Liverpool is one of the UK’s most iconic student cities, home to several universities, a buzzing music and culture scene, and plenty of friendly faces.
Whether you’re coming from elsewhere in the UK or joining from overseas, moving here to study is an exciting step. But whether you’re new to budgeting or trying to navigate UK living costs for the first time, it’s important to get to grips with what life in Liverpool might cost you as a student.
Now, you might be wondering whether Liverpool is expensive for students. The good news is that Liverpool is often ranked as one of the more affordable student cities in the UK, but that doesn’t mean budgeting isn’t important. Here’s what you need to know…
Student cost of living in Liverpool
The average student cost of living as a student in Liverpool is around £800 to £1,200 per month, depending on your lifestyle, accommodation choice, and spending habits. That said, some students can expect to spend more than this if they plan to live a more lavish lifestyle. Let’s break that down...
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually your biggest monthly cost after your tuition fees. In Liverpool, university halls typically range between £620 - £1,100 per month, depending on the location and facilities. Privately rented student houses can vary more widely, with rent costs depending on the location and the number of students sharing the property. On the other hand, purpose-built student accommodation can offer a balance of affordability and often extras that make life easier.
For instance, our Liverpool student accommodation includes much more than just a room. En-suite rooms, all-inclusive bills, free Wi-Fi, contents insurance, communal spaces and even an events calendar filled with various social activities are all part of the package. Rent for a fully furnished room with all bills included can be as little as £90 per week, depending on the property.
Household bills
If you’re in private rented housing, you’ll usually need to budget for utilities separately. That includes gas, electricity, water, and broadband. On average, students in private accommodation can expect to pay around £50 to £200 per month for these bills.
But with Sanctuary Students, all your bills are included in your rent - that's a HUGE saving! That means no surprise charges and no awkward conversations about who forgot to pay the electricity bill. University halls also tend to include bills, but always double-check what’s covered.
Don’t forget you’ll also need to budget for a TV licence if you plan on bringing your own television to watch or stream live TV or use BBC iPlayer. This currently costs £174.50 per year.
Travel
Liverpool is a compact city with great public transport. The Merseyside Plus Unirider is the flexible student bus pass that gives you cheaper travel throughout Liverpool. You can grab an annual ticket for £390 or a single-term pass starting from just £109.
If you cycle or walk, you can save money and stay fit. Liverpool is a cycle-friendly city with plenty of designated cycle lanes and bike parking across the centre and campuses. You can bring your own bike or take advantage of local bike hire schemes like CityBike for short, affordable trips around town.
Living in central areas means you're close to classes, shops, nightlife, and more, reducing the need for frequent travel. Check out our student accommodation in Liverpool city centre.
Food and drink
Food costs can vary, but most students spend between £50 and £80 per week on groceries. This cost can increase even more if you factor in alcohol as well, so it's something to be mindful of when planning your weekly budget. You can save money by cooking at home, meal prepping, and shopping in discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Cooking with your housemates and splitting costs is a great way to stretch your budget further.
Watch out for those cheeky takeaways which can quickly add up too. A fast food meal might cost around £15, and your Starbucks coffee will likely set you back a good £5. Want our advice? Brew at home and keep eating out as a treat!
Leisure and entertainment
How much you spend on fun is entirely up to you. Nights out in Liverpool are generally cheaper than other UK cities, with student deals galore and cheaper drinks compared to places like London or Manchester.
There are also loads of free activities to enjoy, from exploring the Albert Dock to visiting the Walker Art Gallery or the Museum of Liverpool, or taking a stroll in Sefton Park.
Study costs
Aside from tuition fees, you’ll need to budget for textbooks, stationery, printing, and possibly software. Depending on your course, you might spend anywhere between £50 and £200 per year.
To save money, look for secondhand books, borrow from the library, or go digital where you can. But if you study medicine, you’ll need much more than that – even for used books.
Laundry
Not all student digs have a washing machine, so you might need to factor in visits to the local laundrette at least once a week to keep things clean. Expect to pay around £5 per wash and £2 to £3 to dry. Dry cleaning and special cleaning for sports kits will cost more, and laundry detergent typically costs around £5 per litre for branded options, or less if you go for non-branded alternatives.
At Sanctuary Students, our Liverpool student houses come with on-site laundry facilities, with washes costing about £3.
Gym memberships
Looking to stay active? A student gym membership in Liverpool can be surprisingly affordable.
Liverpool John Moores University offers student memberships for just £30 to £50 per year. The University of Liverpool has a range of options, including a 9-month term-time membership for £189 or day passes for £6. Liverpool Hope University also provides annual student memberships for around £30.
If you’re staying with Sanctuary Students in Liverpool at Marybone Student Village 1, 2 or 3, you’ll get free access to an on-site gym – a great way to stay fit without extra costs!
Mobile phone
Most students already have a mobile phone, but it’s worth making sure you're on the best deal. A SIM-only contract can be as little as £10 per month. Staying connected to friends, family, and your uni group chats is essential, so compare plans to find the right one.
Budgeting tips for students in Liverpool
Getting smart with your money is key. Make use of student discount platforms like UNiDAYS, TOTUM, and Student Beans. You'd be surprised how many places offer exclusive student deals, especially midweek, but you often need to ask.
Start by preparing a budget plan to get a clear picture of your monthly income and expected expenses. From there, create a weekly budget to guide your day-to-day spending. Make sure to track everything you spend so you can stay on top of your finances and make adjustments when needed.
Plan meals, avoid regular takeaways, and take advantage of campus freebies. It’s definitely worth learning to cook a handful of quick and easy go-to meals – it’ll save you loads in the long run and means you won’t have to survive off beans on toast every day!
Need a new outfit? Try charity shops or secondhand apps like Vinted. And remember, even small savings add up over time.
To maximise your budget, you could also consider finding a part-time student job to work alongside your studies. There are lots of roles suited to students, such as working in retail, hospitality, or as a university ambassador.
Cost of living in Liverpool for international students
If you’re moving to Liverpool from abroad, much of the advice above still applies. But there are a few differences when it comes to Liverpool’s cost of living as an international student…
You’ll need to factor in international call costs or ensure your mobile provider offers good international rates. Many students rely on Wi-Fi-based services like WhatsApp or Zoom to stay in touch.
International students don't qualify for UK student finance, so you’ll need to budget carefully to make sure you have enough money to pay for both your tuition fees and living costs in the UK. It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for scholarships or bursaries.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office requires international students to prove they have sufficient funds to financially support themselves during their time in the UK. Currently, you must demonstrate that you have at least £10,224 for each academic year, which works out at £1,136 per month over nine months. This amount is intended to cover daily living expenses such as accommodation, food, and local travel.
Liverpool cost of living for students
So, is Liverpool expensive for students? Compared to other UK cities, it’s relatively affordable, especially when you budget wisely. Accommodation is usually the biggest cost, but options like Sanctuary Students can make things easier by bundling bills and extras into one monthly payment.
From transport and food to entertainment and study costs, planning ahead helps you stay in control of your finances. Whether you’re a local or coming from halfway across the world, Liverpool offers a vibrant, budget-friendly student experience.