Cost of living in Birmingham

Compared to the UK’s national average, the cost of living in Birmingham is fairly affordable. Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living City Ranking ranked Birmingham as the world’s 78th most expensive city out of the 226 cities surveyed. This puts Birmingham’s cost of living well below that of London, which is ranked 8th.

These two are the only cities in England that make an appearance on the list, so while Birmingham has a far better position than London, it is still one of the country’s priciest cities. In a global context, the cost of living in Birmingham is similar to that of cities such as Lisbon (Portugal), Vancouver (Canada), and Auckland (New Zealand).

Cost of accommodation in Birmingham

Rental prices in Birmingham are high and continually on the rise due to high demand. Utilities and council tax are usually charged in addition to rent, which should be considered when budgeting. New arrivals looking to minimise their accommodation expenses should concentrate their house hunt on Birmingham’s outlying suburbs, which tend to be cheaper than inner-city areas.

With six universities scattered around the city, Birmingham has a robust student let market. Newcomers and expats looking to reduce their rental expenses can look at houseshares or student accommodation, as these are typically more affordable.

Cost of groceries in Birmingham

The cost of groceries in Birmingham varies considerably depending on the outlet. Mid-range supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are generally affordable, but good savings can be found at discount retailers Aldi and Lidl. Meanwhile, high-end supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose sell plenty of imported products but are expensive.

Apart from making a savvy choice of where to shop, you can also save by buying in-store brands rather than name brands and opting for local produce over imports. Shopping at local farmer’s markets is another way to reduce the grocery bill.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Birmingham

As the second-biggest city in the UK and a university city, Birmingham has plenty of nightlife and entertainment options. Broad Street in the city centre is Birmingham’s hub for nightlife, and it offers a range of bars and clubs to suit any budget.

Additionally, you can find many excellent eateries along this road, but you should expect to shell out to enjoy the wonderful cuisine on offer. There are also affordable restaurants available in the city, particularly those offering ethnic cuisines such as Indian and Chinese.

There are also plenty of low-cost or free arts and culture activities, too. Galleries such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the MAC Birmingham offer free entry, so you can attend exhibitions, art classes, shows, and workshops at no cost. Other free activities include exploring Cannon Hill Park or going for a walk along the scenic Canal Walkways.

Cost of transport in Birmingham

With a good selection of bus, tram and train routes, Birmingham offers residents a local transport network that meets their needs, saving them the cost of purchasing, maintaining, insuring and fuelling a car. The city also has some good cycling infrastructure, so getting around on two wheels is both a healthy and cost-effective option.

Cost of education in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to several excellent schools. Most of the city’s best schools are funded by the state and are therefore free to attend. There are also many good private schools, but fees can be high, and they are often outperformed by local state schools.

While there are no schools offering foreign curricula in Birmingham, some independent schools teach the International Baccalaureate programme. This allows students to transition between countries without facing any major interruptions to their education. Parents opting for schools offering this curriculum must budget well, as they are often costly.

Cost of healthcare in Birmingham

Healthcare in Birmingham is administered by the National Health Service (NHS). While the NHS is known for providing good quality public healthcare, the system has long waiting times.

Non-UK nationals looking to access the NHS must pay a healthcare surcharge if they are in the UK for longer than six months. The fee, which amounts to a few hundred pounds, is payable per visa application. Once expats become permanent residents, the fee is no longer required, and they can continue accessing the NHS.

Private healthcare is available but is pricey. Comprehensive private health insurance is recommended for those wishing to use the private health system. Note that expats who are not permanent residents must still pay a healthcare surcharge, even if they are privately insured and don’t intend to use the NHS.