Cost Of Living For a Single Person in London 2024

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in London

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: GBP
350 2,500 17,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$450 $3,200 $21,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in London

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in London?

A single person in London spends around 2,500 GBP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 350 GBP or as high as 17,000 GBP. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in London


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in London

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.4 GBP 6.7 GBP 11 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $8.5 $14

Restaurant meal for one

12 GBP 18 GBP 36 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46

Fine dining meal for one

24 GBP 36 GBP 140 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $180

Cappuccino or latte

2.8 GBP 4.5 GBP 6.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $5.7 $8.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.2 GBP 2.7 GBP 3.4 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $4.3

12 eggs

1.7 GBP 2.2 GBP 3.4 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $4.3

Fresh whole chicken

3.8 GBP 4.9 GBP 7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $6.3 $8.9

Pack of beef

4.5 GBP 6.7 GBP 13 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.5 $17

Medium bag of rice

1.8 GBP 2.5 GBP 3.5 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.4

Bag of tomatos

0.67 GBP 0.90 GBP 1.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.1 $2.1

Bag of apples

1.2 GBP 1.6 GBP 2.6 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3.3
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in London


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

3 GBP 3.6 GBP 7.2 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $4.6 $9.2

Average car full tank

17 GBP 22 GBP 45 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $57

Average car 1-day rental

19 GBP 26 GBP 39 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $33 $49

Average car price

8,400 GBP 17,000 GBP 22,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $21,000 $28,000

Bus ticket one way

0.65 GBP 0.97 GBP 1.9 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.82 $1.2 $2.4

Car Service

26 GBP 39 GBP 77 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $49 $98
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in London


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

21 GBP 150 GBP 990 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $190 $1,300

Internet and cable

17 GBP 34 GBP 45 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $43 $57

Mobile phone charges

13 GBP 22 GBP 67 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $28 $85

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

8.4 GBP 11 GBP 17 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $21

One month gym membership

31 GBP 39 GBP 77 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$39 $49 $98
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in London


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

23 GBP 32 GBP 48 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $41 $61

Woman dress

21 GBP 30 GBP 97 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $38 $120

Woman shoes

20 GBP 28 GBP 64 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $35 $82

Men's shoes

18 GBP 21 GBP 43 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$22 $27 $54

Men suit

19 GBP 24 GBP 130 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $31 $160

Regular t-shirt

9.7 GBP 13 GBP 39 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $49
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in London


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

320 GBP 480 GBP 1,300 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $610 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment

480 GBP 770 GBP 1,900 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $980 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment

640 GBP 970 GBP 2,600 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,200 $3,300

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

64,000 GBP 97,000 GBP 190,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment

77,000 GBP 130,000 GBP 480,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98,000 $160,000 $610,000

2-bedroom apartment

130,000 GBP 390,000 GBP 770,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $980,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in London


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

340 GBP 420 GBP 560 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $530 $710

Double Bed

220 GBP 340 GBP 420 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $430 $530

Single Bed

200 GBP 260 GBP 340 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $330 $430

Living Room

370 GBP 480 GBP 1,700 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $610 $2,100

Dining Table

170 GBP 220 GBP 420 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $280 $530

Sofa or Couch

220 GBP 310 GBP 670 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $390 $850
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in London


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

220 GBP 340 GBP 670 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $430 $850

Fridge or Freezer

200 GBP 310 GBP 420 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $390 $530

Washing Machine

260 GBP 370 GBP 670 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $470 $850

Stove or Cooker

240 GBP 310 GBP 420 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $390 $530

Mobile Phone

280 GBP 340 GBP 480 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $430 $610

Laptop or Computer

310 GBP 370 GBP 670 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $470 $850
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in London

Single person expenditure to income ratio in London

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in London

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

85%

75% to 95%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in London spend around 85% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 75% of their income while some as high as 95%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in London

How do individuals spend their money in London?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost32%

32% of total expenses on average (20% to 44%)

