Cost of living · Leeds · 2026
What salary do you need to live in Leeds?
What salary do you need to live in Leeds?
To cover the essentials living alone in Leeds — about £1,590 a month — you need to earn roughly £21,500 a year before tax. To live comfortably, with money left for savings and extras, closer to £31,000. Rent alone is £950 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by £21,500 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable £31,000 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in Leeds
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | £950 |
| Council tax | £125 |
| Utilities & bills | £175 |
| Transport | £70 |
| Food | £270 |
| Total | £1,590 |
On the £21,500 "get by" salary, your take-home is about £1,583 a month — just covering the £1,590 of essentials.
Sharing changes everything. Splitting rent and bills with a flatmate can cut the salary you need by thousands. Run your own numbers →