Cost of Living in Salford For Students 2025/26

Salford Quays is an enchanting student destination, which is known for its contemporary culture and entertainment hub with stunning architecture and waterside dining restaurants. When it comes to the cost of living in Salford, students can expect to budget between £876 and £1,096/INR 107,693 to 115,750 per month. The University Of Salford is known for its programmes in media, art and engineering. An environment that welcomes multicultural communities from all around the world, Salford is the ideal student city.  Nestled just outside Manchester, Salford provides easy access to the bustling urban amenities of its larger neighbor while maintaining its own distinct charm.

The cost of living in Salford, England as an international student can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your housing situation and lifestyle choices. However, in general, you can expect to spend money on housing, food, transportation, and other necessities. The average cost of living in Salford for students ranges between £1,016 to £1,096 per month. It’s also important to budget for other necessities such as books, course materials, and personal items, as well as leisure activities. International students should also budget for any additional travel costs such as flights and visa application fees.

The average cost of Living in Salford is for Indian students estimated to range from ₹1,05,598 to ₹1,16,158 per month, excluding tuition fees. Housing expenses are expected to be around ₹52,799 per month, with an additional ₹36,959 for food and approximately ₹5,279 for transportation. It’s important to note that your lifestyle will influence the overall cost of living in Salford.

Cost of Living in Salford: An Overview

Salford is an urban city with a strong vision for education and development. It houses some of the best schools, the award-winning University of Salford and educational institutions in the UK and thriving commercial practices. The climbing student numbers have given rise to some of the best student accommodation centres and the cost of living in Salford can go as low as £107. These student living centres deliver on the promise of modern living and provide state-of-the-art facilities like launderettes, car and bike parking areas, on-site maintenance, high-end security and great spaces to socialise with your counterparts like lounge areas, gym rooms, games rooms, courtyards with BBQ spaces and much more.

Living in Salford as a student is both affordable and enriching, making it an attractive option for those pursuing higher education. With its proximity to Manchester, students enjoy a lively cultural scene while benefiting from lower living costs. This budget typically covers essential expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Below is a detailed overview of the various costs associated with living in Salford:

Living in Salford as a student is both affordable and enriching, making it an attractive option for those pursuing higher education. With its proximity to Manchester, students enjoy a lively cultural scene while benefiting from lower living costs. This budget typically covers essential expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities. Below is a detailed overview of the various costs associated with living in Salford

Living in Salford as a student is budget-friendly, averaging £1000-£1200 per month (excluding tuition). This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. Your lifestyle choices, like housing type and cooking habits, can significantly impact your total spending.

Despite being a metropolitan borough and a thriving commercial centre in the UK, the cost of living in Salford does not reflect the same, providing a comfortable standard of living at affordable rates. 

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

Student-Friendly Locations – The majority of student housing centres in Salford are located around the University of Salford making them close to the city centre and other daily amenities. The best student accommodation villages in the city are John Lester & Eddie Coleman Courts and True Salford.

Rent for Students – For a bustling city like Salford, it is surprising to see that the rentals go easy on the pocket. Keeping in mind the needs of the students, we have carefully curated a list of comfortable student accommodation options ranging from £107/week to £217/week.

Student Accommodation in Salford:

Student accommodation in Salford strives to maintain the highest standards at affordable rates. With the properties ranging from £107/week to £271/week, let us learn the different kinds of living spaces available to better understand the cost of living in Salford –

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 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 Salford:

Salford is ranked among the top cities in the United Kingdom to put down roots in. Situated to the northwest of London, the city has a great heritage and a rich history and boasts one of the best education, commercial and economic landscapes in the country. It is a melting pot of cultures and is the perfect place for a thriving student community and opens up a door of opportunities and educating experiences for students there.

Restaurants, Cafes and Shopping – The city has a collection of eateries with cuisines ranging from Middle Eastern to Mexican to European. Some of the popular restaurants frequented by locals are Vero Moderno whipping up exquisite Italian fare, Porta Wine & Tapas Bar and The Alchemist MediaCityUK. Some of the fan-favourite cafes in Salford are The Bus Stop Cafe, Cafe North, Cafe 19 Bar and Fig + Sparrow. The city is a shopper’s haven with the Salford Shopping Centre and Quayside MediaCityUK having a wide selection of national and international brands.

Museums, Landmarks and Parks – Salford has something for everyone to explore. True to British culture, it is big on sports and the AJ Bell Stadium is a great place to check out for a sports fan. Historical sites galore, Salford houses the world’s first free public library. The Tudor house and Ordsall hall are a must-visit for history buffs. The Salford Museum and Art Gallery is a great tourist spot too. The cityscape has made provisions for beautiful serene parks too like Peel Park, Buile Hill Park and Light Oaks Park.

Nightlife – Every big city has a thriving night scene and Salford delivers. It has some great nightclubs like Salford Lads Club, Hidden at Downtex Mill, De La Salle Social and Sports Club with an enjoyable and buzzing vibe.

Student Travel in Salford:

The transport cost in Salford for students, is just £2.50 per day with Stagecoach’s Unirider and around £30-£80 per month. Other than that students can cycle the dedicated lanes with Salford Cycle Hire rentals, or walk scenic paths like the Irwell River Trail for free.

