Cost of Living in Liverpool: A Comprehensive Guide

As if classes weren’t enough, now you need to pay bills and maintain a house! Managing your money is one of the hardest things you’ll have to do as a student. To help you plan out your budget, we’ve broken down the different living costs of living in Liverpool for students so you can get started on your new chapter with ease. 

About Liverpool

Liverpool is the fifth largest city in the United Kingdom. An excellent place for students, the city has a student population of over 70,000. If you’re planning to study and manage the cost of living in Liverpool for students, one of the first things you’ll need to think about is your expenses. Moving to a new city is fun and exciting but can also feel very unfamiliar. Planning out your expenses and finding out ways to save money may not be easy in the first few weeks, but as you spend time figuring out the city, you’ll build a routine and find your own ways to manage your finances. To kickstart this process for you, we’ve broken down the cost of living in Liverpool so you know what to expect before you begin your student journey.   

Cost Overview

Liverpool, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and thriving music scene, offers a cost of living that is relatively affordable compared to other major UK cities. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a visitor, it's important to have an overview of the common expenses you might encounter in the cost of living in Liverpool for students. From accommodation and transportation to dining out and entertainment, understanding the cost landscape can help you plan your finances effectively and make the most of your time in this dynamic city. The average living cost in Liverpool for students is £700 – £1,300 per month. This should be enough to pay your rent, food, and transportation expenses. By understanding the living cost in Liverpool for students, you can effectively plan your budget and make informed decisions about your expenses.

Common Expenses And How To Save On Them

Liverpool is a vibrant city that offers an exciting lifestyle without breaking the bank. Whether you're a student, professional, or just exploring, it's important to manage your spending wisely. Here's a guide on how to spend and save on living expenses in Liverpool to help you make the most of your time and money in this wonderful city. Living in Liverpool as a student offers several ways to enjoy the lifestyle to the fullest while keeping your budget in mind. By following these cost-saving tips, you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city and create unforgettable memories while keeping your wallet happy.

1. Grocery Expenses

Living in Liverpool as a student offers a wide range of options for grocery shopping. The cost of groceries can vary depending on your preferences and where you choose to shop. On average, a single person can expect to spend around £30 - £40 per week on groceries. Popular supermarket chains like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's offer competitive prices and a diverse selection of food products. Additionally, local markets and independent stores provide fresh produce and affordable options for budget-conscious shoppers.

How can you save on your grocery expenses?

To save on groceries, consider buying in bulk, comparing prices between different stores, and opting for store-brand products that are often cheaper without compromising on quality.

2. Travel Expenses

Living in Liverpool as a student has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and ferries. For daily commuting within the city, a monthly bus pass can cost approximately £55-£65. Train fares depend on the distance traveled, with prices ranging from £2-£6 for short journeys. Taxis are also available, with fares starting at around £2.80 per mile. Liverpool is a walkable city, and many popular areas can be reached on foot, making it a cost-effective option for shorter distances.

How can you save on your travel expenses? 

Make a habit of walking around to get where you need to go and get fit while saving yourself a few extra bucks! If you anticipate using travel reasonably often, you can also look into buying combination passes or special term passes. Many public transport services often offer university students heavy discounts on travel. Check with your university and see whether there are any discounts you can avail of to cut down on your cost of living in Liverpool. 

3. Accommodation/Housing

The cost of accommodation in Liverpool varies depending on factors such as location, property size, and amenities. For students, university accommodations can range from £80-£150 per week, depending on the room type and facilities provided. Private rentals, such as apartments or shared houses, generally cost between £500-£900 per month, depending on the area and property size. If you’re looking for convenient and comfortable student apartments in Liverpool then PBSAs are your best option. You can check out a range of PBSAs here. It's advisable to research different neighborhoods and consider factors like proximity to amenities, transportation links, and safety when choosing a student apartment in Liverpool. If you want to know more about each of the room types, you can watch our FAQ video about all the different room types and their features.

How can you save on your accommodation/ housing expenses?

