Living in Leicester: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Leicester.
Leicester stands as the largest city in the East Midlands, with a population of approximately 388,000 residents. Located just 90 miles northwest of London and easily accessible by train in about one hour, this ancient city combines rich history with modern opportunities. Leicester has been recognized as the best place to live and work in the East Midlands by the Good Growth for Cities Index for three consecutive years, ranking 20th among all UK cities in 2024.
The city is celebrated for its remarkable cultural diversity, hosting the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India and one of the UK's most vibrant Caribbean Carnivals. From the discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a car park to its thriving universities and sports culture, Leicester offers a unique blend of heritage and contemporary living that appeals to newcomers from around the world.
5 Good Reasons to Move to Leicester
- Affordability – Leicester is ranked among the UK's top 5 most affordable cities, with living costs approximately 26% lower than London.
- Excellent connectivity – Direct trains to London St Pancras in under one hour, with easy access to Birmingham, Nottingham, and East Midlands Airport.
- Cultural diversity – A truly multicultural city with over 70 languages spoken, offering authentic cuisine, festivals, and a welcoming community.
- Educational excellence – Home to two respected universities and a range of quality schools, making it ideal for families and students.
- Green spaces – Over 100 parks and gardens, including Victoria Park and Abbey Park, plus proximity to the 200-square-mile National Forest.
Working in Leicester: Employment Opportunities and Key Industries
Leicester's economy has evolved significantly from its industrial roots in textiles and footwear to a diverse modern landscape. Major employers include Caterpillar UK, IBM, Next, PepsiCo, and ASOS, alongside a thriving healthcare sector anchored by Leicester Royal Infirmary. The city contributes approximately 0.5% of England's GDP and hosts over 14,500 businesses.
Key Employment Sectors
The largest employment sectors in Leicester include human health and social work, followed by retail, education, and manufacturing. The information and communication sector has grown by 11% year-on-year, reflecting the city's digital transformation. Leicester's two universities also create significant employment opportunities in education and research.
Work Permits for International Workers
Non-UK nationals typically require a Skilled Worker Visa to work in Leicester. This requires a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, with a minimum salary of £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. The visa operates on a points-based system requiring 70 points, with eligibility criteria including English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1 and a job at RQF Level 6 or above. After five years, visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
The following table summarizes Leicester's key employment indicators:
Average annual salary | £29,520 – £30,770 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% – 5.2% |
Employment rate (ages 16-64) | 65.1% |
Top employing sector | Health and social work |
Sources: Office for National Statistics, Nomis Labour Market Statistics
Higher Education and Universities in Leicester
Leicester is an established university city, home to two major institutions that attract students from over 140 countries. The city's compact layout means campuses are easily accessible, and both universities maintain strong connections with local industries, enhancing graduate employability.
University of Leicester
Founded in 1921 and granted its Royal Charter in 1957, the University of Leicester is a research-intensive institution ranked #285 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The university achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 and hosts approximately 20,000 students. It is renowned for its research in genetics, space science, and archaeology—notably contributing to the discovery of King Richard III's remains. International undergraduate tuition fees range from £17,500 to £29,000 per year depending on the program. The university offers scholarships of £3,000 to £5,000 annually for qualifying international students.
De Montfort University (DMU)
De Montfort University welcomes over 2,700 international students from more than 130 countries. In the 2024 International Student Barometer, DMU ranked 1st in the world for overall satisfaction among international students. The university received a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 and has been named the UK's Best University for Work Experience by RateMyPlacement for two consecutive years. DMU pioneered "block teaching," allowing students to focus on one module at a time. International fees typically start from £15,750 per year.
For more information, visit University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
Schools and Education for Children in Leicester
Leicester offers a comprehensive range of educational options for families, from state-funded schools to independent institutions. The city has undergone significant investment in education through the Building Schools for the Future program, modernizing many facilities.
State Schools
Leicester City Council oversees numerous primary and secondary schools, with many rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Parents can search for schools by postcode on the council's website and must apply through the Leicester City admissions process. Popular areas for families with good state schools include Oadby, Evington, and Knighton. The school year runs from September to July, divided into three terms with half-term breaks.
Independent and International Schools
Leicester Grammar School is one of the UK's top-performing independent schools, located on a 75-acre campus in Great Glen. It serves pupils aged 10-18 and consistently achieves excellent GCSE and A-Level results. Termly fees for senior school start from approximately £5,400 to £6,500. The school offers sibling discounts of 5-10%. Leicester High School for Girls provides education from junior to sixth form, with similar fee structures. Other options include Dixie Grammar School in nearby Market Bosworth, with fees around £6,465 per term for senior school.
For families seeking curricula from home countries, options include bilingual and faith-based schools. Leicester does not have dedicated American or other national curriculum schools, so families should consider the British independent school options or explore online international schooling programs.
Sources: Leicester City Council – Schools, Leicester Grammar School
Housing and Neighbourhoods: Where to Live in Leicester
Leicester offers diverse housing options across its neighborhoods, from Victorian terraces in charming suburbs to modern city-center apartments. The average house price in Leicester is approximately £235,000, significantly below the UK average of £272,000, making homeownership more accessible than in many other cities.
Popular Neighbourhoods for Newcomers
Clarendon Park is highly sought-after by professionals and families, offering Victorian and Edwardian homes near Victoria Park and the University of Leicester. Average property prices here are around £249,000. Stoneygate is one of Leicester's most prestigious areas, with elegant tree-lined streets and excellent schools nearby—expect to pay around £346,000 on average. Oadby, three miles southeast of the city center, provides a suburban feel with good transport links and averages £393,500. For more affordable options, Evington offers community feel and green spaces at around £296,000, while Highfields is popular for its cultural diversity and budget-friendly rents.
Rental Market
The average monthly rent in Leicester is approximately £1,016 as of late 2025, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. Rental costs vary significantly by area and property type. The table below provides typical rental ranges:
1-bedroom apartment (city center) | £750 – £950/month |
1-bedroom apartment (outside center) | £600 – £800/month |
3-bedroom house (suburban) | £1,100 – £1,400/month |
Sources: ONS Housing Data, Rightmove
Leisure, Culture and Things to Do in Leicester
Leicester punches above its weight in cultural offerings, blending ancient heritage with vibrant contemporary arts and world-class sporting traditions.
Museums and Attractions
The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the remarkable story of the medieval monarch whose remains were discovered beneath a Leicester car park in 2012. The National Space Centre features Europe's largest planetarium and interactive exhibits exploring space exploration—perfect for families. Leicester Museum and Art Gallery on New Walk houses collections spanning ancient Egypt to modern art, including the famous Rutland dinosaur skeleton. Entry to city museums is free. The Jewry Wall Museum showcases Roman Leicester, featuring Britain's tallest surviving piece of Roman masonry.
Festivals and Events
Leicester hosts some of the UK's most spectacular multicultural celebrations. The Diwali festivities on the Golden Mile are the largest outside India, attracting over 35,000 visitors with illuminated streets and cultural performances each autumn. The Leicester Caribbean Carnival in August brings vibrant costumes, calypso, and soca music to Victoria Park. Other highlights include the Leicester Comedy Festival (February), Riverside Festival (June), and Leicester Pride.
Sports and Recreation
Leicester is a proud sporting city. Leicester City Football Club, winners of the remarkable 2015-16 Premier League title, plays at the King Power Stadium. Leicester Tigers, one of England's most successful rugby clubs, competes at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Leicestershire County Cricket Club offers summer entertainment at the Grace Road ground. For recreation, Victoria Park provides 69 acres of green space, while the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre offers kayaking, climbing, and high ropes activities.
Daily Life in Leicester: Transport and Lifestyle
Leicester combines the conveniences of a modern city with a relaxed pace of life. Its compact layout means most amenities are within easy reach, whether on foot, by bike, or using public transport.
Getting Around
The city's public transport network is primarily bus-based, operated by First Leicester, Arriva, and Centrebus. Services run from approximately 5am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 7am to 11pm on Sundays. Leicester also has three Park and Ride services for commuters. A single bus fare typically costs around £2.50, with day passes available for approximately £5. Contactless payment is widely accepted.
Leicester Railway Station provides excellent rail connections. East Midlands Railway operates frequent services to London St Pancras (approximately 1 hour), as well as to Nottingham, Derby, and Sheffield. CrossCountry trains connect to Birmingham, Peterborough, and Cambridge. For air travel, East Midlands Airport is approximately 20 miles north, while Birmingham International Airport is about 45 minutes by car.
Everyday Lifestyle
Leicester's multicultural character shapes daily life. The Golden Mile on Belgrave Road is famous for its Indian restaurants, jewelry shops, and grocery stores—perfect for those seeking authentic South Asian cuisine and products. The city center offers major retailers at Highcross Shopping Centre and traditional stalls at Leicester Market, one of Europe's largest covered markets, operating for over 800 years.
The city enjoys a temperate climate with average summer temperatures around 22°C and mild winters. English is the primary language, though the city's diversity means you'll hear Gujarati, Punjabi, Polish, and many other languages in daily life.
Cost of Living in Leicester: A Budget-Friendly City
Leicester consistently ranks among the UK's most affordable cities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking good value without sacrificing quality of life. Living costs are approximately 26% lower than London excluding rent, with rent itself around 183% lower than the capital.
Monthly Budget for a Single Person
A single person can expect monthly costs of approximately £765 to £860 excluding rent. When adding accommodation, total monthly expenses typically range from £1,400 to £1,700. The following table provides a breakdown:
Expense | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Rent (1-bed apartment) | £650 – £850 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | £150 – £180 |
Groceries | £200 – £280 |
Transport (monthly pass) | £50 – £70 |
Mobile phone | £15 – £30 |
Internet | £25 – £40 |
Monthly Budget for a Family of Four
Families should budget approximately £2,600 to £3,500 per month excluding rent. With housing, total costs range from £3,800 to £5,000 depending on lifestyle and neighborhood:
Expense | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Rent (3-bed house) | £1,100 – £1,500 |
Utilities | £200 – £280 |
Groceries | £500 – £700 |
Transport | £100 – £150 |
Private school fees (optional) | £1,500 – £2,200 |
Health insurance (private, optional) | £150 – £300 |
In Short
Leicester offers an exceptional quality of life at an affordable price point. Its rich history—from Roman origins to the discovery of Richard III—combines with modern multicultural vibrancy to create a truly unique city. With excellent transport links placing London just an hour away, two respected universities, diverse neighborhoods, and year-round cultural celebrations, Leicester welcomes newcomers with open arms. Whether you're drawn by career opportunities, education, or simply seeking a friendly community with character, Leicester delivers.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with others who have made the move at the Expat.com Leicester Forum, where you can ask questions, share experiences, and find support from fellow residents.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this content, please contact us.
