The British Council

Page Content   Tools   Education   English   Exams   Library Services   Arts and culture   About us

Settling In

Working in the UK   
Bank Accounts   
Cost Of Living   
Driving in the UK   
Staying Healthy   
College and University Facilities   
Visiting Continental Europe   

Cost Of Living

In London you might need to pay a little more for some things.  On the other hand, at discount stores and street markets (both in London and elsewhere), you may be able to find many of these things for less than the prices given below:

Item    Cost   
Deposit on rented accommodation     £250 - £400 (one month’s rent)   
Heat and light
(if charged separately)
    £20 - £40 per month depending on the season   
Wine    £3-£5 for a 75cl bottle (table wine)   
Beer    £1 for a half-litre can of lager; £1.70 - £2.50 for a pint of bitter in a pub or bar   
Haircut    £7 - £20   
Personal hygiene items, cosmetics, etc    £10 per month   
T-shirts, underwear    £10 and under   
Shirts and tops, lightweight sweaters, lightweight shoes    £25 and under   
Jeans and other casual trousers, skirts, lightweight outdoor jackets, heavier sweaters, heavier shoes    £35 and under   
Raincoats and other outerwear, boots    £660 and under   
Winter coats    £100 and under   
Laundry    £16-£35 per month   
Dry Cleaning    £4 for skirt or trousers, £8 for heavy coat   
Small electrical appliances (e.g. hairdryer, kettle)    £20 and under   
Textbooks    £10-50 or more; some may be available second-hand for less   
Paperback books to read for leisure    £5 - £10; second-hand books as little as £1 or less   
Newspapers     50p – £1.20 per issue   
Magazines     50p - £3 per issue   
CDs     £12 - £15   
Television licence     £112 per year per household   
Phone card (for use in public telephone)    Choice of £2, £5, £10, or £20.   
Restaurant meal     £5 per head minimum, £12 per head average.(drinks extra).   
Cinema ticket    £4 - £10   
Theatre ticket     £10 - £30   
Concert ticket     £5 - £30    

Special reductions are offered for students at many local shops, theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries: and special student fares are available on buses and trains.  Some stores operate loyalty schemes offering a range of rewards, from cash back to money-off vouchers.  Ask at your students’ union for details.

Entertainment expenses, in particular, vary a great deal from student to student.  Also, remember that in addition to these entertainment expenses, you’ll have monthly expenses such as rent and heat, and occasional expenses such as clothing and textbooks.

Services and facilities of Studying and Living in the UK 07/08 will give you information on shopping facilities and an overview of some of the most popular UK shops.

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our privacy and copyright statements.
Our Freedom of Information Publications Scheme. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.    Positive About Disabled People   Download Browsealoud    

Burma home

© British Council
Text Only Options

Top of page


Text Only Options

Open the original version of this page.

Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.