Living costs here depend heavily on your income, housing choice, and lifestyle. If you’re renting a room in a shared flat, you can expect to pay significantly less than someone in a one-bedroom apartment, but rent still makes up the largest share of expenses.
In 2025, the answer depends on your income, living arrangement, and lifestyle. While Ealing is more affordable than many central London areas, it’s still part of one of the most expensive cities in the world.
This guide takes a detailed look at what it really costs to live in Ealing in 2025. Using up-to-date figures from trusted sources like Essential Living, Numbeo, and Ealing Council, we’ll break down average rents, monthly bills, grocery prices, and more.
We’ll also compare Ealing to other boroughs and outline the income levels needed to live here comfortably.
By the end, you’ll know exactly whether Ealing fits your budget and how to make it work if it doesn’t.
1. Average Rent Prices in Ealing
Rent is the biggest expense for most residents. The good news is that Ealing is generally cheaper than central boroughs like Westminster or Kensington, but it’s still far from “budget” living.
- Shared accommodation – If you rent a room in a shared two-bedroom flat, expect to pay around £1,150 per month per person.
- One-bedroom flat – For single tenants who prefer living alone, Ealing’s average is lower than central London’s £2,252 per month, but you should still budget between £1,600 and £1,900 depending on the exact location and property condition.
- Family homes – Three-bedroom houses in good areas can range from £2,300 to £3,000 monthly.
Your rent will vary based on proximity to transport hubs like Ealing Broadway or South Ealing, and whether the property is newly renovated.
2. How Ealing’s Cost of Living Compares to Other London Boroughs
Compared with Zones 1–2, Ealing offers relatively better value. In 2025:
- Living in central London can easily cost 25–40% more in rent alone.
- Food, utilities, and transport costs are roughly the same across London, but Ealing’s housing stock, especially flats in converted houses, keeps rent lower.
- Compared with neighbouring boroughs like Hammersmith & Fulham, you can expect to save £300–£500 per month on similar properties.
3. Recommended Income to Live Comfortably in Ealing
To live without financial strain, your net income should comfortably cover rent and essentials with room for savings and leisure.
- Flat-sharing: A net monthly income of £2,200–£2,500 (roughly £30,000–£45,000 gross annual salary) is enough for a comfortable shared living arrangement in Ealing.
- Living alone: If you rent a one-bedroom flat, you should aim for a net income of at least £3,000 per month, which means a gross salary of £40,000–£55,000. Higher earners (£60,000+) enjoy more flexibility for savings and entertainment.
The median London salary in 2025 is around £44,370, translating to roughly £2,825 take-home pay; enough for most shared living setups in Ealing.
4. Average Utility Costs for Residents
Utilities are another important part of your monthly budget. For a single person sharing a flat:
- Gas, electricity, and water – £60–£120 per month, depending on usage.
- Internet – Around £30–£40 per month.
- Council tax – Band D properties in Ealing average £125 monthly, but if you share, your share will be around £70.
In total, expect to spend £100–£200 per month on utilities and internet.
5. Food and Dining Costs
Food costs in Ealing are in line with the rest of London. A typical monthly grocery bill for one person is around £200–£250 if you shop at supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Lidl.
Dining out is slightly cheaper than central London, but still not cheap:
- Mid-range restaurant for two – Around £60–£70 for a three-course meal.
- Casual meal – £12–£15 for a main dish in a pub or café.
6. Transport Costs
Ealing benefits from strong transport links, including the Elizabeth Line, Central Line, and Piccadilly Line, as well as National Rail services.
A monthly Travelcard covering Zones 1–3 costs around £184 in 2025. Many residents choose this option to commute into central London.
If you cycle or walk locally, you can reduce transport costs significantly, though bad weather in winter makes public transport essential for most.
7. Entertainment and Leisure
Ealing offers a mix of free and paid leisure activities. A reasonable monthly budget might look like this:
- Cinema tickets – £12–£15 per visit.
- Gym membership – £30–£50 per month.
- Casual socialising – £100–£150 monthly for drinks, events, or hobbies.
8. Cost of Living Without Rent
If you remove rent from the equation, monthly costs for a single person in Ealing typically range from £800–£1,000. This includes:
- Utilities
- Council tax
- Groceries
- Transport
- Leisure and dining
This figure is useful for those moving in with family or into accommodation where rent is already covered.
9. Financial Support and Advice
Ealing Council offers help for residents struggling with costs. Support can include:
- Benefits such as Housing Benefit and Universal Credit
- One-off grants for emergencies
- Council tax reductions
- Energy bill support
You can find full details on th Ealing Council Cost of Living page.
10. Example Monthly Budget
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
| Rent (shared 2-bed) | £1,150 |
| Utilities & Internet | £100 |
| Council Tax | £70 |
| Transport | £184 |
| Groceries & Dining | £250 |
| Entertainment | £100 |
| Total | £1,854 |
With this budget, you’d need a net monthly income of £2,200–£2,500 to live comfortably.
Is Ealing Affordable?
While it’s not cheap by UK standards, it offers better value than central London, with green spaces, good schools, and quick transport links.
You can afford to live in Ealing in 2025 if:
- You earn at least £30,000–£45,000 gross for shared accommodation.
- You earn £40,000–£55,000+ for living alone in a one-bedroom flat.
- You budget realistically for rent, utilities, food, and transport.
If you’re moving from central London, you may find Ealing refreshingly affordable. If you’re relocating from outside London, be prepared for higher costs, but also a higher quality of urban living.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Ealing cheaper than central London in 2025?
Yes. Rent in Ealing is generally 25–40% lower than in central boroughs like Westminster or Kensington. While food, utilities, and transport costs are similar across London, Ealing’s housing stock and location outside Zone 1 make it a more affordable choice for many residents.
2. What is the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Ealing in 2025?
In 2025, a one-bedroom flat in Ealing typically costs between £1,600 and £1,900 per month, depending on proximity to transport hubs, property condition, and neighbourhood appeal.
3. How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Ealing?
If you share a flat, a gross annual salary of £30,000–£45,000 is usually enough. For living alone in a one-bedroom flat, aim for £40,000–£55,000+ gross to cover rent, bills, and personal expenses comfortably.
4. How much are average utility bills in Ealing?
For a shared flat, utilities (gas, electricity, water, internet, and council tax share) average £100–£200 per month per person, depending on energy usage and property size.
5. What is the monthly cost of living in Ealing without rent?
Excluding rent, a single person can expect to spend £800–£1,000 per month on utilities, groceries, transport, and leisure.
6. How much does public transport cost in Ealing?
A 2025 Travelcard for Zones 1–3 costs around £184 per month, giving access to the Elizabeth Line, London Underground, and buses.
7. Can I get financial help with living costs in Ealing?
Yes. Ealing Council offers support such as Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, council tax reductions, and emergency Local Welfare Assistance for eligible residents in financial difficulty.
