15 Pros and Cons of Living in Oxford, England from an Expat

So you’re thinking of moving to Oxford, England? Here’s what you need to know.

As an expat that was living in Oxford pre-2021, I’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of living in this historic city.

I moved to Oxford as a student, intending to stay in England forever. Then the C-word hit and I had to come back to Canada. But honestly, after living in Oxford, I don’t know if I’d consider living in the UK again.

While I’ve already covered the pros and cons of living in the UK, it’s time to tackle Oxford in particular to help expats, families, digital nomads, and students decide if this famous city is right for you!

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

Pros and Cons of Living in Oxford, UK

1. Pro: Best Universities in the World

If you’re looking for a top-tier university, Oxford is the place to be. In fact, it’s home to the oldest university in the world!

On top of Oxford University (often called “Oxford proper” by the students in the city), there are also several other world-renowned colleges, like Oxford Brookes University (my alma mater!).

2. Con: Which Means Lots of Students

All those universities mean that Oxford is jam-packed with students.

In fact, over 38% of the city’s population are students!

While this gives the city a vibrant and young feel, it also means that things can get a bit chaotic during term time.

If you’re looking for a quiet city to retire in, Oxford is probably not the right spot.

3. Pro: Hub of Classic Literature

If you’re a fan of classic literature, then you’ll love living in Oxford.

The city has been associated with some of the most famous writers in history, from J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis.

You can even visit the pub where JRR Tolkein and CS Lewis used to drink and discuss their work!

I even stopped by Tolkien’s grave while I was in town (sue me, LOTR is my FAVE!)

Plus, just 1 hour away, you can visit the birthplace of Shakespeare!

4. Con: Lots of Tourists

Because of its literary history (and those stunning university buildings), Oxford attracts a LOT of tourists.

Especially during the summer months, the city can get pretty crowded.

You’ll find tour groups throughout the city that can make it hard to just get your shopping done or go read your source material at the library.

5. Pro: Many Great Job Opportunities

With so many students and tourists comes a lot of businesses and job opportunities.

There are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants that are always looking for seasonal staff. And with all the tourists, there are also lots of opportunities in the hospitality industry.

And there are plenty of business roles just outside of downtown as well.

If you’re looking to get into publishing, Oxford is a pretty incredible city. It’s probably your best bet outside of London or Edinburgh.

It is home to the famous Oxford University Press after all!

6. Con: Hard to Get a Job

While there are many job opportunities in Oxford, they can be hard to come by.

You’ll be competing against really well-educated students, locals who know how to write a UK CV and cover letter (don’t get me started on their nonsense email sign-off rules!), and with the current world situation, a lot of experienced people are going for more entry level jobs.

And because of the high cost of living, many of the entry-level jobs don’t pay very well.

It can be worth it in the long run, but it’ll be hard to get started on a profitable foot in Oxford.

They also MASSIVELY favour locals or Brits. Expats and foreigners without long-term work visas, like me, will struggle.

7. Pro: High Quality of Life with Amazing Things to Do

Even with the high cost of living, Oxford is still a great place to live.

The city has a really vibrant and fun culture with lots of things to do.

There are plenty of museums and art galleries, as well as parks and gardens to explore.

You can even go punting in the local river!

And if you’re into sports, there are loads of options as well. You can go rowing on the river, play cricket in one of the many parks, or even join a football or rugby team.

My roommate played tennis and seemingly never was in need of a partner because of how many people were always out playing!

8. Con: High Cost of Living

Unfortunately, all of those amazing things to do come at a price.

Oxford is one of the most expensive cities to live in the UK.

Rent is incredibly high, and even basic groceries can cost a lot.

If you’re not used to living in an expensive city, it can be quite a shock!

9. Pro: Very Bikeable City

Despite being a bit chaotic, Oxford is actually a very bikeable city.

There are plenty of bike paths and lanes throughout the city, and it’s actually quite flat (except RIGHT by my university), so you won’t get too tired pedaling around.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise!

However, you’ll need a good bike lock because bike theft is pretty prevalent. You can even get bike insurance to keep your bike safe!

10. Con: Don’t Even Attempt to Drive

While biking is a great option in Oxford, driving is not.

The streets are narrow and chaotic, and it’s really easy to get lost.

There are also a lot of one-way streets, so you can easily end up going the wrong way.

The streets are VERY old and built for horse carriages. You’ll be competing with double busses and you’ll really feel like it’s the end of times tbh.

And parking is nearly impossible to find and really expensive when you do.

11. Pro: Pretty Cotswolds

Oxford is located in the Cotswolds, which is an especially pretty area of England.

There are lots of quaint villages and towns to explore, as well as rolling hills and countryside.

And if you’re into hiking or outdoor activities, there are plenty of options for that too!

The Cotswolds is also a great place to go for a weekend getaway.

