Cost of living in Birmingham for students
Birmingham is a vibrant and affordable city, making it a popular choice for students around the world. If you live with iQ, we have several centrally located buildings in the city, including Broderick House and Penworks House.
From living expenses for students to finding affordable housing, this handy guide covers everything you need to know about the cost of living in Birmingham.
Average living expenses in Birmingham
The living expenses for students in the UK vary depending on the city, and Birmingham offers a more affordable alternative to expensive cities like London.
The Birmingham cost of living for students is approximately £1,000 to £1,200 per month, which includes accommodation, utilities, food, transportation and entertainment. Let’s break down some of these costs.
Housing and accommodation costs
Accommodation is typically the largest living expense for students in the UK. If you opt for private accommodation or live alone, you may pay a lot more than students in shared accommodation.
- University halls: Between £99 and £187 per week, university halls at the University of Birmingham are a convenient choice for students
- Private rentals: The average rent in Birmingham ranges from £390 to £850 per month for a room in a shared house or flat
Choosing the right location and sharing accommodation costs can lower your overall living expenses in Birmingham. At iQ, we have several room types available at our Birmingham accommodation, including apartments, studios, and en suites.
Food and grocery costs
On average, students spend £144 per month on groceries, which contributes to their overall living expenses in the UK.
Cooking at home and meal prepping are cost-effective ways to manage your student living expenses. Dining out occasionally can cost £10–£20 per meal, so consider budgeting for this if you enjoy eating out.
Birmingham transportation costs
Transportation is an important expense to factor in when planning your budget for the cost of living in Birmingham.
Birmingham has good transport links, including buses, trains, and bicycle-friendly paths. On average, you can expect to pay around £2 for a single bus fare. Alternatively, you can purchase a monthly pass costing about £60 per month.
If you know you’ll be travelling on national train networks, we recommend investing in a student railcard which offers discounts of up to 30% for students.
Entertainment and social life costs
With a vibrant student life, there are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in Birmingham. For example, get the most out of your time in the city and explore local parks, museums and galleries - most of which have free entry.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, you can expect to pay around £8 to £12 for a cinema ticket at a venue like Odeon. If you visit a nightclub, door entry could cost anywhere from £5 to £15. A gym membership can also put you back around £30.
Budgeting tips for students in Birmingham
Creating a detailed budget is simply the best way to track your spending and savings. Not sure where to start? Have a look at these tips.
- Budget like a pro: Use budgeting apps such as Monzo or Snoop to manage your money
- Use discounts: Take advantage of student discounts and apps like UNiDAYS or StudentBeans
- Go thrifting: Not only is clothes thrifting good for the environment but also your pocket
- Cook at home: This simply helps save money on eating out at expensive restaurants
FAQs
Is it cheaper to live in Birmingham than London?
Yes, Birmingham is cheaper to live in compared to London. In fact, data from Numbeo states that it’s 38.6% cheaper to live in Birmingham. If you’re wondering how much it’ll cost you to live in London per month, you can expect to pay between £1,200 and £1,500 on average.
Is Birmingham a good place for international students to live?
Birmingham is crawling with students - over 8,700 to be exact. The city is geared up to host students from all over the world, boasting amazing nightlife, food markets and lots of cultural activities to suit all budgets.
When it comes to managing the cost of living in Birmingham, a little planning goes a long way. We hope this article helped you understand what to expect if you decide to study and live in this vibrant city.
If you’re looking for student accommodation in Birmingham, or surrounding cities like Coventry or Leicester, visit our website to find a room and prepare for your best move yet with iQ.
