Updated April 2026 · Based on real student spending data · Affordable, cultural, and growing — underrated student city
Liverpool is roughly 40–50% cheaper than London — with a warm, friendly student community. Most international students in Liverpool spend between £750 and £1,060 per month on rent, food, transport, and basic living costs.
Shared rent
£420–£680
Food / month
£155–£245
Transport
£70
Monthly total
£750–£1,060
Part-time earnings
£1,005
20hrs/wk @ £11.6/hr
Min living cost
£750
Survival mode
Monthly gap
+£255
Surplus
Working the legal maximum of 20 hours/week during term time at Liverpool's average wage of £11.6/hr earns approximately £1,005/month gross (before tax). This covers your minimum living costs with £255 to spare.
Kensington, Edge Hill, and Wavertree are the cheapest student areas (£420–580/month)
The Albert Dock and Baltic Triangle have lots of part-time hospitality jobs
Merseyrail day passes are affordable for getting across the city
Bold Street and the Baltic Triangle have cheap independent cafes and food options
Liverpool's two football clubs create huge hospitality job demand on match days
Free tool
Enter your course, city, and lifestyle. Get a personalised ROI simulation with worst, realistic, and best-case scenarios.
Your tuition
£15,000/yr
Living in Liverpool
£750–£1,060/mo
Part-time offset
~£1,005/mo
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