Located in the county of Lincolnshire in the East Midlands region of England, Lincoln is a historic city known for its spectacular Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle. The city is rich in historical sites and medieval architecture, offering visitors a journey through time. Lincoln has been rated as one of the happiest cities in the UK to live and work in, according to a prestigious survey rated by the independent work council CV-Library. Regarding the cost of living, Lincoln is more affordable than other UK cities. The city is an excellent choice for students, families, and retirees. This blog will introduce the cost of living in Lincoln, from student accommodation, tuition, and food to entertainment and transport!
Cost of Living in Lincoln: Student Accommodation
Rent stands as one of the most significant expenses in daily life. Upon arriving in Lincoln, UK, securing student accommodation that offers safety and convenience is crucial. There are two primary types of student accommodation to consider: on-campus and off-campus.
On-campus student accommodation in Lincoln
| Apartment | Room Ttype | Week | Year | Lease Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnet Wharf | En-suite | £186.00 | £7,440.00 | 40week |
| Lincoln Courts | Non En-suite | £99.00 | £4,356.00 | 44week |
| Non En-suite(Value) | £99.00 | £4,356.00 | 44week | |
| En-suite | £126.00 | £5,544.00 | 44week | |
| En-suite (Value) | £115.00 | £5,060.00 | 44week | |
| Viking House | En-suite Small | £175.00 | £7,700.00 | 44week |
| En-suite Standard | £180.00 | £7.920.00 | 44week | |
| En-suite Large | £186.00 | £8,184.00 | 44week | |
| Studio | £199.00 | £8,756.00 | 44week | |
| 179 High Street | En-suite | £186.00 | £8,184.00 | 40week |
| Studio | £199.00 | £8,756.00 | 40week | |
| St Marks | En-suite | £186.00 | £8,184.00 | 40week |
| Valentine Court | Classic En-suite | £167.00 | £7,682.00 | 44week |
| Premium En-suite | £174.00 | £8,004.00 | 44week | |
| Deluxe En-suite | £181.00 | £8,326.00 | 44week |
Off-campus student accommodation in Lincoln
Due to the limited number of on-campus residence halls and the restrictions placed on them, most students choose to live in off-campus student accommodation in Lincoln at the start of their second year. Lincoln’s off-campus flats resemble on-campus residence halls in studio, en-suite, non-en-suite, and 1-bedroom apartments. Prices vary depending on the type of flat and location. According to uhomes.com, international students usually choose an En-suite for £135 weekly. Students who prefer to live alone can opt for studio or one-bedroom flats for £187-260 per week. uhomes.com’s student flats include utilities, so students don’t have to worry about paying bills.
Cost of Living in Lincoln: Tuition
One of the most important expenses when evaluating a student’s cost of living in Lincoln is tuition. Understanding tuition fees is crucial to students planning finances and ensuring the successful completion of their studies in Lincoln. Tuition fees can vary depending on the school, major, and nationality. Below is a breakdown of tuition fees at the University of Lincoln:
The University of Lincoln, the UK’s national university, is regarded as one of the most modern and attractive campuses in the UK and has twice been ranked in the top ten of the UK university rankings. With a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research, the University of Lincoln brings together students from more than 135 countries and many researchers and teachers who have contributed to the world’s progress. It is ranked 851-900 in QS World University Rankings 2025.
- Undergraduate: Tuition fees for undergraduate programs at the University of Lincoln range from £14,100 to £25,000 per year for international students, depending on the course.
- Postgraduate: Fees for postgraduate courses can vary significantly, typically ranging from £18,000–£24,000 per year.
Cost of Living in Lincoln: Daily Life
Food
There are many supermarket chains in Lincoln, such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, etc., where students can buy the necessary ingredients. Here are some approximate prices for everyday food items in Lincoln:
- A Loaf of Fresh White Bread costs around £0.86.
- A gallon of milk is usually priced at about £3.93.
- Eggs are available for approximately £2.82 per dozen.
- Bananas (1kg) can be found for about £0.8.
- A bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) costs approximately £7.25.
Cooking for yourself can lead to significant savings, with Lincoln students typically spending around £200 to £230 monthly on food. Additionally, many supermarkets in Lincoln offer discounts, so it’s wise to keep an eye on their apps for value deals and promotions. You can maximize your budget by staying informed and planning your meals while enjoying nutritious and delicious home-cooked meals.
Eating out on a budget becomes difficult to estimate, but if you can afford it, you can explore Lincoln’s culinary offerings to your heart’s content. The food in Lincoln is endless, with Freezing Thai Ice Cream, which is the closest to the school and has a wide range of drinks, ice creams, and desserts! Drill Hall Cafe has good food and a literary atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, you can stumble upon Live Music. In Lincoln, the average spend for a single person in an affordable restaurant is between £10- £20, and the average spend in a midrange restaurant is £35- £70.
Entertainment
Lincoln is an ancient British city with 2000 years of history, many parts of which still have remnants of Roman times. Still, today, it is a more modern city with all kinds of food, shops, and shopping, and you’ll be delighted with the variety of places to eat, shop, and shop. Odeon Cinema is located right next to the campus. Grab a coffee and some ice cream before the film, then explore the restaurants and bars of Brayford Waterfront for a great night out. The Engine Shed is run by the University of Lincoln Students’ Union. It is Lincoln’s largest live music and entertainment venue facility, rich in various activities, including live music, club nights, and live comedy shows. You might spend around £170 to £200 monthly on Lincoln activities.
Mobile Network
In Lincoln, the mobile network is as trustworthy as it gets, with leading providers such as EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 offering their services across the city. Generally speaking, £25 per month will cover your daily internet needs. Most operators require the SIM card to be tied to a UK bank card, so please prepare in advance.
Cost of Living in Lincoln: Transportation
Lincoln is located in the East Midlands of England, the Midlands, Yorkshire, and the East Coast meeting point. Convenient transport links make it easy for students to travel to all corners of Lincoln. PlusBus is a discounted ticket for unlimited travel on buses and trams, which you can add to your train ticket. Tickets start from as little as £2.50 per day with PlusBus. Young people (16-30), students, and most other railcard holders can get a third off a PlusBus daily ticket. Lincoln is easily accessible from London. You can take the London North Eastern Railway from London King’s Cross Station directly to Lincoln, with an average journey time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Humberside International Airport and East Midlands Airport offer flights to Lincoln, connecting it to European destinations such as Amsterdam. Lincoln student monthly transport costs of £50-£80.
FAQ
Is Lincoln UK a good place to live?
Yes. Lincoln is consistently recognized as one of the best places to live in the UK. As a city of history and culture, Lincoln enjoys the title of ‘oldest’ in the world. Still, it has also kept up with the times by incorporating many modern elements, including go-karts, boat trips, castles, churches, cinema, shopping, and much more. In terms of cost of living, Lincoln is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the UK. The town is an excellent choice for students, families, and retirees.
Is Lincoln UK expensive for students?
Lincoln stands out as one of the more affordable places to live than other UK cities. The overall cost of living here ranges from £800 to £1,100 per month, excluding tuition fees.
How much should I budget for accommodation in Lincoln, UK?
The average weekly rent for a student flat in Lincoln is around £190, while student flats near the city center are a little more expensive. For those looking to save money on accommodation, there are also less expensive shared housing options available
