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Leicester is a culturally diverse city in the UK that is known for its arts and culture scene. For artists who want to express their cultural side, the Cultural Quarter is just the spot that showcases galleries, museums, galleries and theatres putting on various events. With a diverse student population and world-class universities like the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, the city offers a vibrant academic environment. When it comes to the monthly cost that students can expect to spend can be around £775 to £1,422, depending on their accommodation choices, lifestyle, and personal preferences. This makes Leicester one of the most budget-friendly cities for students in the UK, allowing them to balance their academic pursuits with enjoyable leisure activities.
Cost Of Living In Leicester – An Overview
The cost of living in Leicester is generally considered affordable, making it an attractive option for students and young professionals. Known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant community, Leicester offers a range of amenities and services at reasonable prices. On average, students can expect to spend between £1,200 and £1,600 per month to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. This table provides a detailed breakdown of the typical living costs in Leicester.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | 500 – 800 |
| Food (groceries) | 200 – 300 |
| Transportation | 60 – 100 |
| Utilities | 70 – 100 |
| Eating Out | 150 – 250 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | 100 – 200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 1,200 – 1,600 |
Cost Of Living Calculator
| Description | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Accommodation | 100 |
| Total Cost of Transport | 50 |
| Total Cost of Utilities | 30 |
| Total Cost of Food | 70 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 250 |
Cost Of Groceries In Leicester
The cost of groceries in Leicester highly impacts the student’s lifestyle. From creating dishes that require minimal ingredients to planning a party – gathering even the basic necessities requires proper budgeting which will help enhance the food they consume and rationing as and when required. The cost of groceries in Leicester is as follows:
| Grocery Item | Price Range (£) |
| Milk (regular, 1 litre) | 1 – 2 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1 – 2 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | 1 – 3 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | 2 – 3 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 4 – 20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 4 – 10 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | 6 – 10 |
| Apples (1kg) | 1 – 4 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1 – 2 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 1 – 3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 1 – 5 |
| Potato (1kg) | 1 – 4 |
| Onion (1kg) | 1 – 2 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1 – 1 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1 – 2 |
Cost Of Transport In Leicester
Transportation is by far one of the crucial aspects that a student has to look at, that contributes to a successful student life. Leicester luckily has affordable transportation options that allow students to commute easily from one city to the other.
| Transportation Item | Price Range (£) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2 – 4 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 50 – 85 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 2 – 4 |
| Taxi per km (Normal Tariff) | 1 – 2 |
Cost Of Leisure and Fitness In Leicester
To pursue a healthy lifestyle, students need a balance of work and play. What’s a better way to go about this? Maintaining your health and fitness by getting a gym membership or hitting the theatres for some cinema action? Dining out, pubbing and socialising over the weekends is a great way to maintain mental clarity and happiness among students.
| Sports and Leisure Item | Price Range (£) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 15 – 50 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 8 – 33 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 8 – 20 |
Leicester Student Housing: From £85/Week
Cost Of Utilities
Utilities in Leicester are essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment, and understanding their costs is crucial for effective budgeting. Monthly utility expenses typically include electricity, heating, water, garbage disposal, mobile phone plans, and internet services. Below is a table that outlines the average monthly costs for these utilities in Leicester, providing a clear picture of what residents can expect to pay.
| Utility Item | Price Range (£) |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m² Apartment | 100 – 756 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 8 – 25 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 27 – 35 |
Cost Of Tuition In Leicester
The cost of tuition in Leicester varies between its prominent universities, notably the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. Both institutions offer a range of master’s programmes with differing fees for international students. These universities provide excellent educational and extra-curricular opportunities for students that help students reshape their personalities making them more career-ready for the future.
| University | Programme Name | Tuition Fee (£) |
| University of Leicester | MSc in Finance | 21,515 |
| MSc in Management | 19,400 | |
| MSc in Computer Science | 21,515 | |
| MSc in Marketing | 19,400 | |
| De Montfort University | MSc in Business and Management | 14,500 |
| MSc in International Business | 15,000 | |
| MSc in Data Analytics | 18,500 | |
| MSc in Marketing Communications | 14,500 |
Minimum Wage In Leicester Vs Other Places
As of April 2024, the minimum wage rates in Leicester align with the national standards set by the UK government. The National Living Wage (NLW) for workers aged 21 and over will be £11.44 per hour, reflecting a significant increase aimed at supporting low-paid workers. For younger workers, the rates are £8.60 for those aged 18 to 20 and £6.40 for those aged 16 to 17 and apprentices. These rates are consistent across the UK, ensuring that minimum wage workers in Leicester receive comparable pay to their counterparts in other cities.
| Age Group | Minimum Wage Rate (£) |
| 21 and over | 11.44 |
| 18 to 20 | 8.60 |
| 16 to 17 | 6.40 |
| Apprentice | 6.40 |
Visa Costs For International Students
The costs associated with obtaining a visa for international students in the UK have seen significant changes recently. As of July 2024, the standard fee for a student visa application is £490, which applies to main applicants and child students alike. This fee reflects a 35% increase from previous rates, highlighting the rising costs of studying in the UK. Accommodation can take up a big chunk of your student budget. That’s why UniAcco helps you find affordable and verified student accommodation in Leicester, so you can focus on living, not just surviving.
| Visa Type | Application Fee (£) | Immigration Health Surcharge (£) |
| Student Visa (main applicant) | 490 | 776 per year |
| Child Student | 490 | 776 per year |
| Short-term student (6-11 months) | 200 | Pro-rated based on duration |
FAQs
1. Is it expensive to live in Leicester?
Living in Leicester is generally considered affordable compared to many other UK cities. The average monthly cost for a single person is around £863, excluding rent, which is significantly lower than in cities like London. Overall, Leicester offers a good balance of living expenses while providing access to quality amenities and a vibrant community.
2. Is Leicester expensive for international students?
Leicester is considered relatively affordable for international students compared to other UK cities. The average monthly cost of living is around £863, excluding rent, which is lower than in many major cities like London. While expenses can vary based on lifestyle choices, Leicester offers a good balance of quality living and budget-friendly options, making it a suitable destination for students.
3. Is Leicester cheaper than Manchester?
Leicester is generally cheaper than Manchester, with the cost of living in Leicester being approximately 12.6% lower without rent and 17.0% lower when including rent. Rent prices in Leicester are also significantly more affordable, being 27.6% lower than in Manchester, making Leicester a more budget-friendly option for residents and students alike.
4. What are the pros and cons of Leicester?
Pros: The city is known for its affordable living costs, strong sense of community, and excellent educational institutions like the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. It also boasts good transport links to major cities and a rich cultural scene.
Cons: However, residents may face challenges such as traffic congestion, occasional anti-social behaviour, and limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger cities like London or Birmingham. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain.
5. Is Leicester nice to live in?
Leicester is generally considered a nice place to live, offering a good quality of life with affordable living costs, a diverse community, and access to various amenities. The city has been recognised for its economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and strong educational institutions, making it an appealing choice for both families and students.
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