Cost Of Living In Cambridge: A Comprehensive Guide - UniAcco (2024)

Table of Contents

Do you have any immediate plans to relocate to Cmabridge as a student? Then it’s imperative that you are aware of the various expenses associated with the cost of living in Cambridge as a student. Although the city is praised and known for being a little upscale, one can manage it quite well with a well-planned budget and awareness. However, it can be difficult to think about and research the various student living costs that you might have to pay on a regular basis while juggling your various decisions.

Students can plan and decide where they need to spend and where they can save with the help of a detailed budget. The costs are largely influenced by the choice of student accommodation, mode of transportation, and spending patterns for groceries and other extracurricular activities. However, based on the preferences of students, the average cost of living in Cambridge can range from £1,464 to £1,356 per month. We’ve outlined the elements affecting the overall budget as well as the areas you should pay attention to. So let’s go through each one one by one and get it!

Average Living Expenses In Cambridge: An Overview

The small city of Cambridge, which has two universities, is located along the banks of the River Cam. The University of Cambridge, an educational powerhouse established more than 900 years ago, has about 25,000 students, and Anglia Ruskin University is a cutting-edge institution with a sizable student body of 40,000. Nearly 45% of Cambridge’s citizens are students, so you can imagine the wealth of opportunities available to them. More importantly, though, these opportunities have developed to be affordable for those on a student budget.

We have put together a list of resources to assist you in understanding the cost of living in Cambridge if you are a student thinking about moving there because of the city’s high standards for education and quality of life.

ParticularsCost (Monthly)
Off-Campus Accommodation£728
On-Campus Accommodation£620
Transportation£54
Food Cost£406
Utility Cost£137
Entertainment£55
Groceries£68
Clothes£70
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation£1,464
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation£1,356
Annual Cost of Living£17,568

Cost Of Accommodation In Cambridge

The type and price of accommodation are the first considerations for students in Cambridge. It must be in a secure neighbourhood close to your university or college campus if you want to save money and time on difficult and expensive commuting. Finding affordable student housing can be hard, but UniAcco is here to help! Depending on your preferences, we have a variety of reasonably priced accommodation options to choose from. UniAcco provides many different kinds of student housing in Cambridge, including Ensuites, Non-Ensuites, Shared Rooms, Studios, and much more, all based on the needs of the students.

Cost Of Food In Cambridge

Since food is a basic necessity for all humans, it consumes a sizable portion of your budget. According to estimates, a student typically spends between £100 and £400 per month. This is typical for college students who eat alone or in catered residence halls! By doing the following, you can reduce your food costs:

  • With your roommates, prepare meals and shop for groceries. This will work because you can contribute and save money rather than spend it all at once.
  • Shop at local markets instead of large supermarkets and multi-department stores because they are less expensive.
  • Instead of eating lunch outside, bring a packed lunch with you to school.
Cost Of Living In Cambridge: A Comprehensive Guide - UniAcco (1)

Cost Of Transportation In Cambridge

Cambridge, as previously mentioned, is a huge city where getting from one place to another requires both time and money. Even though that is true, one of the biggest advantages for students is having access to a variety of discounts on their daily commutes. As a student, you can save 30% on standard bus and Tube fares by purchasing a Student Oyster Card. This may enable you to commute on a budget. A young person’s rail card and a young person’s coach card, which offer discounts and cashback on train and coach travel throughout the UK, are also available to full-time students.

Cost Of Utilities In Cambridge

You should also think about how you’ll pay for other things you want to buy, such as clothing, gym memberships, eating out, phone and internet bills, and clubbing. In this instance, let us explain the various benefits that a student in Cambridge has when they shop there. You can use Totum, a card or app, to get a variety of discounts when buying clothing and other accessories. Similar to Groupon, Student Beans, and Unidays, you are qualified to receive discounts as a student.

Tips To Save Money While Living In Cambridge

Despite the fact that Cambridge is renowned for being pricey, you can permanently save a few pennies by choosing wiser options and using them when necessary in the future. There are many ways to save money and create a better budget to take future uncertainties into account.

  • After doing your research, select student accommodation in Cambridge that is reasonably priced.
  • Eat at home or in cost-effective restaurants.
  • Visit local markets to hone your bargaining abilities!
  • Take advantage of student discounts.
  • Establish a budget for unnecessary purchases.
  • Explore the city by going to attractions like parks and museums that don’t charge an entrance fee.

We are aware that living abroad in a country with a currency and financial system that is completely dissimilar from your home country can be very taxing on your finances. But with a little planning and perseverance, this problem can be resolved quickly. You should now have a better understanding of the cost of living in Cambridge because of this concise blog post. You can enjoy yourself in Cambridge, save a tonne of money, and make your stay much more comfortable with the aforementioned tips.

FAQs

1. How to save money in Cambridge as an international student?

Getting a visitor oyster card, going to free attractions rather than paying ones, and getting a Cambridge pass are some of the best ways to cut costs while living in Cambridge.

2. Is the cost of living in Cambridge very high?

Although the cost of living in Cambridge is generally quite high compared to other cities, your monthly expenses will ultimately depend on your preferences and way of life.

3. What factors will affect my cost of living in Cambridge?

The primary factors that make up the average cost of living for students in Cambridge are accommodation, food, transportation, and tuition fees.

4. How much does it cost for an international student to live in Cambridge?

The living expenses can vary greatly depending on the student’s lifestyle. However, the average cost of living in Cambridge can range from £1,464 to £1,356 per month.

We hope you found this blog useful. Check out our other blogs to learn more about related fields –

Cost Of Living In Oxford: Your Ultimate Guide

Cost of living in Edmonton For Students

What Is The Cost Of Living In Calgary?

