UK Cost of Living Calculator 2025
Calculate your total monthly outgoings and compare to UK averages
Monthly Cost of Living Calculator
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UK Cost of Living by Region 2025
The cost of living varies enormously across the United Kingdom. London is the most expensive city by a considerable margin, while many northern English towns and rural Welsh and Scottish communities offer significantly lower costs of living. The following table shows average monthly costs for a single person by region.
| Region | Average Rent (1-bed) | Monthly Food & Transport | Estimated Total (single) |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £2,100 | £800 | £3,400 – £4,200 |
| South East | £1,350 | £650 | £2,500 – £3,100 |
| East of England | £1,100 | £600 | £2,100 – £2,600 |
| South West | £1,050 | £580 | £2,000 – £2,500 |
| West Midlands | £850 | £550 | £1,800 – £2,200 |
| East Midlands | £780 | £520 | £1,700 – £2,100 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £730 | £510 | £1,600 – £2,000 |
| North West | £800 | £540 | £1,700 – £2,200 |
| North East | £620 | £490 | £1,500 – £1,900 |
| Scotland | £900 | £550 | £1,800 – £2,300 |
| Wales | £700 | £500 | £1,600 – £2,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £650 | £480 | £1,500 – £1,900 |
Average UK Monthly Expenditure Breakdown 2025
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Family Spending survey provides the most authoritative data on UK household expenditure. Based on the latest data, here is how a typical UK household spends its money each month:
| Category | Average (Single Person) | Average (Family of 4) | % of Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage, CT, utilities) | £900 | £1,350 | 39% |
| Food & Non-alcoholic Drinks | £280 | £560 | 12% |
| Transport | £250 | £450 | 11% |
| Recreation & Culture | £180 | £300 | 8% |
| Restaurants & Hotels | £160 | £280 | 7% |
| Miscellaneous goods/services | £130 | £220 | 6% |
| Clothing & Footwear | £80 | £150 | 3% |
| Communication | £75 | £110 | 3% |
| Health | £60 | £100 | 3% |
| Education | £20 | £150 | 3% |
| Savings & Investments | £165 | £280 | 5% |
| Total | £2,300 | £3,950 | 100% |
Understanding Your Biggest Cost of Living Expenses
Housing – The Largest Outgoing
Housing is typically the single largest expense for UK households, accounting for 35–45% of all spending. Rent has risen significantly in recent years, driven by high demand, limited supply, and rising mortgage rates that have pushed landlords to increase rents. In London, the rent burden for many single people exceeds 50% of take-home pay, which most financial advisors consider unsustainable.
Council tax, energy bills, water, and home insurance add a further £350–£500 per month on top of rent or mortgage payments for most households.
Food Costs – Room to Save
UK food prices rose sharply in 2022–2024 due to post-pandemic supply chain disruption and energy cost pass-throughs. By 2025, food inflation has moderated significantly. The average UK household spends approximately £68 per week on food shopping, but this varies enormously by household size, dietary preferences, and supermarket choice. Switching from a premium supermarket (Waitrose, M&S) to a budget retailer (Aldi, Lidl) can reduce grocery bills by 25–35%.
Energy Bills – Post-Crisis Stabilisation
After the energy crisis peak of 2022/23 when the price cap reached £4,279 per year, bills have fallen significantly. The Ofgem price cap for Q1 2025 is approximately £1,738 per year for a typical dual-fuel household (gas and electricity). However, households with older, poorly insulated homes or electric heating may pay considerably more. Smart meters and energy efficiency improvements can materially reduce bills.
Transport – Car vs Public Transport
Running a car in the UK costs an average of £3,500–£5,000 per year when all costs are included: finance/depreciation, insurance, fuel, road tax, MOT, servicing, and parking. For many urban dwellers, abandoning a car in favour of public transport and occasional car hire represents a significant saving. However, in rural areas without adequate public transport, a car is essential.
How to Reduce Your Cost of Living in the UK
- Review energy tariffs: Compare dual-fuel or separate electricity/gas deals on comparison sites. Switching suppliers can save £100–£300 per year.
- Check council tax band: Approximately 400,000 UK properties are in the wrong council tax band. A successful appeal could reduce your bill by £200–£400 per year.
- Use loyalty schemes and cashback: Supermarket loyalty schemes (Clubcard, Nectar) combined with credit card cashback can reduce food spending by 5–10%.
- Review subscriptions: Audit all monthly subscriptions — streaming, gym, apps. The average UK household pays for 5.7 subscriptions and rarely uses all of them.
- Check benefits entitlement: Billions of pounds of means-tested benefits go unclaimed annually. Use an online benefits calculator or contact Citizens Advice to check eligibility.
- Consider remortgaging: With mortgage rates having peaked and beginning to fall, homeowners on their lender's standard variable rate (SVR) may save £200–£600 per month by fixing a new deal.
Frequently Asked Questions: UK Cost of Living 2025
What is the average cost of living in the UK per month?
The average monthly cost of living in the UK is approximately £2,300 for a single person and £3,600–£4,000 for a family of four (2025 estimates). London and the South East are significantly more expensive, with single-person costs often exceeding £3,000–£3,500 per month including rent.
How much does rent cost in the UK in 2025?
Average UK rents vary significantly by region. The UK average rent in 2025 is approximately £1,280 per month for a one-bedroom flat. In London, average rent for a one-bedroom flat is approximately £2,100 per month, falling to £1,100 in Manchester, £900 in Birmingham, £800 in Leeds, and £750 in Glasgow.
What is the average UK household energy bill in 2025?
The Ofgem energy price cap for a typical dual fuel household is approximately £1,738 per year (Q1 2025), or approximately £145 per month. Actual bills vary based on home size, insulation, and usage. Smart meters can help reduce energy consumption.
How much does food shopping cost per week in the UK?
The average UK household spends approximately £68 per week on food and non-alcoholic drinks. A single person typically spends £25–£45 per week on groceries, a couple £45–£80, and a family of four £80–£140. Shopping at discounters like Aldi or Lidl can reduce food costs by 20–30%.
What is the cheapest city to live in the UK?
Among major UK cities, the cheapest to live in are typically Stoke-on-Trent, Hull, Bradford, and Belfast. These cities have significantly lower rent costs (£500–£700 per month for a one-bedroom flat) and generally lower costs for eating out and local services.
How much is council tax per month in 2025?
Average UK council tax is approximately £2,171 per year (£181 per month) for a Band D property in England in 2025/26. Wales averages £1,955 per year and Scotland £1,484 per year. Rates vary enormously between local authorities — some charge under £900 while others exceed £2,600 for Band D.
What is a reasonable monthly budget for a single person in the UK?
A reasonable monthly budget for a single person outside London is approximately: rent £800–£1,200, council tax £150–£200, utilities £120–£180, food £200–£350, transport £80–£150, phone/broadband £50–£80, entertainment £100–£200. Total: approximately £1,530–£2,420 per month, plus recommended savings of 10–20% of take-home pay.
Written by Mustafa Bilgic (MB) | Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: ONS Family Spending Survey, Ofgem, ONS Private Rental Market Statistics. Figures are UK averages and will vary by individual circumstances and location.