Living expenses for Single person

[huntermooreisacnut]

I have recently moved to the UK from Australia so forgive my ignorance - I am moving to the South East, to a 2 bedroom new-build apartment. I'm freaking out a little about all the media reports about the cost of living, and I'm so worried I won't be able to afford my new place. I am hoping people can give me an idea of what I can expect to be paying per month for utilities.

I was going to live alone, but now I feel I will have to have a lodger.

So the figures are:

Wages 1100 p/m
Lodger 800 p/m
TOTAL= 1900 p/m

For two people in a 900 sqft apartment what I can realistically expect utilities to be? And food?

If people can give me an idea of what things are likely to be Id be so grateful. Also, would I be better off going down the Homestay or Air bnb route with the spare bedroom than a lodger or is that more work/less reliable income.
Thanks.

You mentioned you are studying. I'm going to be presumptuous and say have you checked out any student grants/loans you may be entitled to?

Thank you so much everyone. Its giving me a lot to look into. Unfortunately I'm not entitled to any student grants or loans because I only just returned to the country and you have to have been resident for 3 years before you get support for study.

Does anyone know how likely it is I will get some disability benefits/support for Autism and related mental health issues, and how much they are likely to be if anything?

Try here-scroll down to the ‘benefits check’ section: www.moneysavingexpert.com/benefits/

technophobic thats really helpful thank you.

You would have to meet some residency checks before you can get disability benefits. And if you work full time and study, this will go against you.

Disability benefits aren't means tested are they? They're for the extra costs of the disability not lack of income.

OP be aware that many people who do qualify are rejected and there is a high success rate with appeals (around 70% I believe)

Right. Its hard because I find applying for things really difficult. The whole process is anxiety inducing for me, due to my issues. I'm not sure I'm even able to communicate properly how my issues affect me. Are there disability advocates here that I can get support from? I wouldn't be able to handle a tribunal with a panel.

PIP isn't. However, the OP will need to live in the UK for a certain amount of time before they can apply.

Ah that's a shame re student loans/grants. Afaik any disability benefits are very hard to get. There are pages and pages to fill out. Best speak to citizens advice for help or look on disability rights websites & resources for help. You need to describe your symptoms on the worst day not your best and yes, there's the rejections, reconsiderations and tribunals to contend with. You probably can't get Employment support allowance (ESA) but Personal Independence payment's aka PIP are not means tested but check your residency rules as someone else suggested.

Check out the Government 's Rent A Room Scheme for homeowners. You can receive I think it's £7500 of payment from your lodger without paying tax on it.

erm I would really check you want to live in the uk before buying. It’s not the best place to live.

ps council tax is a killer as well.