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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Oxford 2024
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Cost of Living in Oxford

By Betsy Burlingame

Professional Property Finders
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Summary: If you're moving to Oxford, understanding the the cost of living in Oxford helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city centre: £1,200 - £1,500 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £900 - £1,200 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city centre: £2,000 - £2,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £1,500 - £2,000 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square metre in city centre: £5,000 - £7,000
  • Price per square metre outside city centre: £3,500 - £5,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: £2.50
  • Monthly local transport pass: £60 - £70
  • Taxi starting tariff: £3.50
  • Taxi 1km tariff: £1.50 - £2.00
  • Gasoline (1 litre): £1.25 - £1.35
Groceries
  • Milk (1 litre): £0.80 - £1.10
  • Bread (500g): £0.80 - £1.50
  • Rice (1kg): £1.00 - £2.00
  • Eggs (12): £1.50 - £3.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): £5.00 - £8.00
  • Apples (1kg): £1.50 - £3.00
  • Tomatoes (1kg): £1.00 - £2.50
  • Water (1.5 litre bottle): £0.50 - £1.50
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10 - £20
  • Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40 - £70
  • Fast food meal: £5 - £8
  • Cappuccino: £2.50 - £3.50
  • Beer (0.5 litre draught): £4.00 - £5.00
  • Soft drink (0.33 litre bottle): £1.00 - £2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: £120 - £200 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20 - £40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten): £800 - £1,500 per month
  • Elementary School: £10,000 - £15,000 per year
  • Middle School: £12,000 - £18,000 per year
  • High School: £15,000 - £25,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in your specific area to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living in Oxford.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Oxford

"The cost of living in Oxford, is relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Housing costs, particularly rent, are quite expensive due to the city's popularity and limited housing supply. The cost of groceries, transportation, and utilities are also above the national average. Dining out and entertainment options can be pricey, but there are affordable options available. Overall, the cost of living in Oxford can be challenging for those on a tight budget, but it offers a high quality of life and numerous cultural and educational opportunities," said one expat living in Oxford.

Can I live in Oxford on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Oxford for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. Oxford can be quite expensive, especially in the city center and in neighborhoods like Jericho, Summertown, and Headington. I'd recommend looking for a flatshare or a room in a shared house in more affordable areas like Cowley, Marston, or Botley. You can find rooms for around £400-£600 per month, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Oxford is a very walkable and bike-friendly city, so I'd recommend getting a bike or walking as much as possible. If you need to take public transportation, consider getting a monthly bus pass, which costs around £60.For groceries, you'll want to shop at budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Tesco. Eating out can be expensive in Oxford, so try to cook at home as much as possible. If you do want to eat out, there are some affordable options like kebab shops, cafes, and pubs that offer reasonably priced meals.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Oxford. You can visit the many museums and galleries, take walks in the beautiful parks, or attend free events and talks at the universities. If you want to go out for drinks, try to find pubs with happy hour deals or student nights.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Oxford is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By living in a more affordable neighborhood, cutting down on transportation costs, and being smart about your grocery and entertainment choices, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Oxford.

Can I live in Oxford on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Oxford for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll need to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Cowley, Headington, or Marston. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You might have to settle for a smaller apartment or share a house with roommates to keep your rent within budget.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Jericho, Summertown, or North Oxford, as they tend to be more expensive. These areas are closer to the city center and have more upscale housing options, which might be out of your budget.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on things like groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries, and cooking at home more often instead of eating out will also help you stick to your budget.For transportation, consider getting a monthly bus pass or cycling around the city to save on costs. Oxford is a very bike-friendly city, and it's a great way to get around while also getting some exercise.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Oxford. You can visit the many museums and galleries in the city, take walks in the beautiful parks, or attend free events and talks at the universities.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Oxford is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your spending on groceries and transportation, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Oxford.

Can I live in Oxford on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Oxford for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices in terms of location and housing size. Oxford can be quite expensive, especially in the city center and some of the more upscale neighborhoods like Summertown and Jericho. I'd recommend looking for a place to live in more affordable areas like Headington, Cowley, or Marston. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have good public transport connections, but the rent is generally more reasonable.In terms of housing, you might have to settle for a smaller flat or a house share, especially if you want to save some money for other expenses like groceries, utilities, and leisure activities. I've found that sharing a house with a few other people can be a great way to save money and make new friends, especially if you're new to the city.When it comes to groceries and other essentials, there are plenty of affordable supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Aldi where you can find everything you need without breaking the bank. Eating out can be a bit pricey in Oxford, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options like street food markets, cafes, and pubs that offer good food at reasonable prices.As for transportation, I'd recommend getting a monthly bus pass if you plan on using public transport regularly. It's much cheaper than paying for individual tickets, and the buses in Oxford are generally reliable and efficient. If you prefer to cycle, there are plenty of bike lanes and cycle-friendly routes throughout the city, and you can often find second-hand bikes for sale at a reasonable price.Overall, living in Oxford on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make a few sacrifices in terms of housing and location. But once you get settled in, I think you'll find that Oxford is a beautiful and vibrant city with a lot to offer, and you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without too much difficulty," commented an expat living in Oxford.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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