7 Tips for Living in London on a Budget

When it comes to famous cities, the UK’s capital certainly holds a top spot.

Whether you decide to go to London for the fantastic museums and art galleries, or perhaps the medieval places and historical architecture have drawn you in, one thing that many people share is the desire to live in London.

However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows.

London is rated as the seventeenth most expensive city in the world, and people on the lower end of the salary scale can easily find themselves struggling to survive.

Rent, food, and other necessary expenses can quickly take away what you have earned, making it hard to enjoy the things you moved to London for.

If you can not afford or want to spend less, these tips will help you go easy on your budget and make moving to London much easier.

Do a thorough accommodation research

One of the most challenging and most expensive things about living in London is the actual living. With rent prices almost doubling those of the rest of the country, it can seem an impossible task to find affordable accommodation.

Doing thorough research before moving house can save you a lot of trouble and… money.

Before deciding on your next residence, consider some essential factors, such as the location. Is it close to your work or university? Does it have a supermarket in close proximity? Can you find transport to the places you plan to travel?

These are essential questions that may increase your daily expenses.

Once you decide on a few places, always try to meet the landlord in person. A good relationship is essential, and whether you can get along can usually be determined on your first meeting.

With prices as high as they are right now, you would do well to sit down with the landlord and discuss options for reducing the rent. Even if you do not reduce the monthly cost, you may negotiate for the TV and internet service to be included in the rent.

Depending on how easygoing your future landlord is, you may also push for them to cover gas, water, and electricity.

Consider house sharing

Another excellent opportunity to reduce monthly expenses is to share housing with others. Since rent will be your most significant monthly expense, having that hut in half or even less can significantly improve your quality of life.

Even though most landlords do not prefer this option, you can discuss this openly. Many of them will reconsider after meeting you and your future roommates.

Walk as much as you can

Walking is undoubtedly not something that comes to mind when discussing big cities. What sets London apart, however, is that everything you need is surprisingly close to you and, in most cases, within walking distance.

It is not only good for your health and budget, but walking around the city will allow you to see and experience unique places and the London culture.

Try to avoid shopping at high-end supermarkets

London is one of the most expensive cities for a reason. High-end supermarkets are at every corner, and one can easily follow the pack and start shopping there.

The truth is that even though convenient, those supermarkets are rarely worth it. You can find the same quality products in your local Aldi or Lidl for a significantly cheaper price.

Opt for homemade meals instead of takeout

When talking about convenience, ordering food is undoubtedly one of the best things that has happened to us in recent years.

Having the ability to rest or watch a movie while your food is prepared and delivered is appealing to many, but it comes at a cost. This is especially true for Londoners.

While you can certainly order takeout once or twice monthly, preparing homemade meals will save you a lot of money. Not only that, but the recipes will be tailored entirely to your taste and significantly healthier than the food you usually order.

Use student discount if you can

If you have moved to London to study, you definitely don’t want to miss out on all the perks that come with it. After all, you won’t be a student your entire life.

In almost every store, shop or cafe you visit, you can find something that fits your taste at a discounted price. It is wise not to pass on this opportunity, as it will save you quite a bit at the end of the year.

Find a suitable job

With the cost of living in London, it is no surprise that salaries are also higher than in other cities. Does that mean you will be able to live better? Not necessarily.

It is a good idea to compare what you currently earn and spend with what you will be making and spending in London and figure out what salary you will need to maintain your standard of living.

United Kingdom’s capital certainly provides endless employment options, but if you are not careful with your chosen job, you may struggle to make ends meet even when working full-time.

Is it a good financial decision to hire a local moving company?

The short answer is yes. When moving out and going to a new city, you have too many things to consider. Getting in touch and scheduling an appointment with a local moving company will help reduce the stress of the actual move while giving you more time to focus on finding suitable accommodation.

A trustworthy removals company will assist you with the move and offer packing services and insurance for your possessions so you can rest assured that you won’t have to replace expensive items due to accidents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving to London is an easy decision once you have experienced life there. However, it comes with some risks.

Ensure that you find suitable accommodation which reflects your budget and leaves you enough to spend and enjoy life in the capital.

If you are moving to find a better job, always consider the cost of living when comparing the salary expectations and don’t forget to consider your commute to work.

When you have finally decided to go to London, consider using the services of a local moving company to ensure self and easy travel.