Leicester is a city located in the East Midlands of England. It is the capital of Leicestershire County and is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom with a population of over 330,000 people. The cost of living in Leicester is relatively affordable when compared to other major UK cities. However, there are still some costs that can be prohibitive for residents, such as housing and transportation. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the cost of living in Leicester and some ways to save money while living in this vibrant city.
Average Cost of Living in Leicester
The cost of living in Leicester can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and where you live within the city. According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living for a single person is £731.75, while the average monthly cost of living for a family of four is £2,910.50. These costs include rent, food, transportation, and utilities. However, they do not include leisure activities or personal costs such as clothing. The cost of living in Leicester is generally lower than in other major cities in the UK, such as London and Manchester. However, it is important to remember that these figures are averages, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances.
Housing Cost in Leicester
Compared with other major cities in the world, house and flat and flat prices in Leicester are reasonable. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.
Monthly Rental Prices in Leicester
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: £750+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: £570+
- 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: £1,178+
- 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: £900+
Birmingham Home Purchase Prices
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: £2,500
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: £1,900
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Buying Food in Leicester
Leicester is known for its diverse population, and this is reflected in the city’s food scene. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’ll find something to suit your taste in Leicester. The city is home to a number of Indian restaurants, serving up traditional dishes such as curry and rice. There are also Chinese, Thai, and Italian restaurants, as well as fast food outlets and cafes. Leicester’s central market is a great place to sample some local produce, and there are several greengrocers and delicatessens selling fresh fruit and vegetables. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that Leicester is considered one of the best places to eat in the UK.
However, do note that with the recent decline in the pound, a lot of imported food has increased in price, which has obviously pushed up restaurant prices.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: £10.00 – £20.00
- Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: £45.00 – £80.00
- Bottle of Coke: £1.49
- 1L of milk: £0.65 – £1.25
- Loaf of Bread: £0.50 – £2.00
- 1kg White Rice: £0.90 – £1.50
- 12 Eggs: £1.20 – £2.70
- 1kg Chicken £2.00 – £6.00
- 1kg Beef: £6.00 – £10.00
- 1kg Apples: £0.50 – £1.50
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Utilities in Leicester
The cost of basic utilities in Leicester is relatively low when compared to other cities in the United Kingdom. For example, the average monthly cost of electricity is only £61, which is significantly lower than the £100+ that is typically seen in London. Gas prices are also reasonable, with the average monthly bill coming in at £37. These low costs are likely due to Leicester’s proximity to a number of power plants, as well as its large student population. As a result, residents of Leicester can enjoy low prices on their basic utilities without sacrificing quality or service.
Here is the cost of other utilities per month:
- Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) – £106.00 – £350.00
- 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) – £0.05
- Broadband Wi-Fi (17Mb) – £18.00 – £25.00
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Transportation in Leicester
Leicester’s transportation system is made up of a variety of different modes of transport, including buses, trains, taxis, and cars. The city has an extensive bus network that covers most of the city, as well as a number of outer suburbs. The train network consists of two main lines, the Midland Main Line and the Leicester–Peterborough line, both of which run through the city centre. In addition to these public transport options, there are also a number of private hire firms that operate in Leicester. Taxis are available from rank or can be booked in advance, and there are also a number of car-sharing schemes operating in the city. Leicester is well-connected to the rest of the UK, with regular train and bus services to London, Birmingham, Manchester, and other major cities.
Here are some typical prices to get around Leicester:
- One-way Ticket (Local Transport) – £2.30
- Monthly Pass (Regular Price) – £58.00
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – £3.20
- Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) – £1.09
- Petrol (1 litre) – £1.64
Source: Numbeo
What Salary do I Need to Live Comfortably in Leicester?
In order to live comfortably in Leicester, you will need to earn a salary of at least £15,000 per year. This is based on the cost of living in the city, which is relatively affordable compared to other parts of the UK. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Leicester is £750 per month, and utility bills will add an additional £100 to your monthly expenses. With a salary of £15,000 per year, you will have enough money to cover your basic needs and have some left over for leisure activities and savings. Of course, if you have a higher salary, you will be able to afford a more comfortable lifestyle in Leicester. However, even on a modest budget, it is possible to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Taxes in Leicester
No matter where you live in the UK, you will pay the same rate of tax. Sales Tax or VAT (Value Added Tax) is 20% in the UK and is added to most goods and services throughout the country. Unlike in some countries, it is always included in the marked price.
Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to council tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in.
Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Birmingham you’ll have to pay stamp duty. While there’s no tax on the first £250,000 of your home value, 5% on the next £675,000, 10% on the next £575,000 and then 12% on the rest (above £1.5 million).
Source: Numbeo
More Tips
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Leicester but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move easier.
Moving to Leicester Alone
Moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re going it alone. When you don’t have the support of family or friends, it can be hard to get settled in. However, there are a few things you can do to make the transition smoother. First, research your new city in advance. Find out where the best neighbourhoods are and what amenities are nearby. This will help you narrow down your search for a place to live. Once you’ve found an apartment or house that you like, try to get involved in the local community. Join a gym or participate in a meetup group. Getting connected with other people will help you feel less alone in your new city. Finally, be patient with yourself. It takes time to adjust to a new place, so give yourself some time to settle in and make new friends. With a little effort, you’ll be feeling at home in no time.
Here are a few tips about settling into Leicester:
- Meetups: Leicester has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. Find groups for walking, entrepreneurs, football fans and more.
- Attend local events: There are tons of events going on in Birmingham at any given time. Find out what’s going on from Eventbrite, TimeOut and Skiddle
Moving to Leicester with a Family
Leicester is a wonderful city to raise a family. It has a strong sense of community, and there are plenty of activities and opportunities for families to get involved in. The schools are excellent, and there are many green spaces for children to explore. Plus, the cost of living is relatively affordable, which is always a bonus when you have a family to support. If you’re thinking of moving to Leicester with your family, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find everything you need to create a happy and thriving home here.
- New parents (or parents to be): Check out the local NCT courses and NCT events.
- Live in a family friendly area: The best areas for families include: Oadby, Evington, Clarendon Park, Narborough Road, South Knighton, Aylestone, Little Stretton, Knighton Fields, North Evington
- Find things to do with the kids: Day Out With The Kids, Visit Leicester and Leicester Live all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.
Moving to Leicester for Work
Moving to Leicester for work can be a great way to further your career while also experiencing all that this historic city has to offer. Located in the heart of England, Leicester is well-connected to other major cities like London and Birmingham. And with a thriving economy, it’s a great place to find work in a variety of industries. In addition to its many job opportunities, Leicester is also home to a number of world-famous attractions, including the royal residence of Leicester Cathedral and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. Whether you’re looking for a new job or just hoping to explore a new city, Leicester is definitely worth considering.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: Salaries in Leicester are not as high as in London and other major cities in the world. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to be making to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
- How to find work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Leicester, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster, Total Jobs, Gumtree, Reed and Indeed. You may also want to google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about the cost of moving to Leicester. Whether you’re looking for affordable housing, cheap transport or low living costs, Leicester has a lot to offer. And with its central location and excellent facilities, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to make the move. So if you’re thinking of relocating, why not give Leicester a try? You might be surprised at how much you end up saving. If you would like to get a free quote for your move to Leicester just visit our website and our Google Maps.
