One of the few UK cities where one can enjoy an urban lifestyle with relatively low cost is Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The city with its mild character, cultural diversity, and active student life, offers a living standard that is hard to be equaled by other large cities, particularly regarding price. The city gives out great life quality if you are thinking about relocating for study, work, or just a change of pace. Newcastle is a place full of energy at a low cost.
A City That’s Affordable Without Compromise
Cost is one of the major reasons why Newcastle is attracting thousands of visitors. The money you can spend here goes much further than in the cities that are located further south. Students' average living costs vary from £1,325 to £1,401 every month depending on the places they choose to stay. Even if a person is living quite comfortably, the monthly budget of £1,500 to £1,700 could easily provide the basic necessities of life plus a little bit of fun and a few luxuries among the essentials.
Accommodation is another area where the situation is quite positive. Because Newcastle's property values are lower than those of many other UK hot spots, the good standard of living is available at a price:
- To rent a private room in a shared house costs approximately £450/month
- The price of a studio apartment starts at about £500/month
- The cost of university dormitories varies from £98 to £224 per week depending on the type of room and amenities offered.
Shared accommodation has become the most economical option for many students, not just because of the rental rates but also due to the community atmosphere that helps newcomers adjust and make friends quickly.
A Social Scene Like No Other
If you ask anybody who has ever been a Newcastle resident, they will give you the same answer: the city’s vibrancy is second to none.
Newcastle is well known for its student nights all over the city, the good mood, and a list of things to do that never ends, from the pubs of Jesmond's Osborne Road to the late-night action around the Gate and Haymarket. The nightlife of the city is an eclectic mix, pub evenings, club nights, cinemas, live music venues, and even art collectives can all be found living side by side easily.
The average student is expected to fork out anywhere between £129 and £214 in a month for socialising and leisure activities,but the fact that there are student discounts everywhere makes it hard to go out and spend more than planned. If you feel like doing something very laid-back, then the Heaton and Ouseburn areas with their soft-lit and friendly café corners are there for you.
Creative Energy & Community Culture
Nightlife was just the tip of the iceberg, there was much more to Newcastle than just that. Ouseburn was one of the areas that transformed into a creative hub with a variety of small businesses, music studios, artists and independent venues co-existing there. Heaton attracted students and young workers who wanted to live in a close-knitted community near parks and public transport links to the city.
What is the most remarkable amongst everything is the warm and friendly nature of the people in Newcastle. Even in the most crowded urban areas, the inhabitants of the city always say it is friendly and safe, as there are public places that are lit up all night and the presence of a strong neighborhood that makes the people feel they belong.
Getting Around is Easy & Budget-Friendly
Newcastle is truly a compact city, and therefore, it is a good idea to visit it on foot or bike. However, the public transport system in Newcastle is also equally good. The Metro and bus networks are easy and cheap to use with student passes starting from about £65 per month. Moreover, if you want to explore further, trains from Newcastle will take you directly to important cities such as Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, and London, at surprisingly reasonable prices with early booking or a Railcard.
Food, Groceries & Everyday Living
Grocery shopping is not a problem at all with the budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl even for students counting every penny. The weekly indispensable products like milk, bread, rice, and fresh fruits and vegetables are still very affordable, and eating out is going to make monthly expenses for food drop a lot.
Newcastle's food environment, however, is rich and diverse, imagine international restaurant styles, student-friendly places, and Grainger Market's street food wonders, besides, there are a lot of coffee shops perfect for group study or just hanging out with friends.
The Newcastle Experience
Newcastle is a city that lets you live the best of both worlds
- mainly cheap
- an active social scene
- various arts and creativity
- excellent public transport
- an inviting community
You can live in Newcastle and experience the city's art scene in Ouseburn, eat street food in between lectures, or go to a club in the city center, all without breaking the bank.
Newcastle is the place to be if you want to find a city with a budget that meets lively character.
