Living Costs in Dundee: Student Budget Guide

Choosing where to study is one of a student’s biggest decisions. And it’s not only about which university or course to choose—it’s also the city. From lifestyle and affordability to culture, student accommodation, and opportunities, your study city can shape your entire university experience.

Dundee is relatively affordable for living, especially if you are a student. A monthly budget for student living expenses (excluding rent) is £800–£900, and private rent in the Dundee and Angus area tends to be about £838 per month. But it depends on the sort of student accommodation you choose and whether you’re living off campus or with others. (Source: University of Dundee) 

Whether you’re joining the University of Dundee, Abertay University, or Dundee and Angus College, understanding the living costs in Dundee as a student is key to managing your student budget and making the most of your academic year in one of Scotland’s sunniest and most student-friendly cities.

What’s Student Life Like in Dundee?

Dundee is often called Scotland’s sunniest city, but its charm goes far beyond the weather. As the fourth-largest city in Scotland, nestled along the scenic River Tay, it offers a unique blend of community, creativity, and innovation. With over 17,000 students from across the globe, Dundee is full of youthful energy and a strong sense of potential. When considering the pros and cons of living in Dundee, students often find that the city’s affordability, vibrant social scene, and welcoming atmosphere easily outweigh any minor drawbacks.

Home to the University of Dundee, Abertay University, and Dundee and Angus College, the city offers a wide range of higher education opportunities. Its compact, walkable city centre is packed with quirky restaurants, cosy cafés, lively clubs, indie shops, and inspiring art galleries. Student life here is welcoming, vibrant, and full of character. Whether you’re into arts, nightlife, gaming, or the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. The warm, inclusive community makes it easy to settle in, and the mix of student societies, campus events, city festivals, and riverside walks helps create a perfect balance between study and fun.

No wonder Dundee stands out as one of the most affordable yet popular student cities in the UK—a true gem in Scotland’s educational and cultural scene.

Breakdown of Living Costs in Dundee for Students

1. Cost of Rent in Dundee

When it comes to finding a place to stay while studying, there are several options to suit your preferences and budget. The good news is that rent in Dundee is below the national average, making it an affordable choice for students. With a range of student housing available, you’ll be able to find a comfortable and convenient option without breaking the bank.

a. University Accommodation
If you’re staying on campus, the university offers a few different choices:

• Seabraes Flats (shared bathroom) – £96/week
• Belmont Tower (en-suite) – £150/week
• Heathfield (en-suite) – £157/week

If you’re looking at student housing managed by private companies like Sanctuary Students, the cost usually ranges from £110–£140/week. The price can vary depending on how many people you’re sharing with, which will also affect your utility bills. If you are planning to live together with your non-student partner, they may not be allowed to stay in the university accommodation

b. Private Student Accommodation

If you’re thinking of living off-campus, consider purpose-built student housing—modern buildings specifically designed for students (like Parker House or iQ Parker Street). These places are modern, centrally located, and designed specifically for students. They usually come fully furnished and include handy extras like study rooms, gyms, laundry facilities, and social areas. Most of these accommodations bundle in your bills—Wi-Fi, utilities, and TV licence—and cost around £130–£180 per week. It’s a smart idea to budget ahead for this type of housing so you’re sure you can comfortably cover your living costs.

c. Private Flat or House
Once you’re past your first year, lots of students choose to move into private flats or shared houses. It’s a bit different from purpose-built student accommodation—these places are rented through landlords or letting agents and aren’t always just for students. You’ll usually pay monthly, and bills like electricity, Wi-Fi, and gas might not be included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately.

Typical costs:

• Shared room in flat/house: £300–£450/month
• 1-bedroom flat: £500–£650/month
• 2–3-bedroom shared flats: £700–£1,000/month

The price of private flats or houses depends on factors like the housing market, wages, and your personal spending habits. The West End is a popular area for students because it’s close to the universities. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the City Centre, Hilltown, and Stobswell areas are great options.

2.  Utility Bills

When it comes to utility bills, if you’re not in all-inclusive housing, here’s what you should budget for:

• Electricity & Gas: Around £30–£50/month per person
• Internet: £20–£30/month, which you can split with your flatmates
• Water: Covered by council tax, and full-time students get this waived.

Also, if you watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, make sure to consider the TV licence fee of £159/year.

3. Food and Groceries

Your food costs largely depend on your eating habits, but it’s important to keep track of your grocery spending to stay within budget while living in Dundee. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable grocery stores like Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, and even international grocery shops, making it easier to stick to a reasonable weekly budget. The key to managing food costs is planning your meals and making smarter choices at the store.

Here’s an idea of what to expect for weekly grocery costs:

• Budget: £25–£35/week
• Average: £35–£50/week

That works out to around £100–£200 per month on groceries. To cut costs even further, try cooking at home instead of eating out, pick up second-hand cookware to save on kitchen essentials, and consider sharing meal prep with your housemates. This way, not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the opportunity to bond over cooking together!

