2025’s 10 Affordable Cities in UK for International Students

International students are drawn to the UK for more than just its excellent education system. Another great reason why it’s a popular study-abroad option is how affordable it is. Finding affordable housing in the UK does not necessitate giving up a top-notch learning experience. There are many affordable cities in the UK for international students. The high cost of living is a major deterrent for many students considering studying in the UK. However, you should look into the UK since there are certain inexpensive locations that welcome international students.

We will uncover a list of the most affordable cities in the UK for international students. Experience high-quality education and a great lifestyle in these affordable UK cities.

To learn more about why many Indian students pick the UK, read our blog on Why Indian Students Choose the UK for Higher Studies.

2025’s Most Affordable Cities in the UK International Students

We have shortlisted a list of 10 most affordable cities in the UK for international students below. The data is as per the NatWest Student Living Index 2024:

 

Belfast

Belfast is officially the most affordable city for students in the UK as per the NatWest Student Living Index 2024. Average monthly costs (excluding rent) sit around £740, which is 28.3% lower than in London. Rent prices are also a steal—around £890/month for a 1-bed city centre flat, and even less out of centre, making it a top pick for cheap cities in the UK for students.

Belfast itself is welcoming, with a vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and scenic beauty like the Giant’s Causeway, a short drive away. Low crime rates, a diverse food scene, and a tag of ‘cheap UK city to live in’ vibe make Belfast truly student-friendly.

Bath

Bath’s heavenly Georgian streets hide surprisingly reasonable student costs, earning it the #2 spot on the NatWest list for cheap cities in the UK for students. Renting a 1-bed in the city is £1,150, which is 41.8% lower than in London, and overall living expenses are 18% cheaper without rent.

The city is actually compact in size, meaning you’ll never have to spend much on travel within the city. There’s also a bustling student community thanks to local pubs, clubs, and year-round festivals.

Derby

Derby may not crack the very top of the NatWest Student Living Index 2024, but it consistently appears in top 10 lists for affordable student life thanks to low rent and everyday expenses. Students praise Derby for short commute times and affordable rent.

University halls and private shared houses cater to every budget, with plenty of options for cheap student accommodation in the UK. The city’s cost-effective accommodation and friendly atmosphere keep it competitive with the cheapest city in the UK for international students.

You can check our detailed guide on the Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students to plan your budget better.

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, stands out for its thriving music and arts scene and is often ranked of the best cities in the UK for international students. Additionally, Glasgow is a student favourite, ranked 4th in the UK for affordability by the NatWest Student Living Index 2024.

The cost of living is roughly £860/month before rent, with flat rentals at only £1,050 for city centre locations. That’s about half of London prices. Student discounts abound, and there are always free cultural events.

Ormskirk

If you’re after tranquil, small-town charm combined with affordable living, Ormskirk is for you. 

Ormskirk’s small-town charm and low living costs put it among the cheap UK cities to live for students. While it doesn’t feature prominently in the NatWest top-ranked list, students at Edge Hill University benefit from cheaper rent and daily costs compared to larger cities.

Living costs, from rent to local groceries, tend to be lower than in bigger cities. Fast train links to Liverpool and Manchester expand social and career opportunities without needing to pay big-city prices.

Edinburgh

Though Edinburgh is often perceived as pricey, budget-conscious students can succeed here. According to the NatWest Student Living Index 2024, Edinburgh is ranked #5 in affordability and offers cheap student accommodation in the UK when you look outside the city centre.

The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University draw thousands of international students each year. The compact city centre is walkable, keeping transport expenses low, and the abundance of student-focused cafes, bars, and entertainment venues means you’ll always have affordable things to do.

Plymouth

Down in Devon, Plymouth is a coastal city known for its maritime history, stunning seaside, and wallet-friendly lifestyle. Plymouth is one of the affordable cities in the UK for international students, with living costs and rents far under the London average. 

A city centre flat is around £1,000/month, while suburban options drop to £770/month. On-campus housing may be limited, but off-campus options, especially in areas like Mutley or Lipson, are some of the most affordable in southwest England.

Sheffield

Sheffield offers big city benefits with much lower costs. Thanks to its industrial heritage, Sheffield’s cost of living remains budget-friendly, especially for students. Sheffield’s cost of living is 27.9% lower than London’s, earning it a strong ranking for student affordability. 

Rent for a flat in the city is about £815/month, or £680 out of centre, 5% cheaper than Birmingham. You can get around easily on foot, and the city’s transportation, dining, lodging, and entertainment options are all reasonably priced. The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are not only academically respected but also surrounded by low-rent student accommodation and great amenities.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth consistently appears in top affordable student cities in the UK lists and is ranked 7th for student cost-effectiveness by the NatWest Student Living Index 2024. Living costs and rent here are much lower than in southern hotspots like Bristol.

The University of Portsmouth draws in students from across the globe, and the city offers a fantastic value-for-money lifestyle, with good prices on rent, food, and entertainment.

York

Steeped in Roman and Viking history, York is not just beautiful but also highly student-friendly. It doesn’t make the NatWest topof te list but is frequently cited as one of the best cities in UK for international students. It offers competitive rents and daily expenses relative to its cultural value.

There’s a strong emphasis on community, and international students quickly feel at home amidst cobbled streets and riverside cafes. University accommodation is priced with value in mind, and plenty of shared flats are available, especially in student-heavy areas like Heslington.

Study in UK with The WorldGrad

Are you looking to simplify your journey to study in the UK while saving costs and time? The WorldGrad is partnered with leading universities in the UK. Through our Global Year 1 and UK Advanced Accelerator Programs, you can complete up to 2 years of your undergraduate studies in India and then move to the UK university campus for the remainder of your degree.

This approach can significantly reduce your tuition fees and living expenses. We also assist you with scholarships so that your UK study adventure is as affordable as possible.