The cost of living in Cambridge, UK, is about £1,200 to £1,400 a month for a student in 2026/27, covering accommodation, food, personal spending, social activities and study costs. Accommodation is typically one of the largest expenses, while food, transport and utility bills also affect the monthly budget. This guide explains student living costs in Cambridge, compares accommodation options and provides practical tips for reducing everyday expenses.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Cambridge, UK?
Cambridge is one of the UK’s leading university and technology hubs, attracting students, researchers and professionals from around the world. Its popularity and strong demand for housing can make finding affordable accommodation challenging.
For students, living costs vary depending on whether they choose university accommodation, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) or a shared private house. Rent, included utilities and daily spending all influence how much they need to budget each month.
The following breakdown outlines the estimated monthly expenses for students living in Cambridge in 2026/27.
| Monthly Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | £730–£850 |
| Food and Groceries | £220–£240 |
| Transport | £30–£40 |
| Utilities and Internet | £0–£30 |
| Personal Expenses and Study Costs | £100–£120 |
| Social Activities and Entertainment | £120 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | £1,200–£1,400 |
These are planning estimates rather than official citywide averages. Categories may overlap depending on whether accommodation includes bills, meals or other services. Your actual expenditure will vary by property, lifestyle and study arrangements.
Cost of Living in Cambridge, England: Detailed Breakdown
Student Accommodation Costs in Cambridge
Student accommodation in Cambridge costs about £540 to £1,300 a month, or roughly £125 to £300 per week, depending on the type of housing you choose. University-managed rooms cost about £880 a month on average at the University of Cambridge and about £540 to £920 a month at ARU. Private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) covers a wider range, from about £650 to £1,300 a month, and usually includes bills and Wi-Fi. Rent is the largest part of a student budget in Cambridge, so your choice of accommodation affects your monthly costs more than any other expense.
University Accommodation
University accommodation in Cambridge varies between the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). At the University of Cambridge, undergraduates usually live in college-managed accommodation, with rents depending on the college, room type and contract length. For 2027/28, the University’s indicative living costs are £1,330 per month, including £880 for accommodation, equivalent to approximately £11,970 for nine months or £15,960 for twelve months. College accommodation contracts are generally shorter than private tenancies, with minimum terms ranging from 27 to 39 weeks in 2025/26, allowing some students to avoid paying rent over the summer.
Meanwhile, ARU offers halls on its Cambridge campus and shared houses within walking distance. In 2025/26, accommodation contracts lasted 40 weeks and three nights, with weekly rents ranging from £124.18 for a twin room to £211.82 for a studio, or approximately £5,020–£8,564 for the full tenancy. Rent included gas, water, electricity and internet. ARU does not require a deposit for university-managed accommodation, but students must pay £400 in advance rent when applying, which is deducted from their first rent payment.
Purpose-built Student Accommodation
Private student accommodation in Cambridge costs around £150–£300 per week, depending on the room type, location and facilities. Also known as purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), it offers options ranging from shared rooms and en-suite rooms to private studios. Many student residences include utility bills and Wi-Fi in the rent, helping students manage their living costs more easily. On uhomes.com, students can compare private student accommodation in Cambridge by price, room type, location and amenities to find options that match their budget.
uhomes.com helps students cut housing costs with early-bird offers, group booking discounts and exclusive deals on selected properties. Students can compare rents across different properties, choose budget-friendly room types and check whether bills are included to avoid unexpected expenses. Booking early and sharing accommodation with flatmates can also help reduce weekly rent and overall living costs. With a range of options to suit different budgets, uhomes.com makes it easier to find affordable student housing near University of Cambridge without overlooking location, facilities or convenience.
| Room Type | Indicative Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| Shared Room | Around £180 |
| Non-En-suite Room | Around £233 |
| En-suite Room | Around £250 |
| Studio | Around £296 |
Food and Groceries
Students in Cambridge should budget around £220–£240 per month for food and groceries, which is generally enough if they cook most meals at home, shop at affordable supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Tesco, and eat out occasionally. A practical way to manage this budget is to spend approximately £175 on groceries, £35 on campus lunches or takeaways, and £20 on coffee, snacks and social meals. Students can buy groceries for home cooking, eat at university or college dining facilities, grab supermarket meal deals between lectures, or visit Cambridge’s cafés, takeaways and restaurants when socialising with friends. However, eating out regularly can quickly push spending over budget: a £9 fast-food meal every day would cost around £270 per month, while buying a £3.39 cappuccino on every weekday would add approximately £73 per month. To keep food costs manageable, plan weekly meals, prepare packed lunches, cook in batches and compare supermarket prices. Students who frequently order takeaways or dine out should consider a higher monthly allowance.
