Deciding where to study in the United Kingdom can feel like choosing two different lives. Cardiff is small and kinder on the pocket, while London offers big chances but costs more. This guide is for students in the UK who need plain numbers and simple steps. We explain rent, food, travel, tuition, work options, and easy saving tips so your money lasts. Use our student accommodation listing to compare rooms and see how rent changes by area before you book. Read each short question and answer, and you will get clear, usable numbers to plan your first term.
Which city is cheaper overall?
Cardiff usually costs less than London for day-to-day living. Rent and travel make the biggest difference between the two cities. If your budget is tight, then Cardiff will stretch your money further each month. London brings more jobs and chances, but needs more cash.
Cardiff tends to have lower rents and smaller travel bills.
London offers more work and events but asks for higher monthly money.
UK guidance shows higher maintenance funds for London than outside London.
Many students find Cardiff leaves room to save each term.
Cardiff is cheaper mainly because housing and quick local travel are lower cost. London pays more in some jobs, but transport and rent can eat the extra money fast. When you add rent, food, travel and small treats, Cardiff often lets students live more comfortably on the same budget. Your choice is about whether you prefer a lower monthly cost or easy access to big city chances and many employers.
How much is rent?
Rent is the highest single cost for most students in the UK. Prices change with room type, whether bills are included, and how near the campus the room sits. Shared rooms in Cardiff are often much cheaper than similar rooms in central London.
Shared student rooms in Cardiff are often much lower in monthly cost.
London shared rooms near universities usually cost a lot more.
Ensuite rooms and studios raise your monthly rent considerably.
Listings that include bills help with simple budgeting.
In Cardiff, university halls and private shared houses often give cheaper totals when bills are included. In the London central zone, rents can be twice or more for similar room types near top campuses. If you want the cheapest rent, then shared houses or living a little out of the centre help. Always check if bills are part of the rent, so you know the real monthly total you will pay.
What about food costs?
Food is smaller than rent, but it still moves your monthly budget. Cooking at home saves the most money. Eating out in London usually costs more than eating out in Cardiff, so plan visits to cafés and pubs as a treat rather than a daily habit.
Groceries per week are usually cheaper in Cardiff than in London.
Dining out and cafés in London charge higher prices for meals.
Student discounts and cooking groups help cut food bills.
Meal planning and bulk cooking are strong ways to save money.
Most of your food money will be saved by purchasing supermarket basics and eating at home. Make a small list and share bulk products with the flatmates. The custom of taking packed lunches on campus on longer days and preparing the week to prepare a few meals maintains spending in both cities. Minimal practices, such as a shopping list and preparing a few larger meals, may save you a lot on food and may afford even more books or even a day out.
How much is transport?
Transport costs are higher in London than in Cardiff because London has a big network with many fare zones. Cardiff is small, so walking, cycling, or cheap buses work well for daily travel. Choose a room close to campus to cut travel costs.
Monthly travel costs in Cardiff are usually low for students.
London's monthly travel costs are higher but offer student discounts.
Living near campus cuts the need for daily long trips.
Biking and walking save money and time for many students.
Cardiff’s compact size means many students walk or cycle to lectures and shops, and this keeps travel low. London needs more Tube and bus trips, so plan for higher monthly costs. If you get a student travel discount, it helps. Choosing accommodation close to your university reduces the need for daily long journeys and keeps your monthly spend down.
How high are tuition fees?
Tuition fees depend on the university and the course you pick, not on the city alone. Some London universities charge high fees for certain courses, but Cardiff offers many strong programmes with lower living costs. Always check fees for your exact course before deciding.
Tuition varies by university and subject, so compare exact course pages.
London universities can charge higher fees for some specialised degrees.
Cardiff offers many quality courses with a generally lower overall cost of living.
Scholarships and bursaries may reduce what you pay in total.
Look at the course pages and official university fee tables for accurate amounts. Some subjects, like medicine or specialised professional degrees, cost more, no matter the city. Scholarships and departmental awards can lower your net cost. When you compare offers, think about the total cost, including living and travel, not just the tuition figure on its own.
Can I work part-time?
Many students work while studying to help with living costs. Visa rules set limits on hours during term time, but you can usually work more during holidays. Work helps pay bills and gives local experience if you manage study time too.
Student visa rules usually allow limited weekly work hours in term time.
Holiday periods often allow full-time work for more money.
Common student jobs include shops, cafés and campus roles.
Balance work and study so your course performance stays strong.
Part-time work helps pay for food, travel and small extras, but should not harm your study time. Check your visa for allowed hours before you take a job. Jobs in shops and cafés bring flexible hours, and campus roles often fit student timetables. London has more variety and more roles, but also more competition. Cardiff offers friendly local employers and shorter travel times, which can make juggling study and work easier for many students.
How can I save money?
Saving takes small daily choices and a simple plan. Little cuts add up over months. Simple steps like cooking, sharing bills, and using free events will keep your pocket fuller while you study in the UK.
Cook at home and share bills with housemates to lower costs.
Walk, cycle or use cheap travel passes instead of taxis.
Choose shared rooms or live slightly outside the centre to save rent.
Use free campus resources and low-cost student events for fun.
Have a monthly budget and review it at least once a week so that you will not be caught up. Entry leveled budgeting app or a plain notebook, jot down your expenditure on food, travelling and entertainment. Share groceries and utilities with your flatmates in order to reduce the per-person price. Find free or cheap student activities as a way of social life. Such little behaviours as switching off the light even when not needed and using a refill bottle translate into actual savings over the course of a year.
Where should I look first?
Start by listing your must-haves like budget, travel time and course location. Look early so you can pick the best value places before they go. Compare a few areas in each city to see how rent and travel costs change.
Note your monthly budget and what you cannot change.
Search rooms near your campus and in nearby towns for price checks.
Check if bills are included or added on top of rent.
Ask for virtual viewings and clear photos if you are overseas.
Begin your search early and compare similar room types across neighbourhoods to spot good deals. Check the distance to campus and the cost of daily travel. Listings that include bills make budgeting straightforward. Virtual viewings help if you are still overseas and cannot visit in person. Keep proof of landlord verification and tenancy terms so you avoid surprises, and pick a safe place when you first arrive.
Conclusion
The selection between Cardiff and London is based on the financial reach and the lifestyle of the student in the UK. Cardiff generally presents a scenario of lower monthly expenses and a relaxed lifestyle, while London is a place of excellent jobs and cultural opportunities, albeit at a higher monthly cost. Start with rent, move on to food, travel and the chance of working part-time. Prepare a small monthly budget and practice it before moving so there are no unpleasant surprises. When the time comes for you to look for a room, make use of StudentTenant.com, where you will get verified, student-friendly housing that suits your budget and needs. Go to StudentTenant.com to compare rooms, verify bills inclusive and make a secure booking so that you have a safe living place and less financial stress for your first term in the UK.