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Living Cost in London for Indian Students 2025

Living Cost in London for Indian Students 2025: Monthly Expenses Breakdown

Written By
Vaishali Pandey
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Reviewed By
Updated On:
Jul 4, 2025
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5 minutes
mins read
Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Jul 4, 2025

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The living cost in London is one of the first things Indian students consider when planning to study in the UK. With over 98,890 Indian students enrolled in UK universities as of 2024, London continues to be one of the most popular and expensive study destinations in the world. 

If you're wondering how to manage it all, from choosing budget-friendly accommodations to navigating student discounts and public transport costs, this blog has got you covered.

By the end of this blog, you will know

  • The average monthly living expenses for Indian students in London are broken down by category.
  • Smart budgeting tips, tools, and hacks to make your UK life more affordable.
  • How to align your funding, part-time work, and student benefits with real-life costs in London.

What is the Average Living Cost in London?

London is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, but that vibrancy comes with a price tag, especially for international students. If you're an Indian student preparing to study in the UK, it's important to understand that the cost of living in London is significantly higher than in other UK cities. 

Let’s break down the average cost of living in London per month in the table below.

Area of Expense

Cost

Rent

£1,087 - £2,805

Entertainment

Starts from £60

Groceries

Starts from £200

Transportation

Prices start from £177

Utilities

Starts from £160

Schooling of children

Starts from £950

Note: These figures are averages and can vary based on lifestyle and housing choices.

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Is London expensive for Indian Students?

Yes, London is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living, including accommodation, food, transport, and utilities, tends to be significantly higher than in many other cities. 

Housing, in particular, can be the largest expense, with rents in central areas being costly. However, there are ways to manage these expenses, such as opting for shared accommodation, living in areas outside central London, and using public transport to avoid high travel costs. 

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Living Cost in London for Indian Students, Families, and Couples 

The cost of living in London can vary greatly depending on whether you're an individual student, part of a family, or living as a couple. Getting a clear picture of monthly costs will ensure you’re prepared for the financial commitments of living in London.

Here’s a table that breaks down the typical living costs for Indian students, families, and couples.

Area of Expense

Students

Family

Couples

Accommodation

Rent (shared apartment): Starting £235

Rent (single room PG): Starting £750

£1,800 - £6,000

1 BHK apartment for rent: Starting £1,100


2 BHK apartments for rent: Starting £2,150

Food & Groceries (monthly)

£100 - £200

£470 - £940

Groceries: Starting £470

Transportation (monthly)

£30 - £40

Starting £160

Bus Pass: Starting £164

Utilities (monthly)

£40 - £50

Starting £314

Electricity bill: Starting £285

Wi-Fi

Starting £24.99

Starting £24.99

Starting £24.99

Miscellaneous

£200 -£300

£800 - £1,200

£400 -£600

Note: These figures are averages and can vary based on lifestyle and housing choices.

Factors Influencing the Living Cost in London

The living cost in London isn’t just about rent, it's a combination of where you live, how you commute, what you eat, how you spend your free time, and even your family’s needs. These expenses vary widely based on lifestyle and location.

In this section, we break down the major cost categories that directly impact how much you'll spend every month while living in London. 

1. Accommodation Type

Where and how you choose to live significantly impacts your overall living cost in London. The cost of accommodation depends on whether you're staying in student halls, renting privately, or sharing with others.

The table below shows the typical monthly accommodation costs for Indian students in London.

Type of Accommodation

Approximate Cost

House/apartment

£1,450 - £5,500

Airbnb (1 day)

£28.58 - £98.38

Studio apartment

£1,300 - £3,900

Co-working space

£139 - £609

Paying guest

£250 - £1,400

2. Food and Groceries

The monthly cost of food varies depending on whether you cook or eat out. From supermarket shopping to eating out and even the cost of Indian groceries, below is a breakdown of the average food expenses you can expect to pay in London.

Restaurant Prices in London 

Item

Average Price

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

£20.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

£80.00

McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

£8.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 l draught)

£6.00

Imported Beer (0.33l bottle)

£6.00

Cappuccino (regular)

£3.78

Coke/Pepsi (0.33l bottle)

£2.05

Water (0.33L bottle)

£1.41

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FAQS About Living Cost in London for Indian Students

What is the average monthly living cost for Indian students in London? 

The average monthly living cost in London for Indian students is approximately £1,100, excluding rent. However, it depends on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Are groceries expensive in London? 

Yes, groceries can be quite expensive. On average, students spend around £150 to £250 per month on food and essentials.

What are the transportation costs for students in London? 

A monthly travel card for zones 1-2 costs about £150, but students can save with an 18+ Student Oyster card, which offers discounts.

How much do utilities cost in London? 

Utilities such as electricity, heating, and water can add an additional £150 to £400 to your monthly expenses.

Is healthcare free for Indian students in London? 

Indian students are required to pay an immigration health surcharge, which provides access to the National Health Service (NHS) during their stay.

What is the cost of living in London for Indian students compared to other UK cities? 

The cost of living in London for Indian students is significantly higher than in other UK cities like Manchester or Birmingham, where expenses can be 20-30% lower.

How much should I budget for leisure activities? 

Students should budget around £100 to £200 per month for leisure activities, including dining out, entertainment, and social events.

Are there any scholarships available for Indian students in London? 

Yes, many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, including those from India, which can help offset living costs.

What is the average cost of a meal in London? 

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around £20, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be about £80.

How can I save on living costs in London? 

Consider sharing accommodation, using public transport, and shopping at local markets for groceries.

What are the hidden costs of living in London? 

Hidden costs may include council tax, internet fees, and unexpected expenses like medical bills or travel.

Is it possible to work part-time while studying in London? 

Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, which can help cover some of the cost of living in London for Indian students.

What are the best areas to live in London for students? 

Popular student areas include Camden, Shoreditch, and Clapham, which offer a vibrant atmosphere and relatively affordable housing.

How does inflation affect living costs in London? 

Inflation can lead to increased prices for rent, food, and transportation, making it essential for students to regularly reassess their budgets.

Vaishali Pandey
Content Marketer
Check out full profile

A banker turned content marketer with expertise in growth-focused content strategies for the finance and digital sectors.  She currently drives data-backed content initiatives at Propelld, through high-impact storytelling.

Before moving into content marketing, Vaishali spent nearly a decade in banking, across their asset and lending divisions and spent almost a decade in finance. An MBA in Marketing and a writer at heart, she finally took up content marketing and now simplifies money talks for the readers.

She is also a certified digital marketer (MICA), combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling to deliver measurable business growth.

Beyond work, Vaishali is a handcrafted brand founder, avid reader, and travel & food blogger, blending creativity and strategy in everything she does.

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