Life in the UK: Realistic Monthly Costs Revealed!
Living in the UK for a while now, I still feel like my salary disappears faster than the speed of light each month.
You often hear people say, “The UK is a great place to live!” and it’s true—if money isn’t a worry.
Keeping a house alone is expensive, running a car comes with its own hefty bills, and then you add kids’ activities, groceries, and subscriptions…
The reality? Just the fixed costs can easily top £2,000 a month! Here’s a detailed look at what running a family in the UK really costs.
1. Housing – One of the biggest monthly expenses
| Expense | Monthly Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council Tax | 250 | Local council tax for our area |
| Mortgage | 1,100 | Standard mid-range house |
| Gas & Electricity | 247 | Fixed monthly bills |
| Water | 50 | Average household usage |
| Home Insurance | 66 | Required for mortgage |
Tip: Switching to a smart thermostat or energy supplier can save around £20–30/month.
2. Cars – We maintain one electric and one diesel
| Expense | Monthly Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company lease car (insurance incl.) | 380 | Includes all insurance |
| Fuel (Diesel) | 120 | Depending on usage |
| Electric car charging | 65 | At-home charging + occasional public stations |
| Electric car insurance | 43 | Standard cover |
| SmartCar service plan | 36 | Includes MOT, oil & maintenance |
Tip: Petrol apps like “Petrol Prices” help you find the cheapest local fuel, saving £10–15 per tank.
3. Kids’ Education & Activities
| Child | Activity | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|
| My daughter | Violin lessons (4 sessions) | 160 |
| My son | Football lessons | 60 |
| My son | Swimming (4 session) | 40 |
| My daughter | Birmingham City Music School | 200 |
Tip: Booking multiple term lessons in advance sometimes gives 5–10% discount.
4. Health & Personal Expenses
| Expense | Monthly Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gym (David Lloyd + husband’s company gym) | 163 | Includes yoga & classes |
| Cultural outings | 80 | Musicals, theatre (average per month) |
| Wine | 70 | Personal treat! |
| Mobile phone | 18 | Standard plan |
| Internet | 40 | Average broadband |
Tip: Some gyms offer family memberships or off-peak discounts—worth checking.
5. Groceries
- Weekly groceries: ~£165
- Monthly total: £650
Tips for saving:
- Main UK supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose – use membership cards (Clubcard, Nectar, More Card) for weekly deals.
- Bulk buying: Costco offers cheaper prices on bulk items, but check as some products aren’t cheaper than other supermarkets. Stores can also be crowded.
6. Eating Out
- Monthly estimate: £80
- Favourite family spot: Wagamama
Tip: Consider set menus or “kids eat free” deals for occasional dining out.
7. Subscriptions & Media
| Service | Monthly Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TV Licence (BBC) | 13.25 | Required by law |
| Netflix | 4.99 | Basic plan |
| Disney+ | 4.99 | Family plan |
| Now TV | 43.99 | Includes Premier League football |
Tip: Rotate streaming services monthly if possible to reduce costs.
8. Clothing & Other Expenses
- Only essentials and sports kit when necessary
- Minimal discretionary spending helps manage overall budget
Quick Summary
| Category | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 1,713 |
| Cars | 644 |
| Kids’ Education & Activities | 460 |
| Health & Personal | 371 |
| Groceries | 650 |
| Eating Out | 80 |
| Media & Subscriptions | 66.23 |
Minimum fixed costs: £2,357
Including everything: £4,000+
Living in the UK isn’t cheap, but it is manageable. By understanding your expenses, making smart choices, and focusing on what matters, you can turn a potentially stressful financial reality into a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.