Leeds is one of the most affordable cities in England in terms of cost of living. Students can live on a budget and take advantage of all the city has to offer. While Leeds may not be as well-known as other major cities like Manchester and Birmingham, it offers a great quality of life at a comparablely affordable cost.

Living as a student in Leeds is generally more affordable compared to other cities in the UK. Average rent for student accommodation ranges from £95 to £265 per week, depending on whether you live in university halls of residence or private housing. Grocery shopping typically costs around £25-£35 per week, depending on where you shop.

London, as is well known, is a very expensive city. At the beginning of 2024, the average house price in the capital was £733,757. This is almost three times more than in Leeds, where the average house price is £249,547. Overall, the general cost of living in Leeds is 42% cheaper compared to London.

– Estimated monthly expenses for a single person (excluding rent) are around £830,6.

Grocery shopping typically costs around £25-£35 per week. You can save significantly by shopping at stores like Aldi and Lidl and taking advantage of discounts like the Tesco Clubcard. While transportation costs vary, you can expect to spend between £30-£50 per month. Going out and socializing can range from £20-£40 per week depending on your lifestyle. Bills such as gas, electricity and internet are usually included in the rent for student accommodation, but you may have to pay around £110-£150 per month in shared houses. Overall, Leeds offers an affordable and quality-of-life balance for students.

Many websites, such as Save the Student and Student Beans, can help you save money monthly on regular expenses and even large one-off purchases with student discounts. Many restaurants and cafes also offer student discounts, so don't hesitate to ask; maybe you'll get lucky and save a little!