Guide on Cost of living
The first subject to arise between veteran expats and newcomers is the high cost of living in London. It is expensive! To help you keep your sanity, the best course of action is to just stop converting.
Accommodation: Count on paying £1,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment. Three-bedroom apartments are rare in central London but you will be able to find one an hour outside of London for about £1,600/month.
Utility Bills: Expect to pay around £160 quarterly for gas and electricity combined.
Food
Milk – £0.98/Litre
Butter – £3.20/Kg
Eggs – £2.30/dozen
Local Cheese – £7.60/Kg
Bread – £1.10 loaf
Rice – £1.25/Kg
Cereal – £2.50 box
Potatoes – £1.20/Kg
Tomatoes – £2.00/Kg
Apples – £1.72/Kg
Pasta – £1.20/Kg
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless) – £7.00/Kg
Transport
Taxi: £2.95 to start + £1.77/Km
Monthly Travelcard Zones 1&2: £120.00
Petrol Pump Price: £1.40/Litre
Leisure
Cinema Ticket: £11
Opera/Ballet Ticket: £35
Gym Membership: £59/month
Meal for 2 in upmarket restaurant: £75
Meal for 4 in family restaurant: £75
Miscellaneous
TV License: £145.50/year
Home Internet: £25/month
Mobile Phone: £50/month
Landline: £13/month
1 Hour of housekeeping: £9
1 Hour babysitter: £8
Shirt dry cleaning: £4.50
School fees: £20,000 per year for independent school tuition