Living with friends or finding a double occupancy room can help you cut your cost of living in Liverpool. Accommodation fees will also be cheaper further away from the city center. To reduce your living cost in Liverpool, you can look for housing in a nearby residential area and commute to your university. 

4. Food

Liverpool boasts a diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of dining options to suit different budgets and tastes. Eating out at a mid-range restaurant can cost around £15-£25 per person for a main course, excluding drinks. For a more budget-friendly option, there are various affordable eateries, street food stalls, and fast-food chains where you can enjoy a meal for £5-£10. 

How can you save on your food expenses?

To cut down on your cost of living in Liverpool, you should try to home cook as many meals as possible. Eating out will burn a hole through your pocket much quicker than you realize. It may not be easy to fit cooking into your daily routine at first, but after a while, it'll get much easier and you may even start to enjoy it!

5. Personal Care/Clothing

Personal care and clothing expenses in Liverpool are similar to those in other UK cities. The cost of a haircut for men ranges from £10-£25, while women can expect to pay around £20-£40, depending on the salon and services chosen. Clothing prices vary depending on the brand, style, and quality, with options available to suit different budgets. High-street fashion stores like H&M, Primark, and Zara offer affordable clothing choices, while designer brands and boutiques cater to those seeking higher-end fashion items.

How can you save on your personal care/clothing expenses?

Look for discounted or sale items when shopping for clothing and take advantage of student discounts offered by various retailers. Consider DIY options for personal care, such as cutting your own hair or exploring more budget-friendly salons.

6. Entertainment

Liverpool is renowned for its vibrant arts and entertainment scene. There are numerous attractions, events, and venues that cater to a wide range of interests. Prices for entertainment can vary significantly, from free events and exhibitions to paid tickets for concerts, theater performances, and sports events. On average, expect to spend around £10-£30 for a cinema ticket and approximately £40-£70 for a concert ticket. Keep an eye out for student discounts and special promotions, as they can help save money on entertainment expenses.

How can you save on your entertainment expenses?

Keep an eye out for free or discounted events, use discount codes or student IDs to access reduced ticket prices, and consider subscribing to streaming services for entertainment at home. Look for happy hours or early bird specials when dining out.

7. University/Tuition

Liverpool is home to several prestigious universities, attracting students from around the world. Tuition fees can vary depending on the course and the institution. On average, undergraduate tuition fees for domestic students range from £9,000-£9,250 per year, while international students may expect to pay higher fees, typically starting from £13,000 per year. It's important to research scholarships and financial aid options to help offset the cost of education. Here are some of the top universities mentioned below:

1. University of Liverpool

Established in 1881, The University of Liverpool is one of the best universities in the city. The university is one of the top choices for students looking to study in Liverpool, with a range of courses to choose from and an employment rate of 94%.

2. Liverpool John Moores University

Named after a businessman and philanthropist, the Liverpool John Moores University is a large university in Liverpool with over 25,00 students. The university has three different campuses within the city spanning over 18 acres in total. In addition to the fees mentioned below, international students will all have to pay a £ 4,000 deposit to the university.

3. Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts

Founded by legendary musician and Beatles member Paul McCartney, with the help of educator and entrepreneur Mark Featherstone-Witty, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts is perfect for any student looking to learn about the arts.

How can you save on tuition fees?

Tuition fees are pre-decided by the university, however, there are different scholarships you can apply for if you plan to study at one of these universities. Scholarships are a great way to reduce your total cost of living in Liverpool. Check with your university to see whether they provide students with any scholarship opportunities. There are also a few government-funded scholarships you can apply for. One of the most well-known UK scholarships is the Chevening Scholarship which is popular among international students. 

Managing your finances isn't always easy, which is why we’ve tried to break down your cost of living in Liverpool to make planning your stay easier.  We hope you’ve found this helpful and can use this as a guide while mapping out your budget. Living in Liverpool as a student is a great city and student apartments in Liverpool would be lucky to get the chance to study there.