Moving to London is an exciting and unparalleled social experiment that can be compared to travelling worldwide.
In London, you can experience all the world’s cultures, business opportunities, and innovative technologies.
Still, the cost of living is quite high here. You must plan your expenses wisely.
The most challenging expenditure often falls in the food category, as many people spend a considerable part of their budgets on purchasing food and eating out.
Londoners must be careful when spending much of their earnings to save enough for food expenses.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to making a food budget for one person in London in the current year.
Contents
Top 3 Factors Influencing Food Budget for One Person
- Dietary Preferences: Special diets, such as vegan, organic, or gluten-free, call for a high food budget. This is due to premium ingredient prices.
- Lifestyle and Convenience Needs: A busy lifestyle may lead to higher spending. You will likely opt for convenience foods, takeaways, or quick grocery items if you have a busy schedule.
- Neighbourhood Pricing: London’s prices vary based on area. Some neighbourhoods offer more affordable options, while others have premium pricing. If you have a tight budget, look for areas that offer necessities concerning food at a reasonable rate.
Groceries
While making a food budget for one person during your stay in London, groceries offer a cost-effective way to cover all daily food requirements. These include the following:
- Fresh Produce: Vegetables and fruits are necessary to stay healthy and fit. In London, prices vary based on season and stores. Try to get them from local markets. This is because the cost of vegetables and fruits is often less than the cost offered by supermarkets.
- Proteins (Meat, Fish, Eggs): Protein sources that include chicken, fish, and eggs are usually quite expensive. You must include protein in your daily diet. Look for places that offer discounts or buy them in bulk. You may also opt for plant-based alternatives
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yoghurt play an essential role in the diet of several people. It’s better to continue using dairy products. Non-dairy alternatives are costlier, so for dietary needs, you choose non-dairy items over dairy items.
- Grains: Basics like rice, pasta, and bread are affordable and versatile. They work as a cost-effective foundation for meals.
- Pantry Items: Items like cooking oils, spices, and canned goods are essential for making different food items. Buy these in bulk or try to get them on sale so that you can cut costs.
Eating Out
- Fast Food and Street Food: Different types of fast food are available in London at an affordable cost, from roadside to chain, taking into consideration. A meal usually costs around £5-£15, offering an economical way to dine.
- Mid-Range Restaurants: These offer meals which cost around £15 – £30. Such restaurants include cafes and family-owned restaurants. They offer much more options but are relatively more expensive than fast food. However, you can dine in such restaurants once a month to enjoy good food in a good eatery.
- Fine Dining: In London, there are many posh restaurants where meals cost more than £50. A fine dining restaurant is perfect for special occasions. However, avoiding such restaurants is best if you have a tight budget.
- Frequency of Eating Out: Dining out is expensive; it becomes even more expensive if done frequently. Restricting this to once a week or only on occasions that ensure a manageable food budget for one person is advisable.
- Estimated Costs: Sticking to your budget while dining out is best. Estimate the costs by researching the restaurant before visiting. You must keep in mind that an expense of £30–£100 each week is equivalent to £120–£400 per month. So, consider your budget and decide!
Takeaway/Delivery
- High Cost: Takeaways and delivery services offer convenience for busy lifestyles. If you have a busy schedule, you may frequently opt for takeaways. However, this can be costly. Delivery charges and additional service charges add up to the cost.
- Minimum Total Amount: Also, some restaurants have a constraint on the minimum amount of money spent per order. Sometimes, people are bound to spend more to have a bill that crosses this minimum amount. This calls for unnecessary expenditure, which could be saved easily.
- Monthly Takeaway budget: Fix a monthly takeaway budget depending on your total food budget for one person in London. It’s better not to spend more than £40-£50 per month on takeaways to keep your food budget low.
Total Food Budget Estimates
- Conservative Estimate (£200–£300): This budget is manageable by cooking at home, limiting dining out, and shopping strategically. It works well for those prioritizing essential items and low-cost groceries.
- Moderate Estimate (£250–£400): A moderate budget provides some flexibility. You can combine home-cooked meals with occasional dining out or takeaways. This offers a balanced food budget for one person in London.
- Liberal Estimate (£300–£500): Those who can afford to spend much on their food budget can frequently dine out or purchase premium ingredients. This budget accommodates higher food costs without sacrificing variety.
How to Save Money on Groceries in London?
- Shop Smart:
- Purchase groceries from discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.
- Compare prices on apps like Trolley or MySupermarket to find the best deals.
- Opt for Seasonal and Local Produce:
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper and often fresher. Look for deals at farmer’s markets or local shops. - Bulk Buying and Meal Prepping:
Buying in bulk reduces per-unit costs. Meal prepping ensures no food goes to waste and saves money. - Choose Store Brands:
Generic or store-label products are often cheaper than branded alternatives with similar quality.
Final Take
It has been seen that London, being a cosmopolitan, is full of cuisines that can be very exotic and on the other hand, they can be very heavy on the pocket.
You will find every kind of food habit served, from the simplest pub food to gourmet food; however, you might have to pay a premium for it.
The monthly food budget for one person in London typically falls between £200 and £500, depending on lifestyle and choices. Setting a realistic budget, based on individual needs, helps maintain financial health.