Cost of living in Leeds for students

If you’re moving to Leeds for your studies, tuition isn’t the only cost to consider. Moving to a new city can be exciting, especially if you’re living by yourself for the first time, but with this comes living expenses.

It’s important to factor in the cost of living in Leeds before you move there. From accommodation to food, transport, and your social life, learn more about the basic student living expenses below.

Average living expenses for students in Leeds

When living in Leeds there are a few common student living expenses to consider, such as the ones below. 

• Leeds accommodation/housing
• Utility bills
• Council tax
• Food and groceries
• Transport
• Entertainment/social activities

Here’s a deeper look into each of these expenses.

Leeds accommodation and housing costs

The cost of student accommodation in Leeds can vary depending on a few different factors. For example, iQ’s Leeds student accommodation ranges from £145 - £299 per week. 

We offer three types of accommodation: apartments, studios, and en suite rooms. Our accommodation is located in three different locations across the city, so you’ll have access to great transport links close to your uni. 

If you decide to live in private accommodation, you could pay up to £826 on average per month for an apartment or around £351 to £535 for a studio or flat share. Of course, this all depends on the area you decide to live in and what your utilities cost every month. 

Utility bills

Some students will need to pay their utility bills separately from their rent. So, how much are bills a month? Estimates on the cost of household bills like gas, electricity, water, and internet range from £13 - £16 per week.

At iQ, our rent charge includes all necessary utility bills, such as superfast wifi, water, gas and electricity, meaning you have complete peace of mind when budgeting and paying your bills.

Council tax in Leeds

Full-time students are typically exempt from paying council tax, but not always. Whether you’re eligible for an exemption or discount on this tax will depend on your course and who you live with. 

You’re only recognised as a full-time student if you meet certain criteria. 

For higher education: If your course lasts at least a year and requires a minimum of 21 hours a week for 24 weeks of the year

For other forms of education: Only applicable for students under 20 years old and your course must take up more than 12 hours per week for over three months

Your household won’t be eligible for a council tax discount if you live with two or more part-time or non-students. Find out more about whether you need to pay council tax in Leeds here.

Food and grocery costs

Food and groceries are key contributors to student living expenses, and can vary quite significantly. You might spend anything from £30 - £40 per week on groceries, or more. Unless you opt for catered accommodation, the cost of these essentials is unavoidable.

For students on a budget, try to shop and cook smart. Batch cooking and meal prepping might not only save money but also time and energy spent making meals. It’s also useful to look for supermarkets that offer lower prices than others to cut the cost of your shop, and explore their club cards for more savings. 

We also recommend keeping your eye out for student discounts. Apps like UNiDAYS and StudentBeans are a good place to start when finding offers on meals and groceries. 

Transportation costs

Transport costs will depend on where you’re living in Leeds. Thankfully, the city has an extensive network of buses and trains to get you from A to B.

Like buying groceries, buying travel in bulk can often be cheaper. If you travel frequently, it might be worth getting a bus or train pass. The Metro offers weekly and monthly unlimited travel passes for students, while student railcards give discounts on most railway journeys across the country.

Entertainment and social life costs

Living expenses in Leeds don’t stop at the essentials. As a student, it’s also worth investing in your social life. Whether you’re more into cosy cafes, live music, buzzing nightclubs, or a bit of everything - Leeds has tons of fun things to do. 

Everyone’s social life is different, and so is what you do for fun. This can make it tricky to work out what socialising and entertainment will cost you. The University of Leeds shows estimated personal costs (including transport, socialising, restaurants/takeaways, clothes, and phone) ranging from £42 - £63 per week.

While your social life is important, budget for the essentials first (such as rent, food, and utility bills), then see how much you have left over. You can then allocate some of this excess money to entertainment and social life costs.

Budgeting tips for students in Leeds

Tuition costs and living expenses are a concern for many students living in Leeds, but managing finances during your studies can be a breeze with the right budgeting tactics. 

• Track your expenses: Keep a spreadsheet with your monthly outgoings or use a budgeting app
• Meal prep: By planning your meals, you can better plan for the exact amount of each ingredient you need to buy
• Use student discounts: Many businesses offer discounts to students; just make sure you have your Student ID on hand when you redeem them
• Shop smart (and second-hand): Shop smart by looking for special offers and budget-friendly options, including at second-hand stores
• Get a part-time job: Get a part-time job to earn some extra cash and gain work experience

Give our budgeting tips guide a thorough read for more info on how to handle the cost of living in Leeds. 

FAQs

Is Leeds a nice place to live?

Yes, Leeds is a lively city packed with music and culture. It’s also a great place to be a student, with a thriving student community, affordable living costs, and exciting nightlife. 

It’s no wonder Leeds was crowned as the Sunday Times’ 2024 best place to live in the north and northeast of England.

Is Leeds cheaper than London?

Leeds could be a significantly cheaper place to live than London. According to rightmove, house prices in London over the past year averaged £687,044, whereas Leeds house prices averaged £274,675.

In addition to housing, other living expenses, such as public transport, basic utility, and restaurant bills, are reported to be significantly lower in Leeds compared to London.

Is Leeds a cheap city to live in?

The cost of living in Leeds could be considered cheap for students - but this will depend on the area you’re comparing it with. 

Save the Student data shows that Leeds is cheaper than average for some costs, then slightly more expensive for others. For example, their data shows that rent is £41 cheaper per month than the national average, but groceries are £1 more expensive. 

Is Leeds a student-friendly city?

Leeds is a great place to be a student. It’s home to some well-ranked UK universities and offers affordable student accommodation, good transport links, a bustling nightlife, and lots of live music.

Are you moving to Leeds? You’ll find iQ Student Accommodation in multiple locations across the city. Explore our student accommodation in Leeds and get ready to make your best move yet.