York, England, is a lively city in northern Yorkshire, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse lifestyle. Before moving to a new city, understanding the cost of living in York is essential when planning to study abroad. This guide breaks down the key expenses—such as York average house price, food, groceries, transportation, personal care and more about everything in your daily life—especially helping students to grasp the average cost of living and discover ways to manage their budgets effectively. By offering tips on saving money and highlighting affordable options, this guide aims to help everyone make the most of their experience in York affordable and comfortable.
City of York, England: Overview
York, England, is a moderately sized city located in the northern region of the UK, with a population of approximately 210,000. It is located between the River Ouse and the River Foss. York boasts an efficient railway and highway infrastructure, hosting one of the most bustling train stations in the United Kingdom, offering speedy transportation to London in a mere two hours. York is famous for its abundant history and culture, highlighted by notable sites like York Minster, the old city walls, and the charming Shambles. Furthermore, green areas such as the Vale of York and national parks provide perfect locations for people who enjoy outdoor activities. York is near the North Sea shore, so you can reach Scarborough and other stunning beaches within just an hour’s drive. Therefore, it is an ideal location to encounter a one-of-a-kind combination of history and nature.
Living in York is safe, affordable and student-friendly. The average cost of living in York is from £1,280 – £4,000 per month. York is the inclusive city with several cultures. Though average cost of living in York does not stands a low level throughout England, it can not be named as high cost level city looking through the whole country. Compared with the biggest city, London, you can feel the general cost level of York City and the Data are referred from NUMBEO.
- Cost of Living in York is 41.5% lower than in London (without rent)
- Cost of Living Including Rent in York is 61.6% lower than in London
- Rent Prices in York are 102.9% lower than in London
- Restaurant Prices in York are 32.2% lower than in London
- Groceries Prices in York are 22.8% lower than in London
Average Student Accommodation Costs in York, England
Accommodation forms the biggest part of one’s budget. Rent for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre will cost around £800-£2,400 per month.
- Studio: £1,253.56/month
- En suite: £992.80/month
- Non En suite: £796/month
- Shared Room: £886/month
Besides, under the chart, you can find all the facilities and amenities that different types of student accommodation in York offer. It shows the pros and cons of what you can choose from. Generally speaking, choose the student housing with more facilities and amenities, which means you can enjoy your rent the most.
| University Halls | Student Accommodation | Private Housing Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished | √ | √ | part of or semi-furnished |
| Bills (utilities: mainly include the cost of water, gas, heating, electricity and internet) | √ | √ | None; only so limited private housing shares may include the bills |
| Amenities | study room and the lounge, laundry room | Gym, Cinema, game rooms, vending machine, laundry room, study lounge | none |
| Location | Near or at the university or city centre with convenient transportation commute | Close to the university campus or city centre with convenient transportation commute | Far from the campus but close to the transportation lines |
| Safe Facilities | Reception, CCTV | Reception, CCTV, maintenance team, door entry system | Some are located in a quiet community and should pay more attention to safety. |
| Room types | Ensuite flats | Studios/ensuites/shared apartments | Shared housing |
Student Accommodation in York: Top List Recommendation
For international students, renting the best student accommodation in York is always the first and final mission, which should not always be easy. This issue covers several considerations, including all the factors we mentioned in the chart above. Thus, asking for a reasonable online rental portal’s help can save you time and also help you cover the budget better. As the portal like uhomes.com is free on rental consultant services and also applies the exclusive listings and exclusive offers instead.
Compared to other cities in England, York is not equipped with so sufficient choices on student housing. Our Top 5 best York student accommodations not only cover all needs, facilities and outstanding amenities, but also offer the reasonable rent cost.
1. Lawrence St.
- Location: Lawrence Street, York, England YO10 3FT.
- Basic Info: Lawrence Street provides all residents with a free breakfast buffet on workdays, bi-weekend in-door room cleaning, full-day free coffee and tea, and some extra unique services like gym courses, bike rent, and so on.
- Average House Price York: from £796 monthly.
2. The Boulevard
- Location: Hull Road, York, England YO10 3JG.
- Basic Info: The Boulevard is a good option for student accommodation in York, offering two types of rooms: En-suite and Studio. There are six types of En-suite and six types of Studio.
- Average House Price York: from £832 monthly.
3. Student Castle York
- Location: Walmgate, York, England YO1 9TL.
- Basic Info: Student Castle York has a gym, study room, laundry room, communal lounge, cinema room, and bike storage.
- Average House Price York: from £876 monthly.
4. Foss Studios
- Location: Lawrence Street, York, England YO10 3DU.
- Basic Info: The Foss Studios flats offer mainly Studio rooms, which, in addition to individual bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, also have separate in-room kitchens for more privacy.
- Average House Price York: from £1060 monthly.
5. Castle Chambers
- Location: Clifford Street, York, England YO1 9RG.
- Basic Info: Castle Chambers combines contemporary design with classic elegance. Each apartment boasts large windows, providing abundant natural light while allowing for captivating city views.
- Average House Price York: from £916 monthly.
Tuition Fee & Education Expenses
York, England, is home to two major academic institutions: the University of York and York St John University. Different universities and courses vary in Tuition Fees.
| Undergraduate Degree | Graduated Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| University of York | £18,000 to £25,000 | £15,000 to £30,000 |
| York St John University | £14,000 to £16,000 | £12,000 to £14,000 |
Living in York: Food and Groceries Expenses
The cost of food and groceries in York is much dependent on private habits and lifestyle. Generally speaking, eating out always costs more than cooking by yourself. Moreover, if you are conditioned to cook at home, you can always meet the discounts when you shop at the malls.