12. Con: You’ll Need to Commute to London

While Oxford is a great city, it’s not the biggest.

If you’re looking for a more fast-paced lifestyle, you’ll need to commute to London.

It’s about an hour by train, so it’s not too bad. But it can be expensive if you’re doing it every day.

Lots of people do it for jobs, so it is doable.

I only did it a few times to meet friends for dinner in London or to go to shows (most of them won’t come play in Oxford), but the bus ride was really draining.

You’ll also have to commute to airports.

13. Pro: Very Safe City

Oxford is a very safe city. I never once felt unsafe walking around, even at night.

The crime rate is quite low, and there are plenty of police officers patrolling the streets.

I always felt safe taking the bus or walking home alone at night.

Even then, my friends always were sure to check on me.

Pro tip: Get your friends to send you a 2 second video every time they get home. It’s supremely fun to do see how creative they get with it, and ensures they’re safe!

14. Con: Taxes Suck

The taxes in the UK are really high.

Income tax, VAT (sales tax), and council tax can all add up.

Plus, if you’re buying a house, you’ll have to pay stamp duty.

It’s all a bit of a pain, but it does help to keep the city running and the NHS in existence!

15. Pro: NHS

Speaking of the NHS, it’s really great.

I’ve used it a few times and have always had great experiences, even if the wait times are a bit long.

It’s free to use (as long as you’re a UK citizen or resident). It’s a paid add-on that’s required for any foreigner with a student or work visa (about $1,000 CAD or 500 GBP to get).

Of course, there are always exceptions, but overall it’s a great system.

I will say if you need mental health support through it, you’ll be waiting a while. So invest in something digital like Better Help in the meantime.

Living Cost in Oxford

Moving and Shipping

If you’ll be moving to Oxford from overseas, you’ll need to factor in the cost of shipping your belongings. This can be expensive, so it’s worth considering whether you really need to bring everything with you.

These costs can easily rise to over $2,000 if you bring any furniture with you from overseas.

You may also need to pay for a visa and/or vaccinations. Check with the British embassy in your home country for these costs.

Housing

The cost of housing in Oxford can be quite high, especially if you’re looking for a place close to the city centre.

Prices start at around £900 per month for a one-bedroom flat and can go up to £1,500 or more for a three-bedroom flat.

If you’re looking for a house, prices are lower outside of the city centre.

To buy a house, you’ll need to save an average £582,000 in 2022.

Groceries

Groceries in Oxford are relatively expensive. A week’s worth of groceries for one person can cost around £60.

You will be shopping at smaller Tescos and Sainsburys. If you go further out to Aldi, it’ll be slightly cheaper.

Restaurants

If you like to eat out often, Oxford can be quite expensive. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around £30 per person without drinks.

If you want to go to a nicer restaurant, prices can easily rise to over £50 per person.

To save money, try cooking at home or look for restaurants that have meal deals.

Weatherspoons is an especially popular cheap option for students. And they have epic drink specials.

Alcohol

If you like to drink, alcohol can be quite expensive in Oxford. A pint of beer will cost around £4, and a bottle of wine will cost around £10.

To save money, buy your alcohol at the supermarket or look for happy hour deals.

Entertainment

There are plenty of things to do in Oxford, but some of them can be quite expensive.

For example, a movie ticket will cost around £10, and a theatre ticket can cost over £30.

To save money, look for free events or try to find discounts on tickets.

Clothing

Clothing in Oxford is not overly expensive, but it can be more expensive than in other parts of the UK.

For example, a pair of jeans will cost around £40, and a dress will cost around £50.

To save money, try shopping at cheaper stores like Primark or H&M.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Oxford is not too expensive.

A single bus ride will cost around £2, and a day pass will cost around £4.

To save money, buy a weekly or monthly pass. This will give you unlimited rides for a set period of time.

If you’re a student, you may get a bus pass for one of the three bus companies.

These companies don’t offer free transfers between them, which really raises public transportation costs.

Gym Membership

If you want to join a gym, it will cost around £40 per month.

To save money, look for gyms that offer discounts or free trials.

You may also be able to find cheaper options if you look outside of the city centre.

I used the Oxford Brookes University gym, which is also open to the public for a low monthly fee.

Internet

Internet in Oxford is not too expensive.

A basic internet plan will cost around £20 per month.

You may also be able to get a cheaper internet plan if you bundle it with other services like TV or phone.

TV License

This is unique to the UK. I’ve never had to buy a TV license before.

But to access any cable – even “free” channels like the BBC – you need to have a TV license.

A TV license will cost around £159 per year.

You may be able to get a discount if you’re a student or over 75 years old.

Flights

The cost of flights to and from Oxford can vary greatly depending on your home country.

To get an idea of how much it will cost, I recommend using a flight search engine like Skyscanner or Google Flights.

You’ll need to fly out of London, so factor in the bus fare to the city.

