Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the cost of living in the UK in 2025?
Typical UK 2-person household needs ~£2,500-£3,000/month after tax for a moderate lifestyle outside London (£3,500-£4,500 in London). Major costs: rent £900-£2,000, energy £150-£200, food £400-£600, council tax £150-£200, transport £150-£300.
Full answer
A typical UK 2-person moderate-lifestyle household budget 2025 (after tax): rent £900-£2,000/mo (depends heavily on city — Hull £750 vs London £2,000+); council tax £150-£200/mo (Band C-D); energy/gas £150-£200/mo at Ofgem cap; water £30-£50/mo; broadband + mobile £40-£60/mo; food/groceries £400-£600/mo; transport £150-£300/mo; clothes/personal £100-£150/mo; entertainment/eating out £200-£400/mo. Total: £2,300-£4,000/mo. London adds ~£800-£1,200 vs Northern cities. PLSA Retirement Living Standards 2025: moderate single £31,300/yr post-tax (£2,608/mo); minimum £14,400/yr.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.