Stoke-on-Trent has been named the most affordable university city in the UK, according to new research from the tutoring platform Edumentors. The study revealed that students at Staffordshire University benefit from the lowest cost of living nationwide, surpassing other university towns in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The research assessed 24 cost-of-living factors using data from Numbeo and Student Crowd across 80 university towns and cities. Key metrics included average costs for accommodation, basic supermarket shopping, takeaway coffee, alcohol, dining out, public transport, taxi fares, and petrol. Housing emerged as the most significant factor influencing overall living costs.
In the rankings, Stoke-on-Trent received an affordability score of 76.59 out of 100, securing its position as the top city for students. It performed well in various cost-of-living categories, ranking in the top 10 for student and private accommodation, which averaged £132 per week and £450 per month, respectively. The city also ranked among the most budget-friendly locations for nearly 40% of basic food items, including essentials like milk, eggs, and chicken.
Durham University came in second overall, boasting the title of the most affordable Russell Group university. While student accommodation in Durham costs £172 per week, private rent outside the city centre is reportedly cheaper at around £362 per month. The average cost of a supermarket shop for 15 basic items is approximately £41.94, while transportation fares remain competitive, with monthly travel passes costing £65.
Bangor, Gwynedd, ranks third and is the most affordable university city in Wales. Students here can find accommodation for about £156 per week and private rent for £375 per month, significantly lower than London’s average of £1,487. Additionally, Bangor offers competitive prices for food and drink, although transportation costs can be higher, with monthly travel passes averaging £90.
Carmarthen in Carmarthenshire placed fourth, with student accommodation costing £130 per week and private housing ranked among the cheapest nationally. The city also offers low prices for key food items and budget dining options at approximately £7 per meal, the best in the top ten rankings.
Keele, Staffordshire, took fifth place, with student accommodation slightly higher at £159 per week. Just a few miles from Stoke, Keele’s overall costs remain competitive, particularly for food and transport.
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, ranked sixth, offering the lowest rent among the top ten cities at £125 per week. While private rents are also affordable at £450 per month, some costs like meals out (£15) and petrol (£1.46/litre) weigh down its affordability score.
Ormskirk, Lancashire, and Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, placed seventh and eighth, respectively. Middlesbrough, in particular, boasts the lowest average grocery basket cost, providing good value for student budgets.
Dundee, Angus, ranks ninth, recognised as Scotland’s best city for students, while Kingston upon Hull rounds out the top ten. Hull students benefit from low prices for essential items, including groceries and coffee.
Commenting on the findings, Tornike Asatiani, CEO of Edumentors, highlighted the significance of accommodation and food costs in determining affordability. He noted the stark contrast between living costs in northern cities compared to London, where the average accommodation rate reaches £425 per week.
