As the most comprehensive guide for students attending universities in Glasgow, this article focuses on the cost of living in this vibrant city. Known for its rich culture, historical charm, and unique urban vibe, Glasgow is home to esteemed institutions such as the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University. While many may think of bagpipes, haggis, and friendly banter when envisioning life in Glasgow, this blog will delve deeper into the essential aspects of daily life, education and accommodation. Understanding the cost of living is crucial for newcomers, as there can be hidden expenses that may catch students off guard. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your financial journey in this exciting city.
Cost of Living in Glasgow: Daily Life
Although Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city in terms of population and area. According to NUMBEO, living expenses in Glasgow are essentially the same as in Manchester.
Food
As in other cities, the primary source of daily necessities for international students in Glasgow is the various supermarket chains in the UK. For those who prefer to cook for themselves, this will cost around ￡184 per month. But eating out in restaurants is also a great way to regulate your mood. There are a variety of grades of restaurants in the city, ranging from around ￡7 to ￡60 per meal. For a taste of British pub culture, beers and cocktails cost between ￡4 and ￡12 per glass. Here are some typical grocery prices in supermarkets:
- Milk (1L): £1.25
- Bread: £1.27
- Eggs (12): £2.83
- Chicken (1kg): £6.93
- Cheese (1kg): £8.09
- Apples (1kg): £2.52
- Potatoes (1kg): £1.05
Entertainment
Entertainment is the part where individuals vary the most. For football fans, Glasgow Rangers‘ home ground, Ibrox Stadium, is located on the city’s west side. The average ticket price for the ground is around ￡100. Cinema is a more popular option, with tickets costing between ￡7 and ￡10 per show. Moreover, there are theatres in the city centre area that offer a variety of performances. For example, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall costs around ￡12 to ￡30 per show. Buchanan Galleries is the most famous shopping destination, offering everything from discounted goods to world-famous brands. Shopping needs vary from person to person and can cost from ￡30 to ￡300 per visit.
Mobile Network
Prices for mobile phone networks are consistent across most cities in the UK. A ￡10 per month SIM card deal for students will cover the basic requirements. The ‘pay as you go‘ SIM cards are the most popular as they can be cancelled anytime. However, it should be noted that most operators require students to provide a UK bank card when purchasing a SIM card.
| The cheap deals of popular networks in UK | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Networks | Price/month | Data | Contract |
| Three | ￡10 | 15G | Pay as you go |
| O2 | ￡10 | 20G | Pay as you go |
| EE | ￡14 | 2G | 24 month plan |
| Vodafone | ￡10 | 2G | 90 days plan |
| giffgaff | ￡10 | 15G | Pay as you go |
Transport
Glasgow, as an international city, is well served by public transport. Many bus operators in the city cover all corners of the city. Taking First Bus as an example, a single journey ticket ranges from ￡2 to ￡6. However, students can save money by purchasing various Flexible Tickets.
And the subway is also an essential part of the public transport system, known as the ‘Clockwork Orange‘. A single ticket is usually ￡1.60, and students can also get a discount by buying a different ticket or smart card.
If students need to travel to other cities, they can take the train at stations such as Glasgow Central. In England, students can purchase a ￡30 Rail Card from ScotRail, which entitles them to a 30% discount on all tickets for a year.
Cost of Living in Glasgow: Education
For international students, tuition fees are the biggest cost of living in Glasgow, Scotland. This is because tuition fees are usually higher for international students than for UK students.
- Tuition fees in Glasgow vary significantly by institution, course, and student residency status. For undergraduate students from the UK, fees are around £9,535 per year, while international students can expect to pay between £26,580 for Arts and Social Sciences and up to £58,890 for some Medicine programs in the 2025/26 academic year.
Fees for international postgraduate students are also variable, and students should check the specific institution’s website for accurate pricing.Undergraduate- UK Students (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): £9,535 per year for most programs.
- International Students:
- Arts, Social Sciences, Law (Graduate Entry): £26,580 per year.
- Science, Engineering, Nursing: £31,800 per year.
- Veterinary Medicine (BVMS): £36,230 per year.
- Medicine (MBChB), Dentistry, other clinical programs: £58,890 per year.
