Students living in Rugby are now spending more than £1,000 a month just to cover the basics, as rising rent, food prices and transport costs continue to put pressure on young people.
New data shows the average UK student is already spending around £1,078 per month on living costs, but for many in Rugby and the surrounding areas, the real figure is often even higher.
With rent rising and everyday essentials becoming more expensive, many students say they are having to rely on part-time work simply to stay afloat.
Rising rents are pushing costs higher
Housing remains the biggest expense for most students, and it is continuing to climb.
The average private rent across the UK reached £1,019 in January 2026, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This rise is slightly higher than the West Midlands average, showing just how quickly costs are escalating.
In Rugby itself, rental prices can vary, but a one-bedroom property typically ranges from around £700 to £715 per month. For students sharing accommodation, this still often means paying between £400 and £600 each once bills are included. No surprise then that so many students are looking for easy ways to make extra money online.
For those studying nearby, particularly at the University of Warwick, many choose to live in or around Rugby to try and reduce costs compared to Coventry. However, the gap is narrowing.
Food and everyday spending adds up quickly
It is not just rent putting pressure on students. The cost of food and day-to-day essentials has also risen significantly over the past two years.
Basic grocery items in Rugby reflect wider national trends. A litre of milk now averages around £1.20, while a dozen eggs costs roughly £2.70. Chicken fillets sit at around £6 per kilo, and even everyday items like bread and fruit have steadily increased.
Eating out, something many students rely on socially, also adds up. A simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around £15, while a coffee can be close to £3.70.
When combined, food and social spending can easily reach £200 to £300 per month, even for students trying to budget carefully.
Transport and bills quietly increase monthly costs
Transport is another cost that is often underestimated.
A monthly public transport pass in Rugby sits at around £70, while a single journey costs about £2. For students commuting to nearby cities like Coventry or Birmingham, these costs can quickly rise.
On top of this, students also face regular outgoings such as mobile phone plans, averaging £15 per month, and broadband, which can add another £30 to £45 when shared across a household. Utilities for a typical property can reach £175 per month, adding further pressure when split between housemates.
For those that live out of town with nowhere to leave their items in the summer, the cost of storage over the summer can also be immense.
More than half of students now rely on part-time work
With costs continuing to rise, it is no surprise that more students are working alongside their studies.
Recent figures suggest that over 50% of students now rely on part-time jobs to cover their living expenses. For many, this is no longer about extra spending money, but about being able to afford rent and food.
Rugby still offers value, but pressure is growing
Despite rising costs, Rugby continues to attract students thanks to its location and quality of life.
The town has strong transport links to Coventry, Birmingham and London, making it a practical base for students who want access to larger cities without paying city-level rents. It has also been recognised as one of the best places to live in the West Midlands, offering a balance of affordability, green space and amenities.
From independent shops and markets to green spaces like Caldecott Park and Draycote Water, Rugby still offers a lifestyle that appeals to students.
However, as costs continue to rise across the board, many are finding that even traditionally more affordable towns are becoming harder to manage financially.
The real cost of being a student
When all expenses are combined, the true monthly cost of being a student in Rugby becomes clear:
- Rent and bills: £600 to £800
- Food and groceries: £200 to £300
- Transport: £70+
- Phone and subscriptions: £30 to £60
This brings the total to well over £1,000 per month for many students, closely matching or exceeding the national average.
As the cost of living continues to rise, students in Rugby are increasingly having to balance their studies with work, budgeting carefully just to maintain a basic standard of living.
Article written by Olivia Lison
