Cost of Living in Oxford, United Kingdom

Updated On February 22, 2026
Oxford city
Cost of Living Index:
72.6
* Based on Research & User Data

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Oxford?

To estimate the average cost of living in one city is a very difficult and ungrateful task.

It would depend on many factors and people’s preferences and lifestyle will play the major role.

People who come alone at some place would not have as many expenses as those who are bringing their partner or the whole family.

It is expected that the amount required is higher and costs of living will be greater.

Cost of Living Breakdown in Oxford

Restaurants

RESTAURANTS

Leisure time activities of some people include visiting local restaurants an enjoying delicious cuisine.

You can choose between the domestic dishes and international meals, which will cost you more.

These expenses will vary a great deal depending on where or how you like to eat.

Average Restaurant Prices
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) $15.97
Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) $5.32
Water (0.33 Liter) $1.35
Markets

MARKETS

How much and what kind of food your family and you like to eat would determine the average groceries costs in Oxford.

If you belong to those people who normally buys groceries at markets and on discounts, you can expect the cost in the area to be lower each month in comparison to those buying it in local stores.

Average Market Prices
Milk (1 Liter) $1.26
Loaf Bread (500g) $1.20
Eggs (12) $2.46
Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

If you are eager to drive here, besides buying a vehicle, which is quite expensive here, you will need to pay the road tax, car insurance and maintenance.

Above all these the high gasoline price comes, so it can be concluded that running a car in the United Kingdom is not affordable.

Average Transport Prices
One Way Ticket $2.93
Monthly Pass $69.19
Gasoline $1.68
Utilities

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Just as rents are high, the prices of utilities are also higher than in some otehr cities.

Water, electricity and garbage price is around $250 per month, but it all depends on the size and usage of it, as well as on the suppliers which are numerous and their costs will vary.

Average Utilities Prices
Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) $250.49
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local $0.16
Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) $42.70
Sports and leisure

SPORTS & LEISURE

The possible prices that you will pay for training in fitness clubs or gyms in Oxford depends on how much time you exercise on average per week.

Local gyms are very accessible and available at the price of $47 per month which is not considered too pricey.

Average Leisure Prices
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult $47.13
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) $14.64
Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release $13.97
Clothing and shoes

CLOTHING & SHOES

Clothing items can either be of great importance for some people, or non-essential thing for others.

It is true that it has to be included in monthly expenses, but it is necessary to find a balance so that you can enjoy the living here.

Spending too much on designer apparel might make a hole in your budget.

Average Clothing Prices
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) $86.10
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) $41.63
1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) $83.25
Rent per month

RENT PER MONTH

Oxford is such a prominent city and it is expected that the rent prices are high here.

While some might think that prices will be in line with student’s budget, they are completely wrong.

Rent prices are not as high as in the capital city, but are still not considered a bargain.

Average Rent Prices
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center $1405.05
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center $1158.20
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center $2698.33

How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Oxford?

Once you get acquainted with the average spendings of Oxford’s residents, you will have an idea of your possible expenses, which will allow you to identify how much you would need to spend on priorities and how much is left for luxuries.

That way you can adjust your budget if needed, and do not waste money on non-essential items.

Rent is the most expensive here, and you, as a newcomer, would need to devote more than 37% of your monthly salary to this.

Average Costs Breakdown

13.5%
22.8%
12%
7.1%
4.9%
2.2%
37.6%

Oxford: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages

It is true that the average salaries here are pretty high, and that is why it is not unusual that the prices of daily expenses are high, too.

The difference between the average and minimum salary here is around $800 which is quite an amount that can be used for some costs.

Make sure to organize you budget wisely, to prepare yourself for all the possible expenses and determine how high salary would be sufficient for them all.

If you are a savvy person, you will be able to manage your expenses successfully even with not so high budget.

Average Salary$2436.54
Minimum Wage$1659.2
Mortgage Interest Rate3.58%

Oxford Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Oxford Safety Review

Safety Index:
66
OVERALL RISKLOW
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISKLOW
PICKPOCKETS RISKMEDIUM
NATURAL DISASTERS RISKLOW
MUGGING RISKMEDIUM
TERRORISM RISKHIGH
SCAMS RISKLOW
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISKLOW

Cost of Living by City in United Kingdom

City Cost of Living Index
United Kingdom FlagAberdeen 73.02
United Kingdom FlagBath 74.48
United Kingdom FlagBelfast 62.42
United Kingdom FlagBirmingham 64.46
United Kingdom FlagBrighton 69.54
United Kingdom FlagBristol 69.58
United Kingdom FlagCambridge 72.6
United Kingdom FlagCardiff 62.12
United Kingdom FlagCoventry 66.31
United Kingdom FlagDerby 61.5
United Kingdom FlagEdinburgh 61.5
United Kingdom FlagExeter 66.56
United Kingdom FlagGlasgow 66.5
United Kingdom FlagLeeds 68.26
United Kingdom FlagLeicester 65.59
United Kingdom FlagLiverpool 62
United Kingdom FlagLondon 81.31
United Kingdom FlagManchester 69.86
United Kingdom FlagMilton Keynes 78.5
United Kingdom FlagNewcastle upon Tyne 62.76
United Kingdom FlagNorwich 64.95
United Kingdom FlagNottingham 67.05
United Kingdom FlagPeterborough 41.93
United Kingdom FlagPlymouth 70.02
United Kingdom FlagPortsmouth 71.04
United Kingdom FlagReading 76.73
United Kingdom FlagSheffield 62.64
United Kingdom FlagSouthampton 63.73
United Kingdom FlagSwindon 69.92
United Kingdom FlagYork 69.33

Where to Next?

Or, browse the country/city indexes:

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

1 Review on Oxford

  1. It’s surprising how much our lifestyle choices can impact our expenses. I never really thought about how bringing a family would change the whole equation! Makes me rethink my assumptions about budgeting in a new city.

Oxford Rated 4 / 5 based on 1 user reviews.

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