UCAS has launched a new interactive Budget Calculator that lets university applicants estimate their living costs using real student spending data from more than 100 UK locations. The tool went live on 22 July 2026 and is available within students' UCAS Hub accounts.
The calculator allows applicants to build a personalised monthly budget covering accommodation, bills, food, transport and everyday living expenses. It also breaks costs down by location, making it easier for students to compare living costs across different UK cities before deciding where to study.
The data behind the tool basically comes from two sources. The Blackbullion, which provided aggregated, anonymised student spending data, and the StudentCrowd, which supplied accommodation cost data.
UCAS research found that fewer than one in three applicants (29%) feel informed about how much money they will need to support themselves at university, despite most understanding how the student loan system works. The same research showed that 64% of applicants look into accommodation costs before applying, and only 10% do not expect to work during term time.
Among students who have already used the calculator, 63% said it made them feel more confident about planning their living costs.
Dr Jo Saxton CBE, Chief Executive of UCAS, said the tool would help applicants "understand what they’re likely to spend and to plan their finances before they make those decisions."
The tool is aimed primarily at UK undergraduate applicants, but it is also a useful planning resource for international students weighing up the cost of living in different UK cities as part of their decision on where to study.
Students can access the Budget Calculator through their UCAS Hub account or directly through the UCAS budgeting tool. Those concerned about funding their studies can also check UCAS's scholarships, grants and bursaries tool for available financial support.
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