The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations on the globe. Professionals from all over the world are drawn here by the robust economy and abundance of employment prospects.
You may be aware of the cost involved in the UK visa application. However, other than that, there are also some other expenses that you need to consider before moving to the UK.
Due to factors like high housing costs and wage rates, the cost of living in the UK is relatively higher than other countries.
Keep reading this article to get a detailed analysis of the cost of living in the UK.
What Is The Cost Of Transportation In The UK?
The majority of public transit in the UK is controlled by private businesses, with little to no influence from the government. As a result, it is quite expensive. You can get a regular monthly pass for £ 65 whereas a one-way ticket for local transport can cost you £ 2.5. Buses and trains are owned by private companies; hence they are slightly pricey. A monthly bus pass can cost you £ 160.
What Is The Cost Of Accommodation In The UK?
Depending on where you live and the kind of housing you have, the average rent in the UK will vary. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is £758 (about $1000 USD) in the city and £614 (around $810 USD) outside of it.
If your energy bills are covered by the rent, the amount can be higher. Nevertheless, if you opt to share your apartment, the cost of living and utilities will be reduced by 50%.
What Is The Cost Of Food And Groceries In The UK?
You can effectively control your expenses if you avoid eating at expensive restaurants. Instead, cook your own meals. You can get basic food items in the UK for a minimal cost.
For instance, one bread packet will cost you £ 0.97 whereas you can get rice and vegetables for £ 2. 11. Additionally, you can buy dairy products like milk and cheese for £ 0.92 and £ 5.57. Lastly, chicken and eggs will cost you somewhere around £ 7.37.
What Is The Cost Of Entertainment And Recreation In The UK?
Living in the UK also involves entertainment and other recreational activities. It is beneficial to engage in some leisure activities to expand your social network, tour the nation, and discover the culture and people in greater depth.
Here's a list of different recreational activities and their costs -
- Movies - £ 9 - £ 15
- Amusement parks - £ 40
- Fast food - £ 6
- Sports - £ 10 - £ 20
- Concerts - £ 40 - £ 50
- Clubs and pubs - £ 10 - £ 40
- Coffee shops - £ 3 - £ 4
- West End theatres - more than £ 25
Which Are Some Of The Affordable Cities To Live In The UK?
Some of the affordable cities to live in the UK are Durham, Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, Sterling, Belfast, Norwich, Nottingham, Cardiff, Coventry, Lincoln, and Warwick.
What Are Some Of The Ways In Which One Can Minimize The Cost Of Living In The UK?
Living in the UK can burn a hole in your pocket. However, here are some ways in which you can save some money and live comfortably in the UK. Let us learn more about these ways in detail.
- Live In An Affordable Place
The most important factor affecting the cost of living in the UK is the place where you live. Here you can find places with higher to lower costs of living. To save money, you can opt to stay in a relatively cheaper place. Some of the pocket-friendly places to live in the UK are Sterling, Lincoln, Liverpool, Warwick, Manchester, Lancaster, etc.
- Cut Down The Transit Expenses
Transportation in the UK is expensive since it is governed by the private sector. However, you can reduce your travel expenses by using a travel card. A commuter oyster card is also available. However, the best strategy is to compare the prices online and choose the best alternative for you.
- Eat Home-Cooked Meals
This can save a lot of your money as the restaurants in the UK are quite expensive and cost you somewhere around £ 40 - £ 50.
What Are The Other Miscellaneous Costs Involved?
The other miscellaneous costs include food, television, internet, mobile plans, taxes, and other services. In the UK, it is mandatory for you to possess a TV license to watch TV even on your computers or tablets. For colour television, you will be charged approximately £ 158 annually and £ 53 for black and white TVs.
You may also need to get a local phone number while you are staying in the UK. Using mobile phone services can cost you somewhere around £ 15 to £ 50 per month. The housekeeping charges are £ 160 - £ 200 per month, and bills including gas, electricity, and water will cost you £ 40 - £ 50 per month.
What Is The Cost Of Visa Renewal In The UK?
Now that you are staying in the UK as an immigrant, you need to renew your visa after a given interval of time. You are required to renew your uk visa after every 2.5 years. The cost for the UK visa renewal is £ 2593.
If you wish to extend your UK work visa, you may be charged £ 719 per person for a 3 years extension and £ 1,423 per person for more than 3 years.
The cost of living in the UK lies in a slightly higher price range. However, with effective planning of your expenses, you can comfortably live in the UK as an immigrant. However, as an immigrant, apart from expenses during your stay, you also need to take care of uk visa renewal costs. These costs may vary depending upon whether you have a skilled worker visa or any type of visa.
Get Professional Help Today!
If you wish to avail more information about how to apply for a UK job visa and the cost of applications, be sure to get in touch with UK Work Permitz consultants in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.