Cost Of Living Oxford Vs London For Students 2024 – UniAcco

Introduction

Are you a student who is considering studying in Oxford or London? If so, you might be wondering how these two cities compare in terms of cost of living, student life, quality of education, and more. In this blog, we will give you an overview of the cost of living in Oxford vs London for students, and help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Along with we will unfold the other aspects of the cost of living in Oxford and London, including rent, transport, food, and entertainment. The student life in Oxford and London, the job opportunities and the quality of education in Oxford and London. By the end of this blog, you will have a better idea of what to expect from studying in Oxford or London, and how to plan your budget accordingly. So, let’s get started!

What Is The Average Cost Of Living In Oxford Vs London?

When considering the average cost of living in London vs Oxford, it’s essential to factor in various aspects that contribute to the overall financial landscape for students. For those seeking off-campus accommodation in Oxford, the estimated monthly cost stands at £1,242 monthly, slightly surpassing London’s figure of £1,237.

However, if on-campus accommodation is preferred, the monthly expenses in Oxford rise to around £1,195, while London maintains a comparable rate of £1,390. 

Following is the breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in Oxford vs London for students as of 2023.

Student Accommodation In Oxford Vs London

Housing is another important factor that affects the cost of living in Oxford vs London for students. When it comes to student accommodation in Oxford and student accommodation in London, you’ll find a range of choices tailored to your preferences. Dormitories are a popular option, both on-campus and off-campus, offering affordability while fostering a social atmosphere; shared facilities and limited privacy come with this choice. 

If you’re seeking a balance between privacy and interaction, shared houses are a viable choice. Comparable in price to apartments, shared houses offer shared facilities and moderate privacy, all while encouraging more social engagement.

Best Place To Stay

Oxford: Some popular areas are Jericho, Summertown, Cowley Road, and Headington.

London: Some popular areas are Camden Town, Shoreditch, Kensington, and Greenwich.

Average Rent

1. Dorms: Average rent per month in Oxford is £400-£800, average rent per month in London is £500-£1000.
2. Apartments: Average rent per month in Oxford is £800-£1500, average rent per month in London is £1000-£2000.
3. Shared houses: Average rent per month in Oxford is £600-£1200, average rent per month in London is £800-£1600.

Tuition Fees

Oxford and London are two of the most popular and prestigious destinations for higher education in the UK and the world. Both cities offer a wide range of courses and opportunities for students from different backgrounds and interests. However, the cost of living in Oxford vs London can vary significantly depending on various factors. Following is the data of Oxford and London in terms of average tuition fees, popular courses, scholarships availability, and cost of studying in both cities in 2023.

Average Tuition Fees In 2023

Oxford: £9,250 per year for UK students, £11,700-$58,600 per year for international students. The tuition fee varies depending on the course and the college. Some courses, such as MBA and medicine, have higher fees than others. International students also pay a college fee on top of the tuition fee.

London: Generally higher than Oxford, especially for international students. London has many universities to choose from, each with its own fee structure and range. Some of the most expensive universities in London are Imperial College London, King’s College London, and University College London.

Popular Courses

Oxford: Medicine, law, philosophy, politics and economics, classics, engineering, computer science, mathematics are among the most competitive and prestigious in Oxford, attracting many applicants from around the world.

London: Business and management, arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering and technology, law, medicine  are among the most popular and diverse in London, offering many opportunities for career development and networking. They also reflect the cultural and economic diversity of London as a global city.

Scholarships Availability For Students

Oxford: offers various scholarships for UK and international students based on academic merit and financial need. Some of the most notable scholarships are the Rhodes Scholarship, the Clarendon Scholarship, the Oxford-India Scholarship, and the Reach Oxford Scholarship.

London: offers various scholarships for UK and international students based on academic merit, financial need, nationality, subject area¹¹. Some of the most notable scholarships are the Chevening Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship, the Mayor of London Scholarship, and the Great Scholarship.

