Cost of Living in Belfast for Students [Updated Prices 2024-25]

Belfast is a beautiful thriving city with a strong flair for the Irish. The student community in Belfast has a ton of fantastic experiences to share. The city is a great place to study abroad. It’s surprisingly affordable, and you’ll find lots of students here from all over the world. The cost of living in Belfast is about the same as it is in other cities in the UK.

Your living expenditures can vary depending on whether or not you live on campus, as well as how long you plan to stay in Belfast. However, there are some things that will remain constant no matter what: housing and food costs could be on the higher spectrum for students in this area. The average monthly cost of living in Belfast for students ranges between £1,167 to £1,287. The average cost of living expenses for Indian students in Belfast typically ranges from ₹116,036 to ₹137,134 per month, excluding tuition fees. Student housing costs vary between ₹52,744 and ₹ 73,841 per month. It’s important to note that your cost of living in Lincoln will be influenced by your lifestyle. Before we get into each of the individual expenses for overseas students in Belfast, let’s understand the heart of the city a bit better.

Living In Belfast As A Student:

Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland continues to be a top locale for students owing to what universities and the city have to offer. There is a great range of student accommodation options in Belfast due to the rising student population in the city and the cost of living in Belfast can go as low as £119 per week. Talking about uni accommodation Belfast, student accommodation centres are strategically located around various universities like Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast Metropolitan College, St. Mary’s University College Belfast, and Stranmillis University College to name a few. These properties provide a slew of facilities in the form of on-site maintenance, launderettes, bike and car parking spaces, and study areas. There are even excellent communal spaces for students to socialize like cinema rooms, gym rooms, lounge areas with games and television services, and much more.

Cost Of Living In Belfast:

Living in Belfast as a student provides a budget-friendly experience, with monthly costs typically ranging from £1100 to £1,300 (excluding tuition). These expenses cover essential aspects such as accommodation, meals, and transportation. Your personal choices, such as the type of housing you choose and your cooking habits, will influence your overall expenditure.

Being a major metropolis, it is uncommon that Belfast is an affordable option compared to other major cities in the United Kingdom. However, if you’re aware of what your living costs look like, creating a budget would be comparatively easier. The expenses listed below give you a good idea of what the cost of living in Belfast looks like.

Below Is a Breakdown of the Cost of Living in the Belfast for Indian Students

*The accommodation costs are dynamic in nature and are based on property availability

Student-friendly Locations – Students in Belfast prefer the areas of College Square, University Road and Botanic Avenue due to their close proximity to the city’s universities. Some of the best properties are Aster House, Botanic Studios and York Street as they offer state-of-the-art facilities and ensure students enjoy a comfortable stay in the city.

Rent for Students – Rent in a metropolis is surely not inexpensive. Hence, we have curated a list of the best properties for students who can live in Belfast at the most affordable rates ranging from £119/week to £250/week.

Student Accommodation In Belfast:

Student accommodation in Belfast strives to maintain the highest standards and meet every student’s needs. With the rentals ranging from £119/week to £250/week, let us take a look at the different kinds of living spaces available to better understand the cost of living in Belfast –

Shared Rooms – Offer a shared kitchen, living and washroom space.

Private Rooms – Students looking to enjoy a bit more private space can opt for private rooms where they can have a bathroom and study area all to themselves yet enjoy a shared kitchen and living area.

Studios – Want to cut out shared spaces and opt for complete privacy? Studios are perfect for students looking for a private bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, study and storage space.

Apartments – Total comfort – a fully furnished room that comes with an en-suite bathroom, living room, kitchen, study area and wardrobe.

Student Life In Belfast | Cost Of Living In Belfast:

Over the years, Belfast has grown into a thriving, multicultural metropolis having struck the correct balance between historicism and modernism. Being the capital city of Northern Ireland, it is filled with welcoming people and a strong sense of community. Students have great experiences in the city owing to the global heart and culture of the city.

Restaurants, cafes and shopping – You can find a vast number of restaurants in the city serving cuisines from around the globe. European food is the preferred choice of residents and the city even has a great collection of cafes and food trucks whipping up staples from many countries. Some of the best restaurants are The Muddlers Club, Coppi and Blu. True to British culture, it even boasts some popular pubs like The Dirty Onion and Yardbird, Whites Tavern and Duke of York. The city has many shopping centres, the most popular ones being Victoria Square where you can indulge in a wide variety of items, Castle Court Shopping Centre and Great Northern Mall.

