Cost of Living in Leeds: A Comprehensive Guide 2025

Do you know what can't be purchased to make someone happy? What isn't the most crucial thing in the entire world? Or isn't everything, as they often say? Yes, as you might have suspected, we are discussing money. The goal is the same whether it goes by the name of dollars, pounds, euros, or pesos: to make your life simple and comfortable.

For this reason, when it comes to the cost of living in Leeds for students, where money is a relatively important component, one needs to take a lot of variables into account to ensure they're staying in a location that most don't enjoy but must, that is, within budget. We have broken down the cost of living in Leeds, UK as a student for you so that you can understand what to expect from the city because we know how draining logistics may be.

Expensive or Reasonable? 

In comparison to other major UK cities like London or Edinburgh, Leeds, which is located in West Yorkshire, is typically thought to have a moderate cost of living. It's crucial to remember that the cost of living in Leeds for students might change depending on a person's situation, lifestyle, and preferences. When compared to cities like London, Leeds normally offers property and rental rates that are more reasonable. Generally speaking, purchasing or renting an apartment will cost less altogether. Additionally, costs for groceries, transit and eating out are typically affordable in Leeds. While Leeds has a reputation for being an affordable city, it still will be a cost well. But if you plan ahead, you can get around these problems and make the city as affordable or expensive as you wish. Without a doubt, you hold it! Here are a few more factors that affect your living cost in Leeds, UK as well as some advice on how to get by!

Living Expenses in Leeds

The cost of living in Leeds, UK varies for each person depending on their interests, preferences, and likes. They also take into account their way of life, which has a big impact on their expenses. The cost of living in Leeds for international students consists of the following basic elements for everyone:

Accommodations

Leeds is one of the most buzzing cities in the UK. There is a humble abode for everyone here! We will break down the average prices for student accommodation in Leeds further. Renting an accommodation can be a daunting experience but don’t worry we will make the process easier. 

Renting an student accommodation in Leeds is relatively cheaper than London, on an average renting a 1 bedroom apartment in City Centre will cost you around £830 and if you’re looking for bigger apartments it could go up to £1,500.

Student Accommodation Costs

It should come as no surprise that student accommodation is one of the most important factors in your budget. The cost of living in Leeds for students in the north of England is much lower than in the south. As a result, as compared to southern UK cities, lodging in Leeds is less expensive. Your weekly expenditures, including utility bills, will be between £150 and £300 if you choose to live in student accommodations near the University of Leeds. Some of the best student accommodations you can book through amber are The Glassworks, Leeds, As you go further from the campus, the rent will considerably fall. By utilising the free on-site amenities offered by PBSA, such as the internet, daily meals, laundry, gym, and cleaning services, you may also save a tonne of money. 

Food and Groceries 

Food and grocery costs are important to consider when talking about the cost of living in Leeds, UK. These costs are more challenging to predict because they surely vary from person to person. A student, though, will generally spend £50-200 per month on meals. The following is a list of some of the most frequent meals and food prices for students:

Take your choice from the easy recipes for college students on our blog if you're seeking some ideas in that area.

Transport

As a student, transport is yet another factor that will affect your cost of living in Leeds, UK

Student Travel in Leeds: 

Excellent public transit is available in this city, including a free municipal bus that travels to several sites. All of the important student residences in Leeds are easily accessible via the city's transportation systems. A vast train and bus network makes it simple to get to the institutions.

Metro: Young individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 can apply for an M-card from Metro in Leeds and West Yorkshire. With this card, you may take many buses and trains around Leeds, West Yorkshire, and the Yorkshire Dales without needing to buy separate tickets for each one.

Bus: You may get a single-day ticket at around $4.30; they also provide free student travel.

Train: Trains run frequently from Leeds Central Station to the popular student accommodation neighbourhoods of Burley Park and Headingley; use your 16–25 Railcard for cheaper fares.

University Tuition Fees

Let's start with what will probably be your most significant cost of living in Leeds, UK: Tuition. Depending on your college and the course you've applied for, tuition costs will change.

University of Leeds 

The University of Leeds, founded in 1904, is a member of the esteemed Russell Group of research-intensive universities and has an international reputation for distinction in teaching and research.

With 38,000 students now enrolled from more than 170 countries, Leeds is one of the most prominent colleges in the nation. Its single campus is 98 acres, approximately one mile from the busy city centre. Excellent classrooms, four libraries, a modern swimming pool, and a fitness centre named "The Edge" with a current performance area are just a few of the campus amenities.