Postgraduate- International Students: Tuition fees range from £20,400 to £40,000. Business-related majors may be more expensive; for example, an MBA course costs around £37,500. Research-based postgraduate tuition fees also vary: around £20,400 for arts and social sciences, around £23,950 for science and engineering, and as high as £40,000 for clinical projects.
- Note: It is essential to check the specific course and year for the most up-to-date information, as fees can change.
- Students can also access Student Finance loans to help cover tuition and living expenses. Additionally, many universities offer scholarships based on merit or need, which can help mitigate overall costs.
Cost of Living in Glasgow: Accommodation
In Glasgow, students have a wealth of living options. Common ones are university halls of residence, off-campus student accommodation and social properties. Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, making the costs very different.
On campus student halls
University of Glasgow’s student halls cover all campuses and offer a wide choice of room types and services, with prices ranging from ￡456 to ￡720 monthly. The University of Strathclyde also provides three types of halls of residence for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with prices ranging from ￡440 to ￡640 per month. Glasgow Caledonian University also offers student accommodation for 660 students at Caledonian Court.
Off-campus student accommodation in Glasgow
Off-campus student housing in Glasgow is also a popular option. Although more expensive, students have the freedom to choose the type of room and location, and many flats offer additional community facilities and services. Typically, the rent for this type of student accommodation is between ￡600 and ￡1,200 per month.
Private rental property
There is a broader choice of social properties and a more comprehensive range of room types to cater for students with higher demand. Depending on personal preference, prices may range between should ￡600 and ￡2000 each month. However, students can reduce the average cost by sharing a flat with someone else.
Gas and Utility
If a student is living in a social flat, there are also energy and utility costs to be concerned about. Unlike halls of residence and flats that come with a bill, most social properties require residents to pay their own bills. According to the figures, the monthly utility costs (gas, electricity, water, internet, etc.) in Glasgow are between ￡150 and ￡260.
Popular Neighborhoods for Students
1. West End
Vibe: Trendy and artistic with plenty of cafes and parks.
Average Rent: £600-£900
2. City Centre
Vibe: Bustling urban lifestyle with easy access to amenities.
Average Rent: £700-£1,000
3. Southside
Vibe: More residential and family-friendly, with community markets.
Average Rent: £500-£800
Council Tax
Council tax is a challenge that all renters in the UK need to face. If a student is living in a student house or flat, then it is automatically tax-free. However, for student liveing in a social property, they have to apply for the tax exemption yourself. If you don’t apply, you must pay between ￡83 and ￡306 monthly.
Cut Your Cost of Living in Glasgow: Money-Saving Tips
To help manage your cost of living in Glasgow, consider these practical money-saving tips:
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Get a Subway Smartcard | Register and use a Subway Smartcard. The daily fare cap is approximately £3, which is much cheaper than buying individual tickets daily. |
| Cycle (Bike) | Purchase a bike (preferably second-hand) to significantly cut down on transport costs (saving you about £3/day). Glasgow has a decent amount of cycling infrastructure. |
| Free Bus Travel (Under 22) | If you are under the age of 22, you may be eligible for free bus travel (check for the required card/scheme). |
| Food and Groceries | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose Budget Supermarkets | Lidl and Aldi are widely recommended as the cheapest supermarkets for groceries, offering a wide range of products. |
| Use Supermarket Apps | Download the apps for various supermarkets to access coupons and special discounts. |
| Get a Part-Time Job at a Supermarket | Working part-time at a supermarket often provides staff discounts (around 10-15%), which can significantly reduce your food bill. |
| Study Materials and Utilities | Details |
|---|---|
| Buy Second-hand Textbooks | New books are expensive. Try to purchase second-hand from Charity Shops (like Oxfam). Some may even have bundled books for specific UoG courses. |
| Smart Phone Plan Selection | GiffGaff is often recommended for good, non-contract SIM-only deals. Advise checking your actual monthly data usage to choose the cheapest plan, avoiding paying for data you don’t use. |
Conclusion
To summarise, university fees make up the bulk of Glasgow’s costs. They cost between ￡16,000 and ￡20,000 per year, followed by flat rent, which is around ￡600 per month or more. On the other hand, monthly living and entertainment costs range from ￡800 to ￡1,400, but students can save money through various offers or deals.
