Cost of living in Salford for students
Nestled next to Manchester, Salford City offers a mix of affordable living options, a vibrant culture and excellent amenities for students. Keep reading to learn all about the cost of living in Salford, and how you can budget like a pro if you decide to study and live in this amazing city.
Average living expenses for students in Salford
Salford is a student-friendly town with two main higher education facilities: the University of Salford and Futureworks School of New Media Salford.
The cost of living in Salford is a lot lower than in bigger cities like London or Manchester. On average, you can expect to spend between £876 and £1,000 per month on your day-to-day expenses (excluding your tuition costs).
To help you make the most of your student years and budget, let’s explore exactly what your expenses are when living in Salford.
Housing and accommodation costs
Your rent will likely be your biggest expense, therefore it’s important to understand just how much you’re willing to spend on your Salford rent before you start your studies.
If you decide to live in private student housing, you can expect to pay between £460 and £560 per month on average. University halls can average between £400 and £800 per month. If you want to stay in a private 1-bedroom apartment, your rent can reach up to £1,050 per month.
Many students opt for private student accommodation or stay in university halls, as they’re the most affordable option. Renting privately with other students or living by yourself is more expensive and often includes additional utility bills.
If you live with us you can enjoy benefits like having all your bills on us, superfast wifi and fun social spaces that are perfect for hanging out with friends. Our purpose-built accommodation is affordable and great for students who enjoy a more independent lifestyle.
Average gas and electricity bill
If you’re looking for private houses to rent in Salford, the average cost of utilities is between £231 and £295 per month. To give you a better idea of what each utility cost could be, the average water bill in Salford is about £419 per year (£35 per month) and your internet could cost you about £21 per month.
When living in university accommodation, utilities such as electricity, gas and water will likely be included in your monthly rent. This is often the same for student accommodation like us. At iQ, you benefit from all-inclusive bills no matter which building you live in.
Council tax in Salford
You don’t need to pay council tax if you’re a student living in university accommodation or renting privately with other students. However, if you decide to stay in private accommodation and live with non-students, then you may have to pay council tax.
The average Salford city council tax bill will depend on the value of the property and which band it falls under, for example, you can expect to pay around £1,863 per year (£155 per month).
Food and grocery costs
The amount you spend on groceries every month will depend on where you shop and how often you decide to cook at home instead of eating out.
On average, you should budget between £180 and £220 per month for groceries.
You can get really savvy and save on your food bill by learning how to meal prep, which makes you buy in bulk and plan your meals in detail so you can make the most of your ingredients and reduce waste.
Transportation costs
Once you get to grips with travelling around the UK as a student, you’ll be able to estimate how often you travel and how much to budget for it every month.
On average, a one-way ticket on a bus in Salford costs just £2. A monthly travel pass costs between £50 and £62. We recommend getting a student railcard, which offers discounts of up to 30% on travel.
Entertainment and social life costs
Student life is more than attending lectures and studying, it’s also about making friends, trying new things and having fun. Of course, you’ll need to budget for the costs associated with doing fun things in Salford.
We suggest budgeting between £40 and £85 per month. Here’s a list of just a few things you may want to do:
- A single ticket to the cinema is around £18
- A meal for 2 people is around £80
- A gym membership ranges between £17 and £47 per month
Budgeting tips for students in Salford
Here are some handy budgeting tips to help you save money and make your student life in Salford a bit easier.
- Get a part-time job to make extra cash
- Open a student bank account and start saving for a ‘rainy day’
- Use student discounts through platforms like StudentBeans and UNiDAYS
- Read our guide on how to eat on a budget and save money on groceries
FAQs
Is Salford good for student life?
Salford is a bustling city with lots of things to do to keep students entertained. It has a good mix of culture, nature and academia: perfect for a well-rounded student life. Plus, its proximity to Manchester allows students to enjoy the perks of living near a big city.
Where do most students live in Salford?
Most students prefer to live as close to their university as possible. Popular areas include Salford Quays, Pendleton and Broughton Park which are all close to local transport links, grocery stores and high streets.
We have one building in Salford: Student Quarter. Follow the link to learn more about our purpose-built student accommodation, featuring modern amenities and fun social spaces. Make your best move yet with iQ.
