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Estimated monthly costs • 2026 ONS dataAbout this data
Where does this data come from?
Every figure is derived from an open, named source. Rents are the ONS Price Index of Private Rents local-authority averages for August 2026 (by bedroom count). Groceries and eating out come from the ONS Family Spending survey (one-person household spend, adjusted by ONS regional spending patterns and food-price inflation to August 2026). Utilities combine Ofgem's October–December 2026 price cap rates for each region with Water UK's 2026/27 average bills. Transport is the cheapest published adult city bus pass, converted to a calendar month. Gym and broadband use national figures from Leisure DB and Ofcom. Childcare figures are based on Coram Family and Childcare annual surveys. The full workings are on our methodology page. All figures are averages — your actual costs will depend on your circumstances.
What's included in the monthly total?
For a single adult: the average 1-bedroom rent for the city, groceries for a one-person household, a monthly bus pass, utilities (gas, electricity and water at Ofgem's low-use consumption level), eating out (restaurants, cafés and takeaways), a gym membership and standalone broadband. Couples move to a 2-bedroom flat with two-adult grocery and typical-use energy figures; families with two children move to a 3-bedroom house. For families, full-time nursery costs are added based on city averages.
How is the salary calculation worked out?
Gross salary is converted to net monthly take-home using a simplified 2026 UK income tax and National Insurance calculation (standard tax code, no pension deductions). For couples, both salaries are calculated independently and combined. This is an estimate — your actual take-home will vary based on your tax code, student loans, and pension contributions.
How accurate are the childcare figures?
Childcare costs are among the most variable expenses in the UK, ranging from under £800/month to over £2,000/month depending on city and provider. Our figures represent a typical full-time nursery place for one child under 3. Government free hours (15–30 hours per week depending on eligibility) are not deducted as entitlement varies. Always get local quotes.
How often is data updated?
Rents are refreshed from the monthly ONS Price Index of Private Rents release; energy follows each quarterly Ofgem price cap. Current figures: rents August 2026, Ofgem cap October–December 2026, CPI food index August 2026. Last reviewed: September 2026.
About UKCostOfLiving.org
UKCostOfLiving.org is a free, independent cost of living comparison tool built for people making real financial decisions — whether that's moving city for a job, choosing a university, or just trying to understand where your money goes. We don't sell anything and we have no commercial relationship with any city or employer. All data is derived from open public datasets — the ONS, Ofgem, Water UK, Ofcom and local transport operators — and every derivation is documented on our methodology page.
We also publish guides on related topics — including council tax rates by city, student cost of living comparisons, and articles on the UK cost of living. If you spot an error or want to suggest a data improvement, email us at hello@ukcostofliving.org.