Oxford and Cambridge usually are in the top positions when evaluating the best places to live for a student or young professional. Both cities have world-famous universities, rich cultural histories, and vibrant communities, but the question is: How do they consider one of the most practical concerns- the cost of flatsharing in 2025?
Both come with their own labels of being expensive, but analyzing housing trends, lifestyle costs, and everyday expenses differently brings many differentiating factors in favor of one city or the other.
The Big Picture: Cost of Living in Oxford vs Cambridge
Oxford and Cambridge possess many commonalities ,from old-style architecture to lofty employment rates and thriving academic environments. Subtle variations allow one of them to be a trifle cheaper.
Going into 2025, Cambridge prevails as a slightly pricier city on the whole. This is because of its exalted tech sector ("Silicon Fen") and shrivelled housing supply. Oxford remains costly but does hold a glimmer of hope for slightly reasonable rental options and a few flatshare options within and more or less around Oxford city centre.
From the latest housing data, any day-to-day expenses, be they utilities, food, or transport, remain almost similar in both the cities. But there lies a considerable difference in property and rental prices ,one that could hit students and working professionals hard as they get into shared accommodation.
Average Flatshare Costs in 2025
Flatsharing is one of the options offered in the two cities so that inhabitants may maintain high property costs while enjoying central locations. The rental market in 2025 reflects the continuing demand for rooms near university campuses and business districts.
|
City |
Average Room in Shared Flat (City Centre) |
Average Room Outside City Centre |
|
Oxford |
£750 – £950 per month |
£600 – £800 per month |
|
Cambridge |
£850 – £1,000 per month |
£700 – £900 per month |
As the above numbers suggest, Cambridge flatshares tend to cost approximately £100 more per month into washes of comparative Oxford rooms. And while this may seem like a small-hence-negligible difference, it adds up rather quickly throughout the year, especially for those students already on tight budgets or perhaps any funds they might put toward other living expenses.
Why Cambridge Is Slightly Pricier
Several factors explain the presence of Cambridge on the higher side of the spectrum in 2025:
High Demand in Housing and Low Supplies
With the city`s layout practically compact, and a continuously growing number of young technical and research professionals, the housing rental market remains under constant pressure.
Prestige and Location
The city, owing to its University and old world charm, lands property at premium prices. Areas like King's Parade, Trumpington, and The Backs fall under these areas.
Strong Local Economy
With high average salaries (about £72,000 per annum as per the Plumplot statistics), Cambridge can attract well-paid professionals who can afford higher rents, hence forcing prices upwards for everyone else.
Why Oxford Offers Slightly Better Value
Oxford’s housing market, while competitive, offers more varied flatsharing options. Areas such as Cowley, Headington, and Botley provide simple commutes, a diverse population, and cheaper rents.
Some of the reasons for the affordability of Oxford are
Broader Range of Housing:
Oxford mixes the old with the modern, thereby providing some flexibility in price, especially in so far as shared accommodation outside the city centre is concerned.
Balance in Student and Professional Demand:
Oxford University does create an element of competition for housing; however, demand is spread out across a number of districts within the city layout so higher prices are prevented.
Good Public Transport:
Buses offer cheap services, and there are very few routes for cyclists. So being a little outside the city centre would not add any commuting cost-and this is certainly a great sign for residents on a budget.
Utilities, Groceries, and Other Living Costs
Other than rent, flatshare expenses include bills, groceries, and getting around.
Utilities: Cambridge has a tendency to have higher utilities costs slightly, especially in colder months with the older housing stock and the heating needs.
Groceries: Food prices are the same in both, although Oxford city markets may be a little cheaper on fresh produce.
Transport: The transport and cycling networks in Oxford are generally cheaper and more convenient for commuting, while Cambridge's size favors cycle commuting and fares can be expensive for longer distances.
A single person sharing in Oxford could pay about £1,200–£1,400 a month in total, whereas in Cambridge, the same lifestyle may well cost between £1,350 and £1,600 monthly.
Neighbourhoods to Watch
Some neighbourhoods to check out in 2025 if flatshares are cheaper:
In Oxford:
Cowley: Full of life and student-centric, with good nightlife and affordable rents.
Headington: Close to hospitals and universities; good for professionals.
Botley: Quiet and more suburban, they boast lower prices and some greenery.
In Cambridge:
Chesterton: Offers more affordable flats with quick access to the city centre.
Cherry Hinton: Great for families or young professionals seeking balance between cost and comfort.
Trumpington: Modern housing developments with good transport links, although prices are going up.
Final Verdict: Which City Wins?
In the flatshare affordability race of 2025, Oxford takes first place.
Sitting at the top of living costs rings, both Oxford and Cambridge were highly rated; however, Oxford's lower, though still high, rents, somewhat wider variety of housing, and utility costs that can be coped with makes it more budget-friendly for students and young professionals.
If you want that skyline and career, especially in tech and research, Cambridge could well be your choice - but be prepared to pay a high price for the view.
It boils down to much more than just rent. Think about things like lifestyle, commute, and long-term aspirations. Both cities provide you with some truly stellar experiences-just depending on what best fits your pocket and way of life.
