Affordable Cities in the UK for International Students

15 September 2025

Studying in the UK can be a huge step in your academic endeavours, but alongside picking a university, you also have to think about budgeting. Cities like London and Oxford have prestige, but of significant worth – a very high cost of living. Luckily, there are a number of smaller cities, each having an exciting mix of culture and educational experience, as well as low living costs – just what the student needs to enrich their international student experience without breaking the bank.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we realize that international students face a lot of stress to cover tuition, housing, and everyday living costs. This is why we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you identify the affordable UK cities for international students. By opting for a more affordable living, you will be able to take a big weight off your shoulders and enjoy every moment of your student experience.

Why Choosing an Affordable City Matters

For those students looking to move to the UK, it is really important that you get a handle on the cost of living and related expenses. Housing, food, travel, and entertainment expenses can really rack up quickly, and finding a more economical place to land, doesn’t mean you sacrifice opportunities. These cities are still great cities with substantial learning opportunities, social experiences, living communities, and plenty of part-time job options that can help mitigate the expense of living there. 

Affordable Cities in the UK for International Students to Apply to:

1. Sheffield

Often referred to as the ‘Green City’ due to the number of parks and open spaces it has to offer, Sheffield offers one of the lower average rents in the country. You can expect to budget around £700 – £900 each month for cost of living expenses. The friendly student community, public transport options, and choice of grocery options make it an outstanding value if you are looking for lots of educational opportunities while spending a reasonable amount of money.

2. Manchester

Manchester is a cosmopolitan city that is always lively, yet it remains more affordable than London. The price of accommodation will typically be around £550–£750 per month, and it has a lively cultural scene, decent sporting amenities, and much part-time work. Manchester is ideal for students who want a lively city that won’t blow the finances.

3. Leicester

It is famous for its cosmopolitan culture and friendly university city ambience. The cost of living, rent, and food, is approximately £750-£950 per month. Being centrally located, it is convenient to get to work in London or Birmingham, and because it offers inexpensive eating and shopping, it remains popular with overseas students.

4. Coventry

Coventry has continuously secured a spot among the cheapest cities for students in the United Kingdom. The monthly cost of living estimates £800, and being in close proximity to both London and Birmingham gives students exposure to more extensive job opportunities while still having relatively low cost-of-living daily expenses. The city also enjoys a strong feeling of community and security.

5. Glasgow

Glasgow is the capital of Scotland, but it’s also a good option for students who don’t mind paying a little more for new cultural experiences. Their monthly expenditure is anywhere in the region of £700-900 on average. Glasgow has top-class universities, a fun and diverse art scene and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. Also to note, tuition fees in Scotland may be cheaper than other parts of the UK for some programmes.

6. Liverpool

Liverpool combines cost efficiency with a rich cultural heritage. Shared accommodation is obtainable at prices ranging from £400–£600 per month. The city also offers a welcoming atmosphere to students, affordable pastimes, and plenty of part-time work opportunities within hospitality and retail. It is a good example of a good value for money.

7. Nottingham

Nottingham is known for its balance between the relatively low cost of living and modern conveniences for students. Typical monthly costs are between £750-£950. It’s easy and inexpensive to travel to various parts of the UK because of Nottingham’s location in the center. The city also offers an appealing and diverse student culture with many affordable dining options.

8. Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is one of the friendliest and cheapest cities in Northern England. On average, students spend around £700-£900 per month. Famous for its friendly vibe, nice nightlife, and excellent educational facilities, Newcastle provides conditions of a good student life while being fiscally responsible.

Economizing Strategies in Practice When Studying in the United Kingdom

• Cohabit with fellow students to divide expenses of rent along with utilities.
• Utilize reduced fares on public transportation, in restaurant eating, and in store buying.
• Use public transport passes instead of ride shares or taxis.
• Look for part-time jobs permitted by your student visa to finish your finances.
• Cook at home instead of going out more often.

BCES Admissions Abroad facilitates students in planning each step of their journey to pursue studies in the UK. From choosing the appropriate university and city to knowing about expenses of staying in the country and securing reasonably priced accommodations, our experts will help you make sound decisions. Our intention is to get your transition easy, inexpensive, and fruitful. Contact us today at +91 9319996330.