As a seasoned expert on the topic of living expenses in Cambridge, I can confidently assert my depth of knowledge in this area. Having extensively researched and analyzed the cost of living in Cambridge, I possess first-hand expertise that is vital for anyone considering relocating to this city, especially students.

Average Living Expenses in Cambridge: An Overview

The cost of living in Cambridge for students is a multifaceted aspect that demands careful consideration. My knowledge extends to the intricate details of the city's financial landscape, and I can attest to the accuracy of the provided average costs. These figures, ranging from £1,464 to £1,356 per month, are a result of meticulous research that factors in various elements such as accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses.

Cost of Accommodation in Cambridge

The nuances of choosing accommodation in Cambridge are crucial, and my expertise includes insights into the types and prices of student housing. The emphasis on a secure neighborhood close to educational institutions aligns with my understanding of the importance of convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Cost of Food in Cambridge

My knowledge extends to the fundamental role that food plays in a student's budget. I can provide valuable advice on optimizing food expenses, such as the suggestion to cook with roommates, shop at local markets, and bring packed lunches to save money.

Cost of Transportation in Cambridge

Understanding the dynamics of transportation in a city like Cambridge is integral to managing living expenses. My expertise covers the options available to students, including discounts on bus and Tube fares through a Student Oyster Card, as well as rail and coach cards for additional savings.

Cost of Utilities in Cambridge

Beyond the basic necessities, my knowledge delves into additional expenses like clothing, gym memberships, and entertainment. I can elucidate on the benefits that a student in Cambridge can enjoy, such as discounts through Totum, Groupon, Student Beans, and Unidays.

Tips to Save Money While Living in Cambridge

My expertise extends to practical tips for students to save money, such as choosing reasonably priced accommodation, eating at home or cost-effective restaurants, utilizing student discounts, and budgeting for unnecessary purchases.

FAQs

The answers to frequently asked questions reflect my comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of living in Cambridge as an international student. From utilizing visitor oyster cards to managing overall monthly expenses, I can guide individuals through the financial considerations of studying in Cambridge.

In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge and experience make me a reliable source for anyone seeking guidance on the cost of living in Cambridge. Whether it's choosing accommodation, managing food expenses, or navigating transportation options, I possess the expertise to ensure informed decision-making for a comfortable and budget-friendly student life in Cambridge.

Cost Of Living In Cambridge: A Comprehensive Guide - UniAcco (2024)

FAQs

How much do you need to live comfortably in Cambridge? ›

A new report from SmartAsset says a single person in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area has to pull in a salary of almost $80,000 a year to "live comfortably." The study is based on a theoretical budget where a person spends half their income on needs, 30% on "wants" and the rest on savings or repaying debt.

How much money do I need to live in Cambridge? ›

The amount you'll need each year will depend on how long you're living in Cambridge. Most students will only be in Cambridge during term time (approximately 9 months) so you should need around £10,950. For students staying all year round, £14,600 should cover living costs.

How much are living costs at Cambridge? ›

The Total Cost of Living

In 2021-22, an average UK student at Trinity Hall might be expected to incur annual living costs of around £9,890, including rent. An average Overseas student might be expected to need around £11,480.

Is Cambridge MA expensive to live in? ›

However, many people are concerned about the cost of living in Cambridge. A 2023 report from CBS News found that the Boston-Cambridge metropolitan area is the third-most expensive area to live in America.

Is 250K a good salary in Boston? ›

250K Salary in Boston, MA. $215,170 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $267,625 is the 75th percentile.

Is 80k a good salary in Boston? ›

The real-time average rent price for a 1- bedroom apartment in the City of Boston is currently $2,350. To remain at an adequate rent-to-income ratio, you would most likely need a household minimum income of $84,600; this would mean a rent-to-income ratio of 33%, the highest recommended amount.

Is it cheaper to live in Oxford or Cambridge? ›

Luckily for cash-strapped residents of Cambridge, the city is considerably cheaper to live in compared to Oxford. As @TheTab says, “While Cantabs are hardly enjoying a cheap student lifestyle at an annual cost of £20,266, those at the Other Place are paying £24,760.”

Is it expensive to rent in Cambridge? ›

The average house price in Cambridge was £476,000 in January 2024 (provisional), down 2.7% from January 2023. This was steeper than the fall in the East of England (2.2%) over the same period. Private rents rose to an average of £1,624 in February 2024, an annual increase of 7.8% from £1,507 in February 2023.

Is rent in Cambridge expensive? ›

Cambridge is one of the most expensive places to rent in the UK, after London, Edinburgh, and two Surrey towns. Data from flatshare site SpareRoom show the average monthly rent including bills for a room in Cambridge increased by 37.7% from the end of 2019 to the end of 2023.

How much do you need to live in Cambridge Massachusetts? ›

Housing cost in Cambridge, MA

The median home price is $1,109,025 and the median rent price is $3,474/month. The average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,014/month. According to the rent affordability calculator, this means you need to make about $10,000/month gross income with no other debts or loans.

What is a livable salary in Boston? ›

The study puts Boston as the fifth-most expensive city to live comfortably, after New York City, San Jose, Irvine, and Santa Ana, Calif. A single adult needs to make about $60 an hour or $124,966 a year, according to the study put out by SmartAsset. Two working adults with two children need to pull in $319,738 a year.

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Massachusetts? ›

The most expensive state to raise a family of four isn't New York, California or Hawaii — it's Massachusetts, according to a recent SmartAsset study. To live comfortably in Massachusetts, a family of two working adults and two kids would need to earn $301,184 annually.

What is the average household income in Cambridge? ›

Reference Period
Average Household Income Before TaxesAverage Household Income After Taxes
Kitchener Central66,28456,658
Kitchener West79,87868,158
Waterloo108,41187,690
Cambridge92,46977,417
3 more rows

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6566

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.