Cost of Living in Canterbury For Students [Updated Prices 2025-26]

The city of Canterbury has many stories to share with students about itself. The city has many beautiful buildings, as well as excellent universities and affordable housing. Kent is the 10th safest county in England, with an average rating of 7.7. It is beaten by East Sussex, but it ranks higher than the more rural areas such as Devon, Suffolk, and Shropshire. Oxfordshire has been designated as England’s safest county. Let’s dive into the cost of living in Canterbury for students and the different expenses students may come across when in the city.

Canterbury houses some of the most desirable universities in the UK such as the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of the Creative Arts, and more. Thanks to the cutting-edge facilities and high-quality education provided by these institutions, students from all over the world flock to this city every year to make it their home. If we take a close look at the cost of living in Canterbury for students, it is recommended that students maintain a monthly budget of £1,176 to £1,252 to comfortably live in the city. The article further lists the individual expenses that impact the overall living expenses in Canterbury.

Cost Of Living In Canterbury:

Canterbury houses some of the most desirable universities in the UK, such as the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of the Creative Arts, and more. Thanks to the cutting-edge facilities and high-quality education provided by these institutions, students from all over the world flock to this city every year to make it their home. If we look closely at the cost of living in Canterbury for students, it is recommended that students maintain a monthly budget of £1,176 to £1,252 to comfortably live in the city. The article further lists the individual expenses that impact the overall living expenses in Canterbury.

Cost Of Living In Canterbury:

The cost of living is determined by where and how you live. Your costs will be determined by factors such as the course you choose, your circumstances, and your way of life. Below are estimated monthly costs in Canterbury that will help you identify what you need to cut back on spending for.

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Cost of Living in the Canterbury for Indian Students

The numbers below should simplify things for you. These are averages calculated from the above prices. With the help of this, you should be able to make your budget successfully!

Cost Of Tuition Fees In Canterbury

The city of Canterbury in the UK has three universities in it. It, therefore, welcomes thousands of students to study within these well-regarded walls. Such are the tuition fees of these universities: 

• Canterbury Christ Church University: £15,500 per year
• University of Kent: £23,800 per year
• University of the Creative Arts: £14,800

Cost Of Student Accommodation In Canterbury

Student accommodation in Canterbury has various prices, so you can choose according to your liking and budget. The prices depend on the location, whether close to the city centre or in the suburbs, and the amenities in the accommodation. 

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which are priced at £220 to £240 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs. 

Student Accommodation Options

In Canterbury, popular student neighbourhoods include Sturry, Blean, Barham, Wickhambreaux, and Bekesbourne. Canterbury is a reasonably priced public transport option for Londoners who can’t get enough of the bright lights. Canterbury, located in the heart of Kent, suffers from a lack of diverse culture, with a predominantly white, Christian population. It’s also a relatively wealthy area, with a high cost of living in Canterbury, UK, in this vicinity you can find affordable student accommodation in Canterbury, close to your university: 

Cost Of Transport

The average cost of transportation is £100 per month. These are the basic costs of each type of transport mode: 

• Bus: UniRider is available to the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University students. Their prices might be £1.90 per day. 
• Train: There are several trains which run between London and Canterbury. The basic prices for which are £12.90

Cost Of Food & Groceries

The basic cost of food & groceries in Canterbury is £447 per month. When it comes to food costs in Glasgow, it really depends on whether you cook at home or eat out all the time. If you’re willing to rustle up your own meals, you can save much money. Canterbury has plenty of affordable supermarkets where you can stock up. 

Miscellaneous Costs

While living in Canterbury, there might be other costs to consider as well, keeping aside the above important ones. These are the other miscellaneous costs: 

• Shopping: £120 per month
• Clothes: £70 per month
• Entertainment: £60 per month
• Healthcare: £470 per year

Is Canterbury Expensive To Live In?

Canterbury is a city which is quite affordable to live in the UK. If you’re willing to live a bit further out, this price drops more. Also, considering Canterbury is a relatively small and walkable city, this might be an option worth pursuing. 

Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Canterbury

Here are some key factors that can influence the cost of living in Canterbury: 

Accommodation

This is likely one of the biggest expenses for residents in Canterbury. The cost of renting or buying a property can vary depending on the location and size. Student accommodations and flat shares are more affordable options. 

Transportation

Getting around Canterbury can add to the living costs. This includes expenses like care ownership/maintenance, fuel, public transport fares, and even bike maintenance if cycling is your mode of transport. 

Groceries

How much you choose to spend on food and household supplies can impact your overall costs. Shopping at budget supermarkets and cooking meals at home tends to be cheaper than frequently dining out. 

Entertainment

The nightlife, social activities, hobbies, and entertainment choices you make here can significantly influence your expenses. Going to pubs, clubs, events, movies, etc. adds up. 

How To Save Money As A Student In Canterbury?

Whether it is big or small expenses, we are looking at ways to help reduce your costs, as every penny counts!

Travel and Accommodation

You can take a single journey at £2 under a new temporary scheme. The Bus Fare Cap Grant Scheme introduced by the UK government funds bus journeys across England until December 2024 and it includes Stagecoach and Arriva. 

Buy In Bulk And Cook Together

You can cook bulk meals with your roommates that can last you for a few days. For example, you can cook cheap meals like chili and Bolognese. Or else, cooking together is a good activity too, you can get together to make fajitas etc. 

Take Advantage Of Charity Shops

You can go thrifting while around in Canterbury. There are places like Depop and Vinted which are known to have great clothes and not a lot of money. 

Student Life In Canterbury

It’s no surprise that large numbers of students relocate to Canterbury each year. There are many fun things to do in Canterbury and the capital due to the high-speed public transport links to the capital that make it a hub for most university students. However, it is also an excellent transport hub for exploring the coast and countryside. It is generally regarded as a safe environment to settle in, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. Canterbury was named Kent’s third happiest city in 2019. It is also known as being one of the safest university towns in England. With Canterbury being a city, the rivers would be the closest you could get to a beach. However, it is right in the middle of a slew of coastal cities, making it an excellent location for visiting all of the beaches that surround it.

Reasons Why Canterbury Is Famous:

Since the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, Canterbury has been a significant European pilgrimage site. In the Canterbury Tales, pilgrims took the ‘Pilgrims Way’ to Canterbury to worship and repent at the grave of the murdered Archbishop, Thomas Becket.

Canterbury is one of the country’s most gorgeous old cities, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts history buffs from around the world. Westgate Towers, for example, is one of the ancient walled city’s main gates and, at nearly 640 years old, England’s largest mediaeval gateway. Now, let’s take a look at the cost of living in Canterbury, Kent.

Canterbury: Student Housing, Close to Campus – From £117/week!

FAQs on Cost of Living in Canterbury

1. Is it expensive to live in Canterbury?

Compared to larger cities in the UK, Canterbury generally has a lower cost of living, although expenses can vary depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

2. Is Canterbury, UK, a nice place to live?

Canterbury is often regarded as a charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, cultural heritage, and vibrant community. Many people find it a pleasant and desirable place to live.

3. Which part of Canterbury is best to live in?

The best area to live in Canterbury depends on personal preferences, such as proximity to amenities, schools, and work. Popular residential areas include St. Dunstan’s, Hales Place, and Wincheap.

4. What is Canterbury famous for?

Canterbury is well-known for its magnificent cathedral and intriguing ancient alleyways. A vibrant and diverse student population provides a more young edge and, no doubt, helps sustain a strong selection of appealing pubs and a thriving café culture.

5. What type of climate is Canterbury?

Canterbury experiences a temperate maritime climate characterised by mild summers and cool winters. It typically receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from around 2°C (36°F) in winter to 21°C (70°F) in summer.

6. What is Canterbury’s Population 2023?

The estimated canterbury population as per the analysis of varbes.com is approximately 157,000 as of 2023.

7. What is the Canterbury’s crime rate?

According to Yopa Homeowners Hub, crime rates in Canterbury are often lower than the national average, making it usually regarded a safe area to live.

PS: If there’s anything more you’d like us to know about. Add it to the comments section!

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