LOW$160   130 GBP
AVERAGE$1,100   900 GBP
HIGH$7,600   6,000 GBP
Per Month

Individuals in London typically spend from 20% to 44% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 32% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 900 GBP with expenditure ranging from 130 GBP to 6,000 GBP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$27   21 GBP
AVERAGE$190   150 GBP
HIGH$1,300   990 GBP
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in London ranges from 3% to 12% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 150 GBP with 21 GBP and 990 GBP being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$36   28 GBP
AVERAGE$250   200 GBP
HIGH$1,700   1,300 GBP
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 28 GBP to 1,300 GBP in a month on commuting with 200 GBP being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 6% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 12%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost18%

18% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$72   57 GBP
AVERAGE$500   400 GBP
HIGH$3,400   2,700 GBP
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in London is 400 GBP. The cost of groceries can range between 57 GBP to 2,700 GBP. Individuals spend on average about 18% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 12% and 23% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (5% to 15%)

LOW$40   32 GBP
AVERAGE$280   220 GBP
HIGH$1,900   1,500 GBP
Per Month

Individuals in London allocate 5% to 15% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 11%. The range of medical expenses range from 32 GBP to 1,500 GBP with 220 GBP being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$22   18 GBP
AVERAGE$160   120 GBP
HIGH$1,100   830 GBP
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 18 GBP to 830 GBP with 120 GBP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$9   7.1 GBP
AVERAGE$63   50 GBP
HIGH$420   330 GBP
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 50 GBP per month with 7.1 GBP being the minimum spent amount and 330 GBP being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$81   64 GBP
AVERAGE$570   450 GBP
HIGH$3,800   3,000 GBP
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in London

What percentage of individuals in London are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
82%
Not Saving
18%

Almost 82% of surveyed individuals in London said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 18% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in London

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

17% 29% of income 39%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

110 GBP
$140
990 GBP
$1,300
6,600 GBP
$8,400
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 17% to 39% of their monthly income to their savings, with 29% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 990 GBP with 110 GBP and 6,600 GBP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in London

Saving Challenges in London

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in London. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans17%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later17%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 17% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 10% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 17% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in London

Typical saving choices for individuals in London

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings17%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in London

Affordable living in London

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in London?


Yes
84%
No
16%

Around 84% of surveyed individuals think that living in London is affordable with proper budgeting while 16% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in London

Low-cost alternatives in London

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options68%

Few low-cost options32%


Based on the survey, 68% of the individuals living in London have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 32% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked individuals of London whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes79%

No21%


Based on the survey, 21% of the individuals living in London said that they don't have an emergency fund while 79% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in London

Financial Literacy in United Kingdom

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy68%


We asked individuals in London whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 32% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 68% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether single people of United Kingdom have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 34% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 66% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance34%

Easily manages finances66%

Financial goals and targets of single people living in London

Financial goals of individuals in London

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in London, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund7%
Debt Reduction34%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle10%
Healthcare Expenses10%
Financial Independence8%

Around 7% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 34% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 10% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 10% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in London

Debt, loans, and mortgages in London


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the individuals in London have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in London

Debt-to-income ratio in London

Debt to income ratio

31%

21% to 42%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 31% of a single person's monthly income in London goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%12%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%14%
10% - 20%18%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in London pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 12% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 14% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in London

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage12%
Auto Loan22%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card26%
Personal Loan37%

12% of debtors in London confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 26% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 22% of people and personal loans rose at 37%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in London.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in London

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of London how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never54%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in London

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in London

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in London

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

320 GBP 480 GBP 1,300 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $610 $1,600

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

480 GBP 770 GBP 1,900 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $980 $2,400

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

640 GBP 970 GBP 2,600 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820 $1,200 $3,300

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

770 GBP 1,300 GBP 3,500 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$980 $1,600 $4,500

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,500 GBP 3,900 GBP 7,700 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $9,800

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,300 GBP 1,900 GBP 5,500 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $2,400 $7,000

House monthly rent cost

1,500 GBP 3,900 GBP 7,700 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,000 $4,900 $9,800

Villa monthly rent cost

1,900 GBP 4,800 GBP 7,700 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,400 $6,100 $9,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in London ranges between 320 GBP and 1,300 GBP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 480 GBP to 1,900 GBP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 640 GBP and 2,600 GBP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 770 GBP to 3,500 GBP. The average rent of a townhouse in London is around 1,900 GBP while house rental costs can be as high as 3,900 GBP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,900 GBP to 7,700 GBP per month.



Apartment and house prices in London

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

64,000 GBP 97,000 GBP 190,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$82,000 $120,000 $240,000

1-bedroom apartment price

77,000 GBP 130,000 GBP 480,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$98,000 $160,000 $610,000

2-bedroom apartment price

130,000 GBP 390,000 GBP 770,000 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160,000 $490,000 $980,000

3-bedroom apartment price

430,000 GBP 640,000 GBP 1.9M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540,000 $820,000 $2.4M

Townhouse price

550,000 GBP 1.3M GBP 4.8M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$700,000 $1.6M $6.1M

House price

640,000 GBP 3.9M GBP 5.5M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$820,000 $4.9M $7M

Villa price

770,000 GBP 4.3M GBP 6.4M GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$980,000 $5.4M $8.2M

The average price of a studio apartment in London can range from 64,000 GBP to 190,000 GBP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 77,000 GBP to 480,000 GBP. A villa can cost you 4.3M GBP on average with prices ranging from 770,000 GBP to 6.4M GBP.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in London will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


49 x147 monthly income 248
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in London can be x147 to x248 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x147 multiples of the average monthly salary in London.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


26% 38% of income 49%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in London is around 38%. This means that people pay 38% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 26% to 49% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
35%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.3%
TO
4.3%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


5.5 GBP 72 GBP 720 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in London

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in London

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

21 GBP 150 GBP 990 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $190 $1,300

Internet and cable cost

17 GBP 34 GBP 45 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $43 $57

Mobile phone bill and charges

13 GBP 22 GBP 67 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $28 $85

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 150 GBP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 17 GBP to 45 GBP with 34 GBP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 22 GBP but can range between 13 GBP and 67 GBP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2.3% 5.7% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in London is around 5.7%. This means that people pay 5.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in London

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in London

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3.4 GBP 6.7 GBP 11 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $8.5 $14

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in London is approximatly 6.7 GBP with meal cost ranging from 3.4 GBP to 11 GBP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

12 GBP 18 GBP 36 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $23 $46

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 12 GBP and 36 GBP with 18 GBP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in London.

Fine dining meal for one price

24 GBP 36 GBP 140 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $180

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 24 GBP to 140 GBP with the average cost being 36 GBP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in London.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.8 GBP 4.5 GBP 6.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.5 $5.7 $8.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in London is around 4.5 GBP. Price ranges between 2.8 GBP and 6.7 GBP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.2 GBP 2.7 GBP 3.4 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $4.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in London is 2.7 GBP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.4 GBP and the minimum being 2.2 GBP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.7 GBP 2.2 GBP 3.4 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $4.3

A dozen eggs costs around 2.2 GBP on average with 1.7 GBP and 3.4 GBP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3.8 GBP 4.9 GBP 7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $6.3 $8.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in London is between 3.8 GBP and 7 GBP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4.9 GBP.

Pack of beef price

4.5 GBP 6.7 GBP 13 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.5 $17

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6.7 GBP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.8 GBP 2.5 GBP 3.5 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.4

A bag of rice in London costs around 2.5 GBP on average with prices rangeing between 1.8 GBP and 3.5 GBP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.67 GBP 0.90 GBP 1.7 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.1 $2.1

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.67 GBP to 1.7 GBP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.2 GBP 1.6 GBP 2.6 GBP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3.3

A bag of apples costs 1.6 GBP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


20% 29% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in London is around 29%. This means that individuals spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 57 GBP to 2,700 GBP with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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