| Cost of Living in Glasgow: Monthly Estimate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| # | Item Description | Average Cost (£) | Price Range (£) |
| Accommodation | |||
| Student Hall (Single Room) | 650 | 550 – 750 | |
| 1-Bed Flat (City Centre) | 850 | 750 – 1,000 | |
| 1-Bed Flat (Outside Centre) | 700 | 600 – 800 | |
| Shared Flat/Room | 500 | 400 – 600 | |
| Utilities | |||
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water, Council Tax*) | 180 | 150 – 250 | |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | 32 | 25 – 40 | |
| Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data) | 12 | 8 ~ 20 | |
| Groceries | |||
| Monthly Grocery Total (Moderate) | 220 | 180 – 300 | |
| Transportation | |||
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Zone 1-2) | 65 | 60 – 75 | |
| Eating Out & Social | |||
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | 15 | 12 ~ 20 | |
| Coffee (Cappuccino) | 3.2 | 2.80 – 3.60 | |
| Monthly Gym Membership (Standard) | 28 | 22 – 35 | |
| Study Essentials | |||
| Books & Academic Supplies (Monthly Share) | 30 | 20 – 50 | |
| Total Monthly Estimate | |||
| Budget Lifestyle (Shared Accommodation) | ~1,057 | 900 – 1,250 | |
| Moderate Lifestyle (Private Studio) | ~1,457 | 1,300 – 1,700 | |
Cost of Living in Glasgow: FAQ
Is Glasgow Scotland expensive to live?
Glasgow is considered relatively affordable compared to other cities in the UK. House prices, in particular, are below the UK average, making it attractive for both individuals and families. However, as with other cities, costs vary considerably depending on lifestyle choices and preferences. For example, eating out, entertainment and personal care can add significantly to monthly expenses.
Is ￡1000 enough for a month in Glasgow?
If you exclude university fees, £1000 will likely support a month’s living in Glasgow. Firstly, there is accommodation; the cheapest residence halls are ￡450 per month. And finding cheaper options is possible by looking for shared social properties off-campus. Secondly, daily living, if you insist on cooking your own meals, you can spend less than ￡200 per month. Also, be careful not to overshop or spend on entertainment; ￡1000 is enough to live in Glasgow for a month.
Is Glasgow a cheap city to live in?
The cost of living in Glasgow is relatively inexpensive compared to other major cities in the UK. House prices in Glasgow are much lower than in cities such as London and Edinburgh, and the cost of groceries, transport and leisure activities is also relatively inexpensive. According to NUMBEO, the average cost of living in Edinburgh is 12% higher than in Glasgow and 57.9% higher in London.
Is $40,000 a good salary in Glasgow?
Yes, a salary of £40,000 is considered a good salary in Glasgow, as it is above the median income (£36k) and provides enough for a comfortable lifestyle. It is generally considered a “good wage” for a single person, allowing for living expenses, savings, and some leisure activities.
How much is average rent in Glasgow?
The average weekly rent for student accommodation in Glasgow is around £120 to £146, but this can vary significantly based on type and location. Purpose-built student flats average about £146 per week, while university halls can be around £190 per week, and private rentals (excluding bills) range from £200 to £250 per week. Browse uhomes.com, find more affordable housing options in Glasgow.
What is the monthly budget for a student in Glasgow?
A student’s monthly budget in Glasgow is estimated to be between £1,000 and £1,700. This range is dependent on factors such as accommodation choices and lifestyle, your cost of living includes:
- Rent: £400-£600 (shared accommodation)
- Utilities: £50-£100 (electricity, heating, water, internet)
- Groceries: £150-£250
- Transportation: £50 (public transport)
- Entertainment: £50-£100 (restaurants, going out)
- Miscellaneous: £50 (books, supplies)
It is important to remember that these are rough estimates, and individual expenses may vary. Always do your research or consult a local expert for the most accurate information.
Is Glasgow cheaper to live in than Edinburgh?
Yes, Glasgow is generally more affordable than Edinburgh. The cost of living, including rent, in Edinburgh is 8.5% higher than in Glasgow. Rent prices in Edinburgh are 15.0% higher than in Glasgow. Day-to-day expenses like eating out and transport are also slightly cheaper.
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