Leeds Beckett University

The First Direct Arena, the area's primary shopping centre, is close to Leeds Beckett University's City Campus. Additionally, it has good access to public transportation. The Leeds Beckett University campus includes everything you need, including more time in the library, a place to eat lunch with friends, and a gym. More than 170 undergraduate and 200 graduate courses are offered by the university. In addition, it offers courses for distance learning. The institution provides instruction in a wide range of fields, including accounting and finance, the arts and design, business and management, engineering, law, film, performing arts, marketing, public relations, and journalism, nursing, and more.

The University of Law, Leeds.

One of the UK's oldest and most reputable institutions for specialised legal education is the University of Law. Gibson & Weldon, a tutoring company that was founded in 1876, is where ULaw got its start. In 2016, they inaugurated their prestigious Business School. With a long history, a reputation for creativity, and modern teaching methods, ULaw is always working to cultivate the top legal and business brains. you must also have the proper student visa. You could have to pay a significant sum of money for all of these processes. The sole consolation is that these expenses only need to be paid once a year on average. It costs 363 to apply for a student visa as a foreign national and about 490 GBP to renew or switch to a student visa from within the UK. Travel form any international airport in India to Leeds, UK would set you back about 677 GBP.

The schools predetermine the tuition costs, but if you wish to enrol in one of these colleges, you can apply for a number of scholarships. Applying for scholarships is a great way to minimise your total. Find out whether your university provides any scholarship opportunities to students by enquiring. You can also submit an application for a few government-sponsored scholarships. Some of the best scholarships in Leeds are: 

Undergraduate Programmes: Full-time students enrolled in undergraduate courses at the University of Leeds are eligible for the following scholarships:

1. Topic-specific Scholarships: Students who succeed in a particular subject at the University of Leeds may also be eligible for a scholarship.
2. The Undergraduate Science and Engineering scholarship, worth 2,000 GBP a year, is available to students pursuing degrees in science or engineering.
3. UG International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships for Students in the Relative Branch in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Psychology International Excellence Scholarships for Students in the Psychology
4. Scholarships offered by Laidlaw: There are 25 Laidlaw Scholarships offered each year, and they offer financial support so that you can engage in a variety of self-improvement activities while honing your leadership and research abilities.

Miscellaneous Expenses

While you're a student, your leisure expenses will significantly affect your cost of living in Leeds, UK. This will cover your spending on items like a gym membership, entertainment costs, shopping, trips, seeing museums, and attending athletic events. These living costs might change based on your choices, but setting aside between £140 and $200 a month should be enough to pay them.

Work opportunities for International students 

International students like you can find loads of work opportunities in Leeds. You've got options like part-time gigs in places like shops, restaurants, or doing office work. Plus, both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University have on-campus jobs up for grabs, from being a library helper to doing research stuff. And if you're up for it, you can score Internships and placements in various industries. Benefits of a part-time jobs is a real thing! Working a part-time job will not only help cover some or most of the cost of living in Leeds for students, but also it will help you make professional connections and will directly help you in the future. Some companies even have special programs for fresh grads. Freelancing and self-employment are options for those with specialized skills. Volunteering can help you gain experience and make a difference. It's important to be aware of visa restrictions and consult with international student support services. Some common part-time jobs of international students in London commonly include:

1. Graphics designer 
2. Engineering placement student
3. English language tutor
4. Software developer 
5. Sales assistant 
6. Accounting and finance 
7. Research Manager
8. Marketing

If you are planning on working in UK, we believe this blog on Post study work visa in UK will be helpful.

How to save money living in Leeds?

As mentioned before, even if Leeds is competitively affordable than London, it is an extensive city and expenses are bound to happen and your cost oflivig in Leeds, UK will hike. For such moments you’ll need to plan and make wiser choices and save a few pennines and use them later when you’ll most need them to cover your Leeds living expenses. There are multiple ways in which you can save and plan a better budget and measure future uncertainties. 

1. After conducting thorough research, select a fairly priced residence in London.

2. Eat at home or in a reasonable restaurants.

3. Practise your negotiating abilities at local markets! 

4. Take advantage of student discounts.

5. Set a limit on your spending on needless products.

6. Use public transport and your Oyster Cards to get around.

7. Tour the city by going to attractions like parks and museums that don't charge entry. 

We've made an effort to break down your cost of living in Leeds, UK to help plan your stay easier because managing your budget isn't always simple. We sincerely hope that you will find this information useful and can use it as a guide while creating your budget. Any student who has the opportunity to study in Leeds would be fortunate.

Psst! Unbeknownst to those who simply scroll to the end without reading, our guide to Leeds covers most of the topics discussed but not all. Give it another read if you think you missed anything above.