| Everyday Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| 1 litre of whole milk | £1.00 |
| 12 large eggs | £2.92 |
| 1 kg of potatoes | £0.71 |
| 1 kg of tomatoes | £3.41 |
| 1 kg of apples | £2.66 |
| 500 g of chicken breast | £3.58 |
| Fast food combo meal | £9.00 |
| Lunch with a drink in the business district | £16.00 |
| Cappuccino | £3.39 |
| Pint of beer in a pub | £4.87 |
| Dinner for two in a neighbourhood pub | £32.00 |
Shelf prices are from Expatistan (October 2026). Its Cambridge sample is small, so use the figures as a guide rather than a quote.
Transport
Transport costs about £30 to £40 a month for most students in Cambridge. The city is compact and flat, so most students walk or cycle and use the bus only for longer trips. University of Cambridge students pay £1 per journey on the Universal bus, so a £30 to £40 budget covers 30 to 40 single trips. Even at the national £3 cap on single bus fares, it still covers 10 to 13 trips. A 28 day student bus pass costs £58, so a pass only saves money for students who take the bus every day. Students who walk or cycle most days can spend less, since a used bike costs £40 to £80 once.
| Transport Option in Cambridge | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free | Many students walk or cycle |
| Used Bicycle | £40–£80 to buy; £5–£10 per month for upkeep | Estimated cost from University Living |
| Universal Bus – University of Cambridge Students | £1 per journey | Show your student ID |
| Universal Bus – ARU and Other Students | £1.70 single; £2.50 all day | Show your student ID and use a purple ticket |
| Universal Bus – Standard Fare | £2 single; £3.50 all day | Standard adult fare |
| Tiger Bus Pass – Under-25s in Cambridgeshire | £1 per journey | Check eligibility with the Combined Authority |
| Single Bus Fare Cap | Maximum £3 per journey | Applicable fare cap |
Utilities and Internet
Utilities and internet costs in Cambridge are between £0 and £30 a month for most students, because many student homes include bills in the rent. In ARU-managed accommodation, rent covers gas, water, electricity and internet. Most student accommodation in Cambridge listed on uhomes.com is all bills included, so the only cost left is usually a mobile phone plan or personal broadband. Students who rent a private room or house elsewhere pay more, with energy and water bills of about £60 to £100 a month per person, so check what your rent includes before you sign.
| Cost | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| All-inclusive Cambridge Housing | £0, included in rent |
| Mobile Phone Plan | £10–£20 |
| Shared Home Broadband | £10–£15 per person |
Personal Expenses and Study Costs
Personal expenses and study costs come to about £100 to £120 a month. The University of Cambridge budgets £75 for personal items, £25 for miscellaneous costs and £10 for study materials in 2027/28, which adds up to £110. Personal items cover everyday needs such as toiletries and haircuts, while study costs stay low because the University’s libraries and IT facilities are free to use. Some courses add costs for field trips or equipment, so check your course page before you set your budget.
| Cost | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Personal Items | £75 |
| Miscellaneous | £25 |
| Study Costs | £10 |
| Total | £110 |
Social Activities and Entertainment
Social activities and entertainment cost about £120 a month for a moderately active social life in Cambridge. A typical month might include one night out at about £65, two student cinema tickets at about £10 each, a student theatre ticket at about £10, two pints at about £4.87 each and a few coffees at about £3.39 each, which comes to roughly £115. Many of the city’s attractions are free, including the Fitzwilliam Museum and walks along the River Cam, so students who go out less can spend well under this amount. Paid sights such as a punting tour, at about £21 to £32 per person, and a visit to King’s College Chapel, at £12.75 to £15 for students, are better treated as occasional treats.
| Activity in Cambridge | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Fitzwilliam Museum | Free, donations welcome |
| Polar Museum | Free |
| Walk along the River Cam | Free |
| Student cinema ticket, Arts Picturehouse | £8.20 to £12.30, or £5.20 to £9.30 with student membership |
| Student theatre ticket, ADC Theatre | About £8 to £13 |
| Shared punting tour | About £21 to £32 per person |
| King’s College Chapel, student ticket | £12.75 to £15.00 |
| Pint of beer in a pub | £4.87 to £5.50 |
| Cappuccino | £3.39 |
| Cocktail in a city centre club | £8 |
| Dinner for two in a pub | £32 |
| Gym membership, one month | £48 |
| A typical student night out | About £65 |
Is Cambridge Expensive for International Students?
