How Much Does It Cost to Live In Leeds?
Even though once it used to be a small town, Leeds has turned into the United Kingdom’s fourth largest city.
As it has developed into a business and financial center, people looking for better job opportunities are attracted to it.
Before deciding whether to move there or not, it is good to consider the various costs that might await you there, starting from the housing expenses which are obligatory to those non-essential ones like clothing and entertainment.
United Kingdom : Cost of Living by City
- Aberdeen
- Bath
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Cardiff
- Coventry
- Derby
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Milton Keynes
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Peterborough
- Plymouth
- Portsmouth
- Reading
- Sheffield
- Southampton
- Swindon
- York
RESTAURANTS
Leeds has wonderful restaurants, with a different cuisine from all over the world.
However, bear in mind that in those international restaurants, food has high prices which are not in line with everyone’s budget.
The least expensive meal here would cost you almost $20 per person.
MARKETS
Being that it is the greatest expense which takes almost the third of the monthly salary, avoid buying food at expensive local stores.
It is suggested purchasing groceries at the markets or numerous huge supermarkets in the city, just as the residents do.
TRANSPORTATION
You can either use buses or trains for commuting here, as both are excellent.
The transport system in Leeds is affordable and in the city you will generally only use buses.
Driving is not suggested to newcomers, due to the high gasoline prices and expensive parking space.
UTILITIES (MONTHLY)
Leeds does not expensive utilities as some other cities in the United Kingdom.
The basic services are around $170 per month, while the Internet access is a little bit more expensive than in other places.
However, all this depends on the number of people living in one apartment and how much electricity and water they spend.
SPORTS & LEISURE
Due to the fact that like most places in the United Kingdom rain is always a possibility, fitness clubs and gyms have a lot of work.
Nevertheless, the prices are still quite reasonable and affordable and that is why many people go there to practice.
CLOTHING & SHOES
Sometimes people do not think about apparel as a possible spending, and they do not realize how much money it can take.
People in Leeds do not spend much on designer clothing and newcomers are suggested to follow this pattern, as branded clothes are expensive.
RENT PER MONTH
There are many things that differentiate Leeds from other major UK cities, and the price of rent is one of them.
It is a popular city where it is not so expensive to pay for accommodation, as it is in some other places, while the salaries are pretty high.
Cost of Living Averages Table for Leeds
*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.| Average Restaurant Prices | |
|---|---|
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $19.58 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) | $4.57 |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.11 | Average Market Prices |
| Milk (1 Liter) | $1.12 |
| Loaf Bread (500g) | $1.23 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.52 | Average Transport Prices |
| One Way Ticket | $3.52 |
| Monthly Pass | $73.10 |
| Gasoline | $1.60 | Average Utilities Prices |
| Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) | $167.75 |
| 1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local | $0.11 |
| Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $42.08 | Average Leisure Prices |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | $32.32 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) | $9.20 |
| Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release | $11.75 | Average Clothing Prices |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) | $74.40 |
| 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) | $40.40 |
| 1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) | $73.78 | Average Rent Prices |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $871.75 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $658.39 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $1497.26 |
How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Leeds?
House prices in Leeds are not as expensive as they could be if the prices were based on the average salaries.
That is one of the advantages of living in this city, as from the very start, you can save on the rent, and if you do not mind living out of the city center, your budget will benefit even more.
Visiting the restaurants is a habit of people living in Leeds, and if you want to follow their example, it is suggested to dine out in less expensive restaurants.
Very little money is spent on sport and clothing here.
Average Costs Breakdown
Leeds: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages
If you are thinking about buying an apartment instead of paying the cost of renting you will find out that mortgage interest rate is not so high, not exceeding 3.5%.
Renting an apartment both in and outside of the city center is not so expensive as it might be, due to the high wages.
There is a great difference between the average and minimum salary, so it is advisable to make a plan of possible expenses and negotiate the future income accordingly with the employer, if possible.
Leeds Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Leeds Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Cost of Living by City in Leeds
| City | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 73.02 |
| Bath | 74.48 |
| Belfast | 62.42 |
| Birmingham | 64.46 |
| Brighton | 69.54 |
| Bristol | 69.58 |
| Cambridge | 72.6 |
| Cardiff | 62.12 |
| Coventry | 66.31 |
| Derby | 61.5 |
| Edinburgh | 61.5 |
| Exeter | 66.56 |
| Glasgow | 66.5 |
| Leicester | 65.59 |
| Liverpool | 62 |
| London | 81.31 |
| Manchester | 69.86 |
| Milton Keynes | 78.5 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 62.76 |
| Norwich | 64.95 |
| Nottingham | 67.05 |
| Oxford | 72.6 |
| Peterborough | 41.93 |
| Plymouth | 70.02 |
| Portsmouth | 71.04 |
| Reading | 76.73 |
| Sheffield | 62.64 |
| Southampton | 63.73 |
| Swindon | 69.92 |
| York | 69.33 |