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

Taxes in Oxford

There are two main types of taxes in Oxford: council tax and income tax.

Council tax is a tax that goes towards funding local services like schools, roads, and garbage collection.

Income tax is a tax that goes towards funding the national government.

The amount of council tax you pay will depend on the value of your property.

The amount of income tax you pay will depend on your income.

Both of these taxes are deducted from your paycheck automatically.

The average council tax in Oxford is £1,200 per year.

The average income tax in Oxford is 20%.

Cost of Living in Oxford for International Students

As an international student, you’ll need to factor in the cost of your visa and health insurance.

A student visa for the UK will cost around £363 to apply.

And health insurance will cost around £470 per year.

You’ll also have to pay higher tuition fee. My fees were nearly double that of my classmates for my Masters.

Best Neighbourhoods in Oxford

If you’re an expat looking to live in Oxford, there are a few neighbourhoods you should consider.

The best neighbourhoods for expats are Jericho, Summertown, and Headington.

Jericho is a trendy neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants and bars. It’s also close to the city centre.

Summertown is a leafy suburb with a more relaxed vibe. It’s also close to the University of Oxford.

Headington is a student-friendly neighbourhood with lots of amenities.

Choosing the right neighbourhood for you will depend on your lifestyle and budget.

Best Things to Do in Oxford

There are plenty of things to do in Oxford, no matter what your interests are.

If you’re into history, you can visit the Bodleian Library or one of the many colleges at the University of Oxford.

For nature lovers, there’s the Botanic Garden and Radcliffe Camera.

And for foodies, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore.

Hikers will love tramping through the Cotswolds.

No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something to do in Oxford.

Best Places to Eat in Oxford

There are plenty of great places to eat in Oxford.

Some of my favourites include The Vaults, Gee’s, and The Trout Inn.

The Vaults & Garden Cafe is a small restaurant beside the Bodleian that offers a lovely tea. They also serve delicious food.

Gee’s is a restaurant that serves modern British cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.

The Trout Inn is a traditional pub that serves pub food classics like fish and chips.

No matter what your budget is, you’ll find a great place to eat in Oxford.

Tips for Living in Oxford

Sunday Hours

Many stores in Oxford are closed on Sundays or at least close much earlier. So, if you need to do some shopping, make sure you do it on Saturday.

Getting a Bank Account as an American or Expat

If you’re an American or an expat living in Oxford, you’ll need to open a bank account.

The best bank for Americans and expats is Barclays.

They have branches all over the city and offer free withdrawals at any ATM worldwide.

To open an account, you’ll need your passport, proof of address, and your student ID or proof of work.

The process is uber complex and takes forever. Save yourself from not having a bank account for months (like I did) by getting a free Wise.com multicurrency account.

Opening a bank account is so much EASIER by creating a free multi-currency account here.

Learning the Language

If you’re not a native English speaker, you’ll need to learn some basic phrases before moving to Oxford.

People in Oxford mostly only speak English and won’t make much of an effort to learn your language.

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

Making Friends in Oxford

If you’re looking to make friends in Oxford, the best thing to do is join a society or club.

There are clubs and societies for just about everything, from Harry Potter fan clubs to hiking groups.

👉 Want to make friends around the world? Join Meetups today for free!

Best Oxford Job Sites for Expats

If you’re an expat looking for a job in Oxford, the best place to start is with one of the many online job boards.

Some of the best job boards for expats are Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster.

Living in Oxford vs London

When it comes to living in Oxford vs London, there are pros and cons to both cities.

Oxford is smaller and more relaxed than London. It’s also cheaper to live in.

But, London has more job opportunities and is more multicultural.

So, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a city.

Living in Oxford vs Cambridge

When it comes to living in Oxford vs Cambridge, there are pros and cons to both cities.

Oxford is cheaper than Cambridge and has more job opportunities.

But, Cambridge is smaller and more relaxed than Oxford. It’s also closer to the University of Cambridge, which is debated to be better or worse.

I think Oxford is nicer, personally, but I’m biased, having attended university there.

Living in Oxford as a Young Professional

If you’re a young professional living in Oxford, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to network and advance your career.

There are many networking events and luncheons hosted by local business groups.

You can also volunteer for local charities or join one of the many professional organizations in Oxford.

Wrap Up: Living in Oxford as an Expat or Student

Overall, Oxford is a great city to live in as an expat or student.

It’s affordable (if you work in the UK), has plenty of job and networking opportunities, and is home to some of the best restaurants in the UK.

Just be prepared for the challenging Sunday hours and language barrier.

I loved living in Oxford, but mostly for the friends I made and the epic pub scene – even if I didn’t fully understand UK round culture or ordering through the Weatherspoons app to your table.

You’ll adore your time in Oxford if you’re looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, amazing historic architecture, and of course – plenty of opportunities to drink lots of tea.

When you’re ready to visit France, find the cheapest flights with this tool.

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