Cost of Living in the United Kingdom
As with most popular expat destinations, the cost of living in the United Kingdom will vary depending on lifestyle choices and location. Generally you will find that the major cities like London are more expensive to live in, while the provinces and areas of the countryside are far more reasonable.
Accommodation in London is very expensive even though prices have dropped in recent years. The average national house price is around £230,000 – but close to £380,000 in metropolitan London.
Rental varies in the UK, and depends on where you live and the type of apartment you are looking for. Rental prices for flats are often calculated on a weekly basis, particularly in London but also in other areas of the UK. For rental purposes the British generally calculate a month as being 4.3 weeks. Be warned that cheaper accommodation generally doesn’t include your utilities.
In general, a two-bedroom flat will cost between £300 and £900 per week to rent in London. Many expats choose to reduce their cost of living by taking advantage of shared housing opportunities and by using the excellent public transport system. Utilities costs vary depending on the area you live in. In London, and other large cities, average costs for water and electricity are £100 a month. Heating will set you back a further £50 a month, at least, generally more during winter. Council tax should be included in your rental amount but if not then expect to pay a minimum of £100 a month, more if you live in a suburb with high property values. Further optional costs can include landline, Internet and cable services. Cable tends to cost £45 per month while landline rental and an Internet connection will cost £45 as well, though it is possible to shop around a bit.
With regards to shopping, the average UK resident will spend about £40 - £60 per week on groceries. Shopping in London for clothes and accessories can be pricey; home appliances and electronic gadgets are generally imported from Japan and are thus taxed accordingly, making them expensive too.
In general, cars are good value; it is possible to buy a new mid-size family car for under £10,000. Petrol prices, however, are among the highest in the world.
Accommodation in London is very expensive even though prices have dropped in recent years. The average national house price is around £230,000 – but close to £380,000 in metropolitan London.
Rental varies in the UK, and depends on where you live and the type of apartment you are looking for. Rental prices for flats are often calculated on a weekly basis, particularly in London but also in other areas of the UK. For rental purposes the British generally calculate a month as being 4.3 weeks. Be warned that cheaper accommodation generally doesn’t include your utilities.
In general, a two-bedroom flat will cost between £300 and £900 per week to rent in London. Many expats choose to reduce their cost of living by taking advantage of shared housing opportunities and by using the excellent public transport system. Utilities costs vary depending on the area you live in. In London, and other large cities, average costs for water and electricity are £100 a month. Heating will set you back a further £50 a month, at least, generally more during winter. Council tax should be included in your rental amount but if not then expect to pay a minimum of £100 a month, more if you live in a suburb with high property values. Further optional costs can include landline, Internet and cable services. Cable tends to cost £45 per month while landline rental and an Internet connection will cost £45 as well, though it is possible to shop around a bit.
With regards to shopping, the average UK resident will spend about £40 - £60 per week on groceries. Shopping in London for clothes and accessories can be pricey; home appliances and electronic gadgets are generally imported from Japan and are thus taxed accordingly, making them expensive too.
In general, cars are good value; it is possible to buy a new mid-size family car for under £10,000. Petrol prices, however, are among the highest in the world.
