I have a Friend (jane) who relocated to London from Nigeria. Upon arriving to London she found out the Cost of Living there was super high so she decided to share her story with us at Temmybiz so people immigrating to London from Nigeria can learn from her Experience.
When I moved to London last year, I knew that the city was renowned for its high cost of living. However, I was still shocked by the expenses I encountered as I settled into my new life in the British capital. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience with the various costs of living in London, in the hope that it might help those considering a move to this vibrant city.
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Housing:
Finding a place to live in London was challenging, especially considering the high rents. I ended up renting a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, which set me back between £1,500 to £2,000 per month. I discovered that many people in central locations have roommates to save on rent, with shared apartments in zones one or two costing around £800 to £1,200 per month.
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Food:
Dining out in London can be a costly affair. I found that a typical meal at a restaurant, accompanied by a drink, often cost me around £30 to £35. Drinks alone were priced between £7 to £15 each. However, I quickly learned that cooking at home was a more affordable alternative. My grocery runs, which I do twice a month, usually amount to £40 to £45.
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Leisure and Entertainment:
In terms of leisure and entertainment, I had to adjust my budget to accommodate various activities. A weekend getaway from London set me back around £300. A night out at the movies typically cost me between £15 to £25 per ticket. Fortunately, some personal indulgences, like buying flowers or getting my nails done, were relatively affordable. I found that a bouquet of flowers cost around £6, while nail salon services ranged from £30 to £40 per month.
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Transportation:
Navigating London’s public transportation system was initially overwhelming and expensive. My monthly transportation pass costs me around £150, but living in a central area has reduced my need for frequent travel, thus helping me keep transportation expenses in check.
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Fitness:
The range of gym memberships in London was surprising, with prices varying from £20 to £200 per month. After some research, I found a gym that suited my needs and budget, striking a balance between location, facilities, and services offered.
My first year in London taught me that living in this city can be costly, but with careful budgeting and a willingness to explore different options, it’s possible to find a balance between enjoying what the city has to offer and maintaining financial stability. For anyone considering a move to London, I highly recommend researching the cost of living beforehand in order to make an informed decision and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.