 | Higher than Wakefield |
Cost of Living in Newcastle | GBP 1516 | Higher than Wakefield |
Why Study in Wakefield?
So why choose Wakefield to pursue your education? The city is ground to Wakefield College, the University of Leeds, and the University of York, which offer numerous internationally recognized academic programs. Also, the cost of living in Wakefield is relatively low compared to London and Edinburgh.
As for top hangout spots, the city sits on the picturesque River Calder, surrounded by breathtaking Yorkshire countryside. From rolling hills to charming villages, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice.
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Things to Consider Before Moving to Wakefield to Study
Now, You have understood the average cost of living in Wakefield, UK for a single person. There are a few things you should consider before embarking on your Wakefield adventure, here are these points to keep in mind:
- Wakefield experiences all four seasons, with winters getting chilly and summers being mild. Pack accordingly!
- Ensure you have the appropriate visa to study and work in the UK.
- Prepare for cultural differences, like driving on the left and adapting to British humour.
- Consider opening a local bank account for convenience.
- While the average cost of living in Wakefield for a single student is around GBP 1,271 per month, it’s wise to budget extra money beyond this amount. Prices can change for various reasons, such as inflation, changes in the local economy, or personal circumstances. Additionally, having extra funds can help cover any unexpected emergencies or unplanned expenses. Planning ahead ensures that you are financially prepared and can enjoy your time in Wakefield without stress.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Wakefield
Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Wakefield for an individual is around GBP 1271, including the rent. The estimated cost of housing rent ranges from GBP 500 to GBP 800.
Answer: The average cost of living for one person in Wakefield excluding rent is around GBP 1271. It is affordable compared to the neighbouring countries and cities and at this cost, you can live a good quality of life in Wakefield.
Yes, Wakefield has a significantly lower cost of living compared to major cities like London or Edinburgh. You can expect around to spend GBP 1271 per month on the average cost of living in Wakefield. It is much lower than the national average for students living in the UK.
Sharing an apartment with other students is a great way to cut down on housing costs. Opting for a university hall of residence can also be affordable, while still offering a social and convenient living experience. Remember, the further you live from the city centre, the cheaper the rent tends to be.
Yes, several universities in Wakefield offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students. The UK government also provides various scholarship programs and student loans. Make sure to research scholarship opportunities well in advance and contact the student services department of your chosen university for guidance.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Wakefield. 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. Thank you for reading!