Yes, Cambridge is expensive for international students, with estimated living costs of £1,200–£1,400 per month. Although it is generally more affordable than London, it tends to be more expensive than cities such as Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield. Accommodation is one of the biggest factors affecting monthly expenses, with shared flats and budget-friendly student rooms helping to keep costs down. In contrast, private studios and premium student residences usually require a higher budget. Choosing suitable accommodation and managing daily spending can help international students keep their living costs in Cambridge under control.
Smart Ways to Reduce Cost of Living in Cambridge, UK
International students can reduce their cost of living in Cambridge by making practical choices about accommodation, food, transport and everyday spending. A few small changes can help keep monthly expenses manageable without compromising the student experience.
- Choose affordable student accommodation: Rent is usually one of the biggest monthly expenses. Compare room types, locations and contract lengths before booking, and check whether electricity, heating, water and Wi-Fi are included in the rent. Shared flats and en-suite rooms are often more budget-friendly than private studios. You can browse verified student accommodation in Cambridge on uhomes.com to compare prices, facilities and locations before making a decision.
- Cook at home more often: Buying groceries from supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Tesco and preparing meals at home can cost less than eating out regularly. Plan meals for the week, make a shopping list and cook in batches to reduce food waste. University and College dining facilities can also be worth considering if they offer reasonably priced meals.
- Cycle or walk when possible: Cambridge is known for its cycling-friendly environment, and many students use bicycles for daily journeys. Buying a second-hand bike or using a student cycle scheme, where available, can reduce transport costs. Remember to budget for a good lock, lights and occasional maintenance. For longer journeys, compare student bus fares and travel passes.
- Make the most of student discounts: Check whether your student ID or services such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer discounts on clothing, technology, food and entertainment. University societies, free campus events, public museums and local parks also provide ways to socialise without spending much.
- Manage bills and subscriptions: Before signing a tenancy agreement, confirm which utilities are included and how any additional bills are divided among housemates. Avoid paying for duplicate subscriptions, review your mobile phone plan and cancel services you rarely use. Setting a weekly spending limit can also help you identify where your money goes.
- Buy second-hand essentials: Textbooks, kitchen equipment, furniture and winter clothing can be expensive when purchased new. Check university noticeboards, student groups, charity shops and reputable second-hand marketplaces for items in good condition. If you are staying in Cambridge for only one academic year, avoid buying bulky items that you may not need after moving out.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Cambridge, UK, is estimated at £1,200–£1,400 per month for students in 2026/27, excluding tuition fees. Accommodation is usually the largest expense, followed by food and other day-to-day costs. To manage their budget, international students should compare room types and included bills, plan transport around their accommodation location and keep regular spending under control. With a realistic budget and careful housing choices, students can plan their finances more confidently before moving to Cambridge.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Cambridge
The average cost of living in Cambridge for a student is approximately £1,200 to £1,400 per month (excluding tuition fees).
Arbury and Chesterton are among the more affordable areas for student accommodation in Cambridge. Arbury offers shared rooms at around £550–£750 per month, while rooms in shared houses in Chesterton typically cost £600–£780 per month.
Yes, student accommodation in Cambridge is relatively expensive compared with many other UK university cities. Average student rents are approximately 34% higher than in Nottingham and 63% higher than in Sheffield, making Cambridge a more costly option for students on a budget.
Most uhomes.com purpose-built student accommodation in Cambridge includes utility bills and Wi-Fi in the rent, but this varies by property and contract.
Students can make Cambridge more affordable by sharing accommodation, choosing housing slightly outside the city centre, and booking early to access lower rents and special offers. Cooking at home, cycling instead of relying on public transport, and taking advantage of free attractions such as the Fitzwilliam Museum can also reduce daily expenses.