If you dine out often at mid-range restaurants, a meal can cost between £10-£20. If you cook at home, monthly groceries for a single person would typically cost around £200.
| Catergories | Price | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.22 £ | 0.64-2.00 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.09 £ | 0.62-2.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1.20 £ | 0.60-2.00 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 2.92 £ | 2.00-4.00 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 7.23 £ | 2.49-10.20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 7.35 £ | 2.49-11.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 8.66 £ | 3.79-11.75 |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.18 £ | 1.20-4.00 |
| Banana (1kg) | 0.92 £ | 0.55-1.89 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 1.62 £ | 0.76-4.41 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2.27 £ | 1.50-4.50 |
| Potato (1kg) | 1.04 £ | 0.51-3.00 |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.21 £ | 0.95-1.80 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 0.72 £ | 0.42-1.50 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 0.81 £ | 0.30-3.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 7.95 £ | 5.00-10.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 1.90 £ | 1.25-2.50 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 2.18 £ | 1.50-5.00 |
**Data referred from NUMBEO
Living in York: Transportation Expenses
It basically costs £60 per month to transport in York. Students can enjoy the discounts via using their student ID when buying tickets. Public transportation in York is reliable and relatively affordable. If you prefer cycling, York’s bike-friendly nature and the availability of affordable bike rentals, starting at £10 per day, provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. For those who rely on taxis, a typical fare starts at £4, with an additional £1.60-£2 per mile. However, Owning a car could cost significantly more, with petrol prices averaging about £1.30 per litre.
| Categories | One -Take Tickets | Range |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 2.20 £ | 2.00-3.00 £ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 65.00 £ | 60.00-108.70 £ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3.30 £ | 3.00-4.00 £ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 0.99 £ | 0.80-3.00 £ |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 16.20 £ | 15.00-21.60 £ |
Cost of Living in York: Personal Care & Healthcare Expenses
The cost of personal care, such as haircuts, fitness, skin and teeth care, depends greatly on personal style. The expense of personal grooming may not be included in your monthly output, allowing international students to manage their budget in this area. Certainly, there are a few things that you need to purchase, including essential items like toothbrushes and shampoo.
Referring to the healthcare expenses, you can point to the health insurance. For international students, The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides most healthcare free of charge, including in York.
International students applying for a visa for six months or more must pay an IHS fee, which is currently £470 per year. This allows access to NHS services without further charges. When talking about dental care, students can ask for NHS dental services, but they do charge fees. NHS dental treatment costs vary based on the type of treatment, charging from £23.80 to £282.80 in York. Remember to check with your doctors if you are available for any student discounts.
Cost of Living in York: Entertainment Expenses
York offers a variety of leisure activities, from historic attractions to vibrant nightlife. For example, a cinema ticket would cost around £10, while membership at a fitness club is around £35 per month. Whether you are enthusiastic in sports, arts and musicians, York City is full of joyful cafes, pubs and clubs. There are sufficient things to do in York, which can satisfy diverse needs on entertainments.
Tips for Saving Money for Students in York
The living expenses in York differ depending on your lifestyle preferences, however, by budgeting wisely, students can discover ways to cut costs. Think about searching for cheap student accommodation in York, participating in no-cost activities with friends, and taking on a part-time job to make additional money. Furthermore, it is crucial for all international students to buy medical insurance to guarantee coverage while living abroad.
Free Things to Do in York
York City is tiny, but it is rich in history, so there are many classic attractions to visit at no cost. Besides, covering the outstanding green lands, York is surrounded by some beautiful parks, which are also free to travel. Here are some recommendations:
- York City Walls
- York Minster Gardens
- National Railway Museum
- The Shambles
- Museum Gardens
- Clifford’s Tower
- Rowntree Park
- West Bank Park
- St. Olave’s Church
Join Part-time Jobs
Students in York can anticipate receiving different pay rates from part-time positions, which will be based on the type of job, level of expertise, and number of hours completed.
- Tutoring: from £15 to £30 per hour.
- Event Staff: Approximately £10 to £12 per hour.
- Delivery Driver: Around £10 to £12 per hour, plus tips, depending on the restaurant or delivery service.
- Cleaning Staff: Typically earns between £9 and £11 per hour.
- Childcare: Pay ranges from £10 to £15 per hour, depending on the age of the children and the nature of the job.
- Freelancing: from £10 to £50 per hour or more.
Conclusion on Cost of Living in York
York offers a relatively affordable cost of living lifestyle compared to larger cities. Thus, by carefully managing the budget, everyone can make the most of their time in this vibrant city without breaking their pockets. Especially for international students, though the number of student accommodation in York is limited, here are also many affordable and comfortable best choices for you. Moreover, as the students, there are also many ways to save your money and vivid your leisure time. In short, York, England never bring everyone here a boring and expensive life at all.
FAQ of Cost of Living in York
What is the population of York City?
As per the latest estimates, around 210,000 individuals reside in York City. However, this figure consists of a variety of international students from University of York and York St John University.
Is York in North Yorkshire?
Yes! York is situated within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. Nevertheless, it is a single administrative body that functions autonomously from the governing system of North Yorkshire County Council. Nevertheless, York is still regarded as part of North Yorkshire based on its history and location.
Was York the capital of England?
Yes, York was once seen as the capital of England, but just for a short time. In the early medieval era, specifically in the 10th century when Vikings were in charge, York was a significant hub for politics and trade, known as Jórvík at the time. It was established as the capital of the Viking Kingdom of Jórvík between 866 and 954 AD. London eventually became the enduring capital of England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