4. Transport and Getting Around

Public transport in Dundee is fairly affordable, and for many students, it’s not always necessary. However, it’s still a good idea to consider transportation costs as part of your overall living expenses while studying in the city. Here’s a breakdown of transportation costs and options in Dundee:

• Walking: Most places are within a 15–25 minute walk, so you may not need public transport daily.
• Cycling: Cycling is another popular option for students, with many opting to bike around the city for both convenience and cost-effectiveness.
• Buses: Buses are operated by Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach, providing a reliable way to travel within the city. If you plan to use buses regularly, you can get a weekly student pass for about £12.50 or a monthly student pass for around £45, which offers unlimited travel on the buses.
• Average transport costs: On average, students typically spend £0–£50/month on transport, depending on their preferences and lifestyle. 
• Travel to nearby cities: Affordable trips to Edinburgh or Glasgow are possible, making it easy for students to explore beyond Dundee.

5. Mobile Phone Bills

If you’re looking to keep your monthly costs low, SIM-only deals with student discounts are a great option. These plans typically cost between £10–£20/month, making them a budget-friendly choice for students.

Providers like GiffGaff, VOXI, Three, and EE offer flexible, contract-free plans, so you’re not tied down to a long-term commitment. This gives you the freedom to adjust your plan if your needs change throughout the year, whether you need more data or just a simple plan for calls and texts. It’s a great way to keep your mobile costs low while still getting the service you need.

6. Health, Toiletries, and Essentials

• Toiletries: Expect to spend around £10–£20 a month. This covers all the basics—shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and other personal care items.  The amount can vary depending on what brands you prefer.
• Prescriptions: If you need medication, you’re in luck—prescriptions are free for students in Scotland, so you won’t have to pay for them.
• Dental & Eye Care: If you need dental or eye care, it’s often covered by the NHS if you qualify for an HC2 certificate. But do keep in mind that certain treatments might still come with extra charges.

Also, don’t forget about the additional costs, like textbooks, entertainment, and any personal costs. Budgeting effectively is key to managing everything.

7. Social Life and Entertainment

Dundee’s nightlife might be small, but it’s definitely full of energy. For a night out, you’ll find popular student spots like DUSA, Clarks, Church, and Fat Sam’s, with entry fees usually ranging from £0 to £5. Drink prices are student-friendly too, with pints costing around £3.50 and cocktails around £5–£7.

If you enjoy arts and culture, Dundee has plenty to offer, from exhibitions at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) to concerts at Caird Hall and indie films at the cinema. Whereas, entertainment can cost around £50–£100 a month, so it’s a good idea to budget for weekly outings to keep things manageable throughout the month.

👉👉👉Also Read: [Things to do and See In Dundee]

8. Clothing and Miscellaneous Expenses

You’ll probably spend around £20 to £50 a month on clothes, especially if you’re shopping at places like Primark, H&M, Zara, or browsing through second-hand stores. Laundry adds another small cost, usually around £2–£4 per wash, so it’s a good idea to budget for that weekly.

For your study materials, expect to spend between £50 and £100 per term. However, using the university library can help save you some money on textbooks and printing. Also, depending on where you’re from in the UK, living costs and available funding may vary, so it’s a good idea to explore the support options available to you.

9. Part-Time Jobs and Student Discounts

If you’re planning to work part-time while studying, it can definitely ease your living costs. Many take on roles like barista, retail assistant, student ambassador, or even tutoring if they’re confident in a subject. The pay for these jobs usually ranges from £8.60 to £11.44 in 2025, which makes a difference.

And don’t miss out on student discounts—get yourself signed up with TOTUM, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans. You’ll get deals on everything from laptops and clothes to takeout and travel.

Also, if you’re coming with a child or other dependants, just keep in mind your budget will need to stretch a bit more—those extra costs add up.

Estimated Overview of Monthly Student Budget in Dundee

If you are living in halls or premium student accommodation (with bills included), expect closer to £700–£1,000/month. When budgeting, consider adjusting monthly spending figures based on the number of adults and children in the household.

Tips to Save Money as a Student in Dundee

If you’re looking to save money while studying in Dundee, a few simple habits can make a big difference. Here are some tips you can follow to save money:

• Cook at home and meal prep – It’s way more budget-friendly than eating out every day.
• Use student discounts wherever you can – Sign up for TOTUM, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans to save on everything from food to fashion.
• Shop at second-hand or charity stores – You can find great deals on clothes, books, and essentials.
• Borrow or buy digital course books – Use the university library or get the eBook versions to cut down on textbook costs.
• Join local Facebook groups – Great for finding free or low-cost items from other students.
• Walk instead of taking the bus – Dundee’s city centre is super walkable, and you’ll save a good amount on transport.

Conclusion:

By understanding and planning for the living costs in Dundee, you can enjoy everything this exciting Scottish city has to offer, without financial stress. Whether it’s finding the right student accommodation in Dundee, cooking on a budget, or using your student discount for essentials, smart budgeting will go a long way in enhancing your university experience.

Just stay financially aware, use the resources available to you, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey