Birmingham: The Second City That's Actually Affordable
Birmingham has reinvented itself.
Twenty years ago, nobody was excited about studying here. Today, it's got new tram lines, a buzzing food scene, and rental prices that don't bankrupt students.
Let me show you the data.
The Numbers
- Properties in Birmingham: 66
- Cheapest room: £109/week
- Average rent: £185/week
- Major Universities: University of Birmingham (Russell Group), Aston, Birmingham City University
Price Comparison
| City | Average Rent | |------|--------------| | Sheffield | £104/week | | Leicester | £148/week | | Birmingham | £185/week | | Manchester | £241/week | | London | £347/week |
Birmingham sits in the middle. More expensive than the budget cities, but significantly cheaper than Manchester or London.
Why Birmingham Works for Students
Central Location
1 hour 20 minutes to London. 1 hour 30 to Manchester. 45 minutes to Nottingham. You can get anywhere.
Job Market
The city is genuinely growing. HSBC moved their UK HQ here. HS2 is coming. The creative quarter is expanding.
Food Scene
This might sound weird for a student guide, but Birmingham's food is incredible. The Balti Triangle, Digbeth Dining Club, Michelin-starred restaurants - and most of it is affordable.
Diversity
One of the most diverse cities in Europe. You'll meet people from everywhere.
Top Picks by Budget
Budget: Unite Portland Crescent - From £109/week
Unite Students (2.7★). Basic but it works.
Location: Edge of city centre, about 15 minutes to most campuses.
Mid-Range: iQ Bagot Street - £150/week
iQ property with better facilities than budget options.
Premium: Vita Birmingham - £200+/week
The premium option for those who can afford it.
Understanding Birmingham's Areas
Selly Oak (UoB Students)
- THE University of Birmingham area
- Almost everyone from UoB lives here
- Cheap, studenty, close to campus
- 20 minute bus to city centre
City Centre (Aston/BCU)
- More expensive but convenient
- Walkable to multiple campuses
- Best for nightlife
Digbeth
- Up and coming area
- Creative scene, warehouse conversions
- Good value, interesting vibe
Edgbaston
- Near UoB but slightly posher
- More expensive than Selly Oak
- Quieter, residential
The UoB vs City Centre Split
Here's something specific to Birmingham: where you study matters a lot.
University of Birmingham students: You'll probably want to be in Selly Oak. The campus is out of the city centre, and most UoB students congregate there.
Aston / BCU students: City centre makes more sense. Your campus is central, so live central.
What Students Say
"Selly Oak is chaotic in the best way. Every house is students. It's like one big community."
"Birmingham surprised me. Expected nothing, found a city I genuinely love."
"The food here is insane. My London friends are jealous when they visit."
My Bottom Line
Birmingham offers big city benefits at mid-range prices.
At £109-185/week, you're paying significantly less than Manchester while getting a city that's genuinely on the up.
If you're studying at UoB, embrace Selly Oak culture. If you're at Aston or BCU, go city centre.
Browse Birmingham properties →
December 2025 data