Cost Of Food 

The average monthly food cost in Oxford is £348, while in London it is £406. Following is the table of some general food prices in both cities, based on Numbeo’s study. 

Affordable Resturants For Student

• Mildreds Soho, a plant-based restaurant in London that offers friendly service and international cuisine.
• Dishoom Carnaby, an Indian restaurant in London that serves Bombay-style dishes and cocktails.
• The Hollybush Inn, a pub and restaurant in Oxfordshire that serves traditional English food and local ales.
• The Magdalen Arms, a gastropub in Oxford that offers seasonal menus and a cosy atmosphere.

Transportation Costs

The cost of living in Oxford vs London also depends on the transportation expenses that students incur. The average monthly transportation cost in Oxford is £55, while in London it is £159. Following is the list of some common modes of transportation that students use to commute:

1. Train: The fastest and most comfortable way to travel, but also the most expensive. A one-way ticket costs about £30 – £70 and takes about 54 minutes. Students can use the 16-25 Railcard for discounts on train fares.
2. Bus: The cheapest and most frequent way to travel, but also the slowest and least comfortable. A one-way ticket costs about £7 – £18 and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Students can get discounts on bus fares with a valid student card or a TOTUM card.
3. Car: A convenient and flexible way to travel, but also subject to traffic and parking fees. The distance is about 60 miles and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car. Students can use car-sharing platforms like BlaBlaCar or Zipcar to save money on fuel and rental costs.

Part-time Job Opportunities For Students

Depending on their visa requirements, qualifications, and interests, students in Oxford and London have a variety of opportunities for part-time employment while attending classes. It’s important to note that these chances help control the cost of living in Oxford vs London, enabling students to balance their educational costs with their expenses.

1. Tutor: You can teach academic subjects, languages, music or other skills to students of different ages and levels. You can earn about £15 – £30 per hour depending on your qualifications and experience.
2. Retail: You can work in shops, supermarkets, department stores or online platforms as a sales assistant, cashier, stocker or customer service representative. You can earn about £8 – £10 per hour depending on the employer and location.
3. Hospitality: You can work in restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels or catering services as a waiter, barista, bartender, chef or cleaner. You can earn about £8 – £12 per hour depending on the tips and the venue.
4. Media: You can work in newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV channels or online platforms as a writer, editor, reporter, photographer or videographer. You can earn about £11 – £15 per hour depending on the project and the outlet.
5. Research: You can work in universities, research institutes, think tanks or consulting firms as a research assistant, data analyst, survey interviewer or project coordinator. You can earn about £12 – £18 per hour depending on the field and the level of expertise.

The average hourly wage for all employees in Oxford is £37, while in London it is £40. That means wages are about 8% higher in London than in Oxford. However, the cost of living is also much higher in London than in Oxford.

Conclusion

It is clear from comparing the cost of living in Oxford vs  London that each city offers particular benefits. Oxford provides a more personal setting and perhaps lower living costs, while London offers unmatched chances and a wide range of activities. Whether it’s the ancient charm of Oxford or the global excitement of London, each city promises a different adventure, so your choice should be in line with your priorities.

FAQs

Q1. What is the cost of living in Oxford vs London?

Ans: The cost of living in London is £1,242 per month, while in Oxford, it amounts to £1,237 on average each month.

Q2. What’s the cost difference between living in Oxford and London?

Ans: Oxford tends to be slightly more affordable than London in terms of living expenses.

Q3. Which city offers a more historical atmosphere, Oxford or London?

Ans: Oxford boasts a rich history, while London blends history with modernity.

Q4. Are job opportunities better in London or Oxford?

Ans: London offers a wider range of job opportunities due to its status as a global hub.

Q5. Do universities in Oxford and London provide similar student discounts?

Ans: Both cities offer student discounts, but London’s larger size often results in more diverse offers.

Thank you for reading about the “Cost Of Living In Oxford Vs London.” If you’re interested in exploring more articles on related topics, we recommend checking out the below articles:

• Student Guide to Oxford
• 10 Best Libraries in Oxford
• Why Study in London?