CostLens
Home › United Kingdom

Cost of Living in United Kingdom

1,460 cities covered · Currency: GBP (£) · Capital: London

Single person, monthly£977 ($1,237)
Couple, monthly£1,791 ($2,267)
Family of four, monthly£2,370 ($3,000)
Average net salary£2,596 ($3,286)

Average Prices in United Kingdom

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant£8.54 ($10.81)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range£34.17 ($43.25)per meal
Cappuccino£2.56 ($3.24)each
Monthly groceries (single person)£194 ($245)per month
Monthly public transport pass£31.32 ($39.64)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment£82.57 ($105)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)£23.92 ($30.27)per month
Fitness club membership£23.92 ($30.27)per month
Cinema ticket£6.26 ($7.93)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre£586 ($742)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre£408 ($516)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre£1,224 ($1,549)per month

Major Cities in United Kingdom

London

London, City of · pop. 11,262,000

Birmingham

Birmingham · pop. 2,590,363

Portsmouth

Portsmouth · pop. 855,679

Southampton

Southampton · pop. 855,569

Bristol

Bristol, City of · pop. 707,412

Glasgow

Glasgow City · pop. 626,410

Manchester

Manchester · pop. 547,627

Leeds

Leeds · pop. 536,280

Sheffield

Sheffield · pop. 518,090

Liverpool

Liverpool · pop. 513,441

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, City of · pop. 488,050

Worthing

West Sussex · pop. 474,485

Leicester

Leicester · pop. 464,395

Barnet

Barnet · pop. 402,167

Newham

Newham · pop. 374,523

Coventry

Coventry · pop. 362,690

Caerdydd

Cardiff · pop. 361,469

Brent

Brent · pop. 351,017

Belfast

Belfast · pop. 345,006

Reading

Reading · pop. 337,108

Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets · pop. 331,886

Hillingdon

Hillingdon · pop. 321,134

Redbridge

Redbridge · pop. 319,423

Southwark

Southwark · pop. 314,786

Cheapest Cities in United Kingdom

Pen-y-Bont ar OgwrElthamHampsteadTorquayCwmbranWelwyn Garden CityWest MoleseyMordenSmethwickKirkcaldyFull ranking →

City Comparisons in United Kingdom

London vs Birmingham

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in United Kingdom

London vs Portsmouth

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in United Kingdom

Birmingham vs Southampton

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in United Kingdom

Portsmouth vs Southampton

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in United Kingdom

Cost of Living by City Size in United Kingdom

Living costs in United Kingdom vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of £977 ($1,237) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in United Kingdom?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in United Kingdom is £977 ($1,237), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly £2,370 ($3,000) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in United Kingdom?
Pen-y-Bont ar Ogwr ranks among the most affordable cities in United Kingdom with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in United Kingdom?
The estimated average net salary in United Kingdom is £2,596 ($3,286) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for United Kingdom derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.