What is the cost of living?
This varies accordingly. On average students at Stirling will spend between 5,000GBP to 6,500 GBP a year (not including fees). When planning a budget, some basic costs that should be taken into account include accommodation (plus any bills), food, telephone, clothes, entertainment and travel. Stirling is considered to have a relatively low cost of living, when compared to other parts of Scotland, and other parts of the UK as a whole.
The cost of living in Bulgaria is the lowest in Europe. Red wine from Melnik (Churchill’s favourite) is a pound a bottle. A cooling pint of draft Zagorka at a local pub (‘mehana’) is 30p. Domestic cigarettes are 30p a packet. A taxi journey costs a pound. Dinner for two, based on wonderful organic produce, will rarely exceed seven pounds.
[return to top] The cost of living in Syracuse, and all of Sicily, is among the lowest in Italy. In Syracuse, a cappuccino costs about $1.00. Compared to the US fruits and vegetables are a less expensive than in the States, especially if you buy them at the open market. Telephones, on the other hand, are more expensive in Italy, as is energy in general (gas, electricity, gasoline), so things tend to even out. If you cook in your own house, you can live relatively cheaply. Italian consulates expect you to have about $1,000 – $1,200 per month for your stay in Italy. Depending on personal choice it is possible for your living costs to be under this number.
