London living costs: Rent, food, transport, and how to afford it

When people talk about London living costs, the total expenses needed to survive and thrive in the city, including housing, food, transport, and daily essentials. Also known as cost of living in London, it’s not just about how much you earn—it’s about how far that money stretches in one of the world’s most expensive cities. You don’t need a six-figure salary to live here, but you do need to know where the money goes—and where you can cut corners without losing out.

Rent in London, the largest monthly expense for most residents, varying wildly by zone and property type. Also known as London housing costs, it can eat up half your income if you’re not careful. A one-bedroom in Zone 2 might set you back £1,800, but head to Zone 4 or share a flat in Croydon, and you could drop below £1,200. The trick isn’t finding the cheapest spot—it’s finding the one that balances price, commute, and safety. Many locals swear by outer boroughs like Barking or Lewisham, where rent is lower and the DLR or Overground still gets you into central London in under 30 minutes. Then there’s London transport costs, the daily toll of getting around via Tube, bus, or train, often overlooked until you see your Oyster card balance vanish. Also known as TfL expenses, a monthly Travelcard can hit £250, but with Pay As You Go caps and student discounts, you can slash that by 40%. Skip the daily paper ticket. Use contactless. And if you’re a student or under 18, you’re already saving more than you think. And food? Food budget London, how much you spend weekly on groceries, meals out, and snacks, often inflated by tourist prices and convenience markups. Also known as London grocery costs, eating out every day can cost £15 a meal. But buy in bulk at Lidl, grab a £3 vegan wrap from a market stall, or cook with bulk grains and seasonal veggies, and you can eat well for under £100 a week. It’s not about skipping meals—it’s about knowing where the real deals hide.

What ties it all together? London living costs aren’t fixed. They’re shaped by choices: where you live, how you move, what you eat. The people who make it work aren’t rich—they’re smart. They know the 7pm discount at Pret, the free museum days, the bus routes that skip the Tube rush. They use TfL refunds when they’re overcharged, they shop at local markets instead of chain stores, and they don’t feel guilty about skipping the £12 coffee. This collection of posts shows you exactly how real people do it—students on tight budgets, vegans eating for under £5 a meal, commuters saving on transport, and locals who’ve cracked the code on affordable living. You don’t need to earn more. You just need to know where to look.