Cost of food in Belfast for students is around £13.50 per day for dining out and £406 per month for groceries. Whether you cook at home, explore local markets, or have food out side you enjoy delicious food without breaking the bank. ️The average cost of food for Indian students in Belfast typically ranges from ₹42,239 to ₹47,519 per month and covers daily lunch, dinner, or both. To save money, shop at local supermarkets for budget-friendly groceries and take advantage of student discounts when dining out.

Museums, Landmarks and Parks – Belfast is a historic city and there are a ton of historic sites that pay homage to the rich history of the place. Some of the well-known sites are Belfast Castle, Belfast City Hall, known for its marvellous architecture and the historic St. George’s Market. Among the other interesting places for history buffs, is the Titanic Belfast which is a museum about the sunken ocean liner and Ulster Museum. Parks and gardens are an integral part of the legacy of Belfast and among the iconic ones is the Botanic Gardens in the Queen’s Quarter. Another fun and top-visited attraction in the city is the Belfast Zoo owned by the Belfast City Council.

Nightlife – Big cities have thriving nightlives and Belfast falls in that category too. There are nightclubs for every taste, from people looking to party and dance the night away to people looking to enjoy a quiet, romantic night with a drink or two. Some of the fan-favourite clubs in the city are Club Lux, Ollie’s, TIME and Thompson’s Garage.

Student Travel In Belfast:

The cost of transport in Belfast for students is around £55-£88 per month for convenient and affordable transport. Explore the city with Translink’s Metro, Glider, and DayLink Travel cards. Cycle the friendly lanes or walk charming streets.

Exploring Belfast is easy owing to Translink, Northern Ireland’s main provider of public transport. It connects the city with an excellent and comprehensive network of buses and rail. That makes every corner and getting to anywhere in Northern Ireland easily accessible. Not to mention it’s easy on the pocket!

Train – There are numerous train stations scattered around the city making trains among the most preferred ways to get from one place to another, in and out of Belfast.

Bus – Translink Metro operates bus services throughout the city. The Gilder bus service in the city connects East Belfast, West Belfast and the Titanic Quarter from the city centre.

Taxi – Black taxis are common around town with the base fare being £2.40. 

Belfast Attractions:

Belfast’s city centre, train and bus station lie close to all the major student accommodations in the city.  Universities collaborate with local transportation providers to help university personnel and students save money on travel. 

Take a look at the list below if you have some free time or are simply seeking new locations to explore in and around Belfast.

• Titanic Belfast
• Waterfront Hall
• Ulster Museum
• Botanic Gardens
• St. George’s Market 

FAQs on Cost of Living in Belfast

1. Is it expensive to live in Belfast?

Belfast can be cheaper than other UK cities, with lower living costs and reasonable rental pricing. With its lively arts and music scene, breathtaking surroundings, and friendly residents, Belfast offers a diverse and dynamic urban experience.

2. Is it cheaper to live in Belfast or Dublin?

In terms of cost of living, Belfast is regarded as more affordable than Dublin, with lower housing costs, transit charges, and overall living expenses. The overall affordability, however, may vary based on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

3. How much the food costs in Belfast?

The average cost of food in Belfast is £406. However, it may vary depending on the region.

4. What is the average rent in Belfast, Ireland?

The typical rent in Belfast, Ireland, varies based on location and property type; however, the off-campus accommodation costs to £1167 a month and on-campus accommodation costs £1287 per month.

5. Is Belfast a good place to live?

Belfast is frequently seen as a desirable city to live in because of its rich history, active culture, friendly population, and relatively affordable living costs.

6. What is the cost of living in Belfast for students?

The cost of living in Belfast can vary depending on the city or region. However, it is estimated that a student should make a budget ranging from £540 to £660 monthly.

7. What is the cost of living in Northern Ireland?

The cost of living in Northern Ireland can vary depending on the city or region. Generally, it is considered to be more affordable than some other parts of the UK. However the average cost oof living in Northern Ireland ranges between €616- €1000 monthly.

If you enjoyed reading this blog on “What is the Cost Of Living In Belfast” then make sure you check out our other informative blogs given below!

• A Student Guide to Belfast
• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to do in Belfast
• Best Road Trips Around the UK