|
Category
|
Monthly
Cost
|
Companies
|
Comments |
|
Normal
Phone
|
£10.00
|
British
Telecom
Mercury
|
Line
rental only. Local and Internet calls are charged by the
minute. Toll call rates per country. International calls:
use phonecards for 85% savings. Join a Phonecard program
for mammoth savings. Tell me
more...
|
|
Gas
|
£15
- £20
|
British
Gas
|
Fluctuates
with the seasons (central heating is powered by Gas)
|
|
Water
|
£15
|
|
Generally
pay your water bill once every six months
|
|
Electricity
|
£20
- £25
|
Mercury
|
Dependent
on usage and number of flatmates
|
|
Council
Tax
|
£50
+
|
n/a
|
25%
discount for people living on their own. Rates vary dramatically
depending on area of London and value of property. Check
with your agent before moving in.
|
|
Food
|
£20
+
|
Sainsbury's
Tesco's
ASDA
|
Meat
is considered expensive. Two pieces of chicken could set
you back £5.00.
|
|
Movie
Tickets
|
£6
- £12
|
UCI
|
West
End (City) theatres are at the expensive end. Look out for
local theatres were you live - they normally have one cheap
night a week (generally Weds or Thurs) or go to matinees.
|
|
Gym
Memberships
|
Avge
£40 + (Join up fee for non council run gyms around £100)
|
|
YMCA
or local council gyms are the cheapest and depending on
the area of London, the equipment is quite good. Fitness
exchange is middle of the road, and tend to be popular (ie:
crowded at peak times), whilst Holmes has all the luxuries,
but you pay for them. Expect a joining up fee of around
£100 - or keep your nose to the ground for new gym openings,
they normally will waiver the set up fee you will pay the
monthly rate only. |
Living Costs - what to expect
