A world-class city like London offers world-class cultural and sporting opportunities. Plus, it’s home to some of the UK’s best colleges and universities. However, because of London’s size and the high demand to live there, many residents also have a higher cost of living. For students who are more cost-conscious, the UK is home to a number of cities which are more affordable, and have a lot to offer, including highly reputable academic institutions. Below, we’ve featured five of the UK’s most affordable cities, per 2025 data from the NatWest Student Living Index and 2026 data from the UK Freshers Guide.
Bolton, England
Bolton is a town in northern England. It was originally known for its coal mining and textiles industries, but today is an engineering hub that’s home to the University of Bolton. Popular student neighbourhoods include the town centre, Great Lever, and Deane Road. While the average rent for students across the UK was £567 in 2025, international students can expect to pay between £360 and £550 a month in rent in Bolton.
The town centre is walkable, and easy to get around by bicycle. It’s also a good idea to pick up a youth pass with Transport for Greater Manchester (also called the Bee Network) which runs local buses, trains, and trams. Living in Bolton could also be a more affordable option for students enrolled at institutions in Manchester, as Bolton is a 20 minute train ride away.
Having a big city nearby can be exciting, but there’s lots to do in town, too. Students can go to a Bolton Wanderers football game, have a picnic in Queens Park, or enjoy a walk along the Turton and Entwistle Reservoir.
Fun Fact: William Hesketh Lever, one of the founders of the multinational conglomerate Unilever, was born in Bolton in 1851.
Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is the UK’s eleventh-largest city. Home to over 384,000 people, it’s Wales’ business, governmental, and cultural centre. You’ll also find Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and a campus of the University of South Wales in the city.
While living in Cardiff, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is its third-century Cardiff Castle and the surrounding Bute Park. Or, walk Mermaid Quay: whether you’re going for a run or just taking in the sights, it’s an interesting district. Locals also love to watch Welsh rugby games at the Principality Stadium.
As you explore your new city, always carry your student ID, and consider applying for an international student discount card. Both cards can save you money at attractions, restaurants, and cafes.
With the average cost of rent in a shared student house at £460 per month, students can pocket a little extra spending money, or save up for their next semester in Wales.
Fun Fact: In the early 21st century, Cardiff was the main filming site for the popular BBC series Doctor Who.
Lincoln, England
You’ll find Lincoln in England’s East Midlands, and it’s home to just over 100,000 people. The city is known for its cathedral, which was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. While Lincoln was founded as a cathedral city, major employers over the past few centuries include agriculture, engineering, and aerospace manufacturing. Today, many people work in public service, education, health care, or hospitality fields. Lincoln’s local IT industry is also growing.
Local institutions include the University of Lincoln, Lincoln College, or Lincoln Bishop University. And, their students enjoy climbing Steep Hill (yes, that’s its real name) to visit interesting shops and restaurants, playing a casual game of football at the Arboretum, or visiting or volunteering at historic sites like Lincoln Castle.
Students in Lincoln generally pay between £440 and £640 in rent per month in shared housing. University and private halls can be more expensive, but remember that their rent includes utilities like heat, water, and Internet.
Fun Fact: In the Middle Ages, Lincoln was famous for its guilds’ wool and cloth. The legendary figure Robin Hood was said to wear clothes that were “Lincoln green.”
Hull, England
Hull is a port city with a long history of industry and literature. However, its win as the UK’s City of Culture in 2017 and status as the second-best place to visit in the UK in Time Out’s 2024 guide nods to the innovators and creatives who now call it home.
The city of Hull might not be for every student, but those who are drawn to post-industrial spaces with a lot of passion, or a beach town that won’t break their budget will find something to love. Local students attending the University of Hull tend to explore the Old Town’s classic buildings and pubs. You’ll also find them enjoying new plays, or up-and-coming bands at the New Adelphi club or Gate No. 5.
With a cost of living that was 93% lower than London’s in 2025, students can expect to spend an average of £380 a month on rent in a shared student house.
Fun Fact: The secret talks which sparked the English Civil War happened in the ‘Plotting Room’ in Ye Olde White Heart, a pub in Hull’s Old Town.
Newcastle, England
Looking for a vibrant student city with a busy, diverse nightlife and cultural scene? Newcastle might suit you. Whether you’re a bookworm curling up at the Lit and Phil Society (the largest independent library in the UK outside of London), a thrillseeker taking a polar dip in the North Sea, or a music fan immersed in sound at the Glasshouse, you’ll join over 45,000 students pursuing courses at Northumbria University, Newcastle University, and nearby Keele University.
In 2025, students in shared student housing paid an average of £425 a month in rent. That’s a comparatively affordable rate, given everything the city has to offer. Overall, living in Newcastle is over 70% cheaper than living in London.
Fun Fact: The Geordie dialect of English is still widely spoken among Newcastle locals. Here’s a quick guide to popular words to get you started.
If you’re also considering studying in Australia, Canada, or the United States, read our other blogs in this series.
These five UK cities show that you don’t need to choose between affordable living and a great education. Begin your study journey in one of these cities to enjoy the benefits of both!
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