Salford has an excellent and well-connected transport system in the form of rail, buses, trams, taxis and an airport. The two main railway stations are the Salford Crescent and Salford Central. They make every corner of the town easily accessible and even have further links to Manchester Piccadilly. Manchester’s tram system, Metrolink connects to Eccles and MediaCityUK.

Cost of Food in Salford:

From Caribbean to Tapas, to Modern British and even Indian cuisine – Salford has a bunch of options for students to experience the best of the UK’s dining scene. With that in mind, in 2025, the cost of food in Salford can range between £200 and £300/INR 22,000 to 33,000 per month. The further breakdown of what students can expect to pay right from fast food to mid-range or fine dining can be seen in the table below:

Cost of Groceries In Salford:

Midnight ramen runs are highly essential, but what’s even more essential for a successful healthy living, is Tesco, Sainbury’s, and Morrison or local vendor runs that will decide how you live your life. The ingredients and your meal plans definitely will, but budgeting and understanding how you need to design your week does highly impact the decisions you make in your life too. The table below provides the breakdown for the cost of groceries in Salford for students:

Cost of Transportation In Salford:

In Salford, the cost of transportation is designed to accommodate a variety of commuting needs that ranges from £2 to £80/ INR 200 to 8000 whether you’re using local public transport or opting for taxi services. The pricing structure reflects the accessibility of the transport network in Greater Manchester, which includes buses, trams, and trains.

Cost Of Utilities in Salford:

In Salford, the cost of utilities plays a significant role in monthly living expenses. These costs can vary based on factors such as apartment size and energy efficiency, but they generally cover essential services such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection. Understanding these expenses is crucial for budgeting effectively. But, when you book through UniAcco, students won’t have to incur extra expenses as they’re all accommodated for in our stay itself. 

Cost of Leisure and Fitness

Leading a wholesome life is a combination of excellent educational facilities, a career that adds value to your life, and an activity that lets your heart race. Salford has various fitness and recreation options that students can explore and get memberships in. The gym being one of the most popular channels, followed by swim, sauna and spa passes and badminton and squash sessions. Students can choose either from luxury or general pass as per their affordability. The further cost of leisure and fitness breakdown can be seen in the table below:

Cost Of Education In Salford:

Salford is known for its strong industry connections and for providing students with practical experiments and internship opportunities further leading them to secure positions at leading companies. The 2 renowned universities, Salford City College and the University of Salford are prominent providers of higher education. With a focus on both academic excellence and practical skills, these institutions aim to equip students with the knowledge and experience necessary for their future careers. The diagram below indicates the top master courses provided by each of the universities with the fee structure:

Minimum Wage In Salford Vs Other Places

In Salford, the minimum wage landscape reflects a commitment to ensuring fair compensation for workers. The city has made significant strides in promoting the Real Living Wage, as of April 2024 Salford aims to provide higher than national minimum wage, providing a better standard of living for its residents. Salford City Council has actively supported initiatives to increase wages, particularly in sectors like social care and hospitality, where pay has historically been lower. This focus on fair wages is part of a broader effort to enhance economic prosperity and reduce poverty within the community.

Living in Salford as a student offers a balance of affordability and quality education, making it an attractive destination for both domestic and international students. The city is home to the University of Salford, which provides a range of academic programmes and modern facilities. Students can expect to spend between £1,016 to £1,096/INR ₹107,693 to ₹115,750 per month on living expenses, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. This budget-friendly environment is complemented by various student accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets.

Salford Attractions

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

Take a look at the list of must-visit places in Salford to get to know the dynamic city more.

• Ordsall Hall
• Salford Quays
• Salford Museum and Art Gallery
• Tudor house
• Peel Park

FAQs

Is Salford expensive to live in?

Salford is generally considered affordable compared to other major UK cities, especially for students, with monthly living costs ranging from £876 to £978/INR 92,683 to 103,050 excluding tuition fees. Housing and transportation are relatively budget-friendly, making it easier for residents to manage their expenses effectively.

How much does it cost to live in Salford for international students?

For international students, the cost of living in Salford is estimated to be between £1,000 and £1,200 per month, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. This translates to approximately ₹107,830 to ₹129,396 monthly, making Salford a relatively affordable option for studying in the UK.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Salford?

The cheapest place to live in Salford is Little Hulton, where average house prices are around £164,983/INR 17,454,341, and properties can be found for as low as £85,000/INR 8,977,045. This area offers affordable housing options while providing good transport links to nearby cities, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.

Is Salford a good place to live in?

Salford is a dynamic city that offers a mix of affordable living, cultural vibrancy, and educational opportunities, particularly for students. The ongoing regeneration efforts, especially in areas like Salford Quays, have enhanced the quality of life by providing modern amenities and green spaces.

What is Salford famous for?

Salford is famous for its vibrant cultural scene, particularly highlighted by The Lowry, a renowned theatre and gallery complex that showcases the works of artist L.S. Lowry. The city is also known for MediaCityUK, home to major broadcasters like the BBC and ITV, making it a hub for digital and media industries. Additionally, Salford offers attractions like the Imperial War Museum North and the historic Coronation Street Tour, drawing visitors from across the UK and beyond.

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