Cost of Living in Cambridge, United Kingdom

Updated On May 10, 2022

How Much Does It Cost to Live In Cambridge?

Deciding to move anywhere in the world is difficult and important choice in the life of every person.

So as to make this new experience more of a pleasure, it is advisable to learn about all the possible expenses and incomes that you might encounter once you get there.

That way, your moving to a new city would not be daunting.

Among many of the cities in the United Kingdom, Cambridge is the top one, famous for its culture, tradition and job opportunities.

Cost of Living Index:
72.6
* Based on Research & User Data
Restaurants

RESTAURANTS

People in Cambridge are frequent visitors to their restaurants and they love their food even though the prices are not so low, especially if you take a drink with your meal.

However, there are also many international restaurants where fresh produce is always available and they are obviously more expensive ones.

Markets

MARKETS

Your living expenses related to food will depend on your way of life.

If you do not mind purchasing food at the local markets, you will save a lot on it, as the supermarket prices are higher and the quality and freshness of food is not so great.

Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

Getting around the city by bus or train is simple and more affordable than driving, due to high gasoline and car maintenance prices.

Public transportation is affordable and efficient, and it is suggested to be used by newcomers, at least until they get acquainted with the city.

Utilities

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

The Internet access in the United Kingdom is one of the very few things that is cheaper than the United States.

However, all the other services are much more expensive, as you will need to devote around $250 per month for them, and they get even higher during winter months.

Sports and leisure

SPORTS & LEISURE

Due to the great number of young people here, as it is a university city, Cambridge has to offer numerous means of entertainment at very affordable prices.

Sports people would be satisfied with fitness passes and tennis court rents which are not pricey, while those who like watching films would have to pay around $15 per person for tickets.

Clothing and shoes

CLOTHING & SHOES

Branded clothes here can cost a lot more than expected, considering the fact that this is a student-friendly city and that the prices should be in line with their budgets which are not high.

That is why the majority of people buy low cost clothing items.

Rent per month

RENT PER MONTH

Compared with other major cities in the United Kingdom, flat prices in Cambridge are relatively reasonable, especially when high average salaries are taken into consideration.

As in any city, prices vary from area to area and the difference can be around $300.

Cost of Living Averages Table for Cambridge

*Note: All prices are indicated in USD.
Average Restaurant Prices
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant)$19.36
Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter)$5.16
Water (0.33 Liter)$1.35
Average Market Prices
Milk (1 Liter)$1.19
Loaf Bread (500g)$1.36
Eggs (12)$2.68
Average Transport Prices
One Way Ticket$3.61
Monthly Pass$77.42
Gasoline$1.68
Average Utilities Prices
Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling)$244.17
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local$0.13
Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)$39.36
Average Leisure Prices
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult$43.55
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour)$9.46
Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release$14.84
Average Clothing Prices
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable)$76.56
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...)$40.70
1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range)$77.42
Average Rent Prices
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center$1333.90
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center$1053.78
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center$2204.97

How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Cambridge?

Due to the fact that driving in Cambridge is expensive and finding a parking lot is extremely hard, people prefer taking public transportation for commuting.

The rent is not so expensive as in London, but is still the highest expense, taking more than the third of the budget.

You can save some money if you avoid leisure activities and eating out, but rather doing outdoor sports and prepare your food at home.

Designer clothes are rarely bought here as only 2% of the monthly salary is given for it.

Average Costs Breakdown

15.5%
24.2%
11.4%
7.1%
4.8%
2.2%
34.7%

Cambridge: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages

The city itself is full of history, arts and culture and fun activities and coming here to live with your family is a great decision.

However, bear in mind that your costs will be double or triple, depending on the number of family members.

You will have to rent a larger apartment and spend more money on food, so every salary below the average one would not suffice your needs.

The minimum wage would be enough only for a single person, or those who possess their property here.

Average Salary$2497.89
Minimum Wage$1659.2
Mortgage Interest Rate3.58%

Cambridge Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Cambridge Safety Review

Safety Index:
78
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
  • MUGGING RISK: LOW
  • TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
  • SCAMS RISK: LOW
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Cost of Living by City in Cambridge

CityCost of Living Index
Aberdeen73.02
Bath74.48
Belfast62.42
Birmingham64.46
Brighton69.54
Bristol69.58
Cardiff62.12
Coventry66.31
Derby61.5
Edinburgh61.5
Exeter66.56
Glasgow66.5
Leeds68.26
Leicester65.59
Liverpool62
London81.31
Manchester69.86
Milton Keynes78.5
Newcastle upon Tyne62.76
Norwich64.95
Nottingham67.05
Oxford72.6
Peterborough41.93
Plymouth70.02
Portsmouth71.04
Reading76.73
Sheffield62.64
Southampton63.73
Swindon69.92
York69.33

Where to Next?

See these related locations:

Or, browse the country/city indexes:

Cost of Living - Country Index Cost of Living - City Index

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