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Cost of Living in Carlisle

Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom · Population 75,399

▼ -6% vs United Kingdom average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)£916 ($1,160)
Couple, monthly£1,678 ($2,124)
Family of four, monthly£2,220 ($2,810)

Estimated Prices in Carlisle

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant£8.06 ($10.20)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range£32.23 ($40.80)per meal
Cappuccino£2.42 ($3.06)each
Monthly groceries (single person)£183 ($231)per month
Monthly public transport pass£29.55 ($37.40)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment£77.89 ($98.60)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)£22.56 ($28.56)per month
Fitness club membership£22.56 ($28.56)per month
Cinema ticket£5.91 ($7.48)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre£545 ($690)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre£379 ($480)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre£1,138 ($1,440)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Carlisle is £2,449 ($3,100) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of £916 ($1,160) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly £1,191 ($1,508) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (£379 ($480)) represents about 41% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Carlisle

Carlisle vs LondonCarlisle vs BirminghamCarlisle vs PortsmouthCarlisle vs SouthamptonCarlisle vs BristolCarlisle vs Glasgow

Nearby Cities

Annan

23 km away · Dumfries and Galloway

Penrith

28 km away · Cumbria

Cockermouth

38 km away · Cumbria

Maryport

41 km away · Cumbria

Dumfries

47 km away · Dumfries and Galloway

Workington

49 km away · Cumbria

Hexham

54 km away · Northumberland

Whitehaven

57 km away · Cumbria

Other Major Cities in United Kingdom

London

London, City of · pop. 11,262,000

£1,225 ($1,550) / mo

Birmingham

Birmingham · pop. 2,590,363

£1,059 ($1,341) / mo

Portsmouth

Portsmouth · pop. 855,679

£977 ($1,237) / mo

Southampton

Southampton · pop. 855,569

£977 ($1,237) / mo

Bristol

Bristol, City of · pop. 707,412

£977 ($1,237) / mo

Glasgow

Glasgow City · pop. 626,410

£977 ($1,237) / mo

Manchester

Manchester · pop. 547,627

£977 ($1,237) / mo

Leeds

Leeds · pop. 536,280

£977 ($1,237) / mo

Living in Carlisle

Carlisle is one of the key cities in United Kingdom. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is £916 ($1,160), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around £379 ($480) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to £2,220 ($2,810) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately £1,678 ($2,124) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Carlisle is £2,449 ($3,100). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least £1,191 ($1,508) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carlisle expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated £916 ($1,160) per month in Carlisle including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United Kingdom.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Carlisle?
A net salary of around £1,191 ($1,508) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Carlisle with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Carlisle is £2,449 ($3,100).
How much is rent in Carlisle?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated £545 ($690) per month in the city centre and £379 ($480) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about £1,138 ($1,440).
Is Carlisle cheaper than United Kingdom on average?
Yes — Carlisle is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United Kingdom average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Carlisle?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at £183 ($231) in Carlisle. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about £8 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around £2 ($3).
How do transport costs in Carlisle compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Carlisle is estimated at £30 ($37). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Carlisle are estimates based on United Kingdom national averages adjusted for city size (population 75,399). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.