PeerAbroad does not treat cost-of-living figures as generic averages. Each category uses a defined student-focused methodology so cities can be compared as consistently as possible.
Private room in shared accommodation
PeerAbroad measures the median monthly rent of valid private rooms in shared, student-appropriate accommodation. Whole apartments, studios, hotels, short-term tourist accommodation, luxury accommodation and dorm/PBSA-only benchmarks are excluded. Deposits and other upfront fees are not included in the monthly figure unless genuinely part of recurring rent.
Fixed 26-item student grocery basket
PeerAbroad uses a fixed 26-item grocery basket representing one budget-conscious student cooking most meals at home. Current normal supermarket prices are converted into expected weekly consumption quantities before the basket is totalled. Eating out, alcohol, toiletries, cleaning products, first-move-in stock, loyalty-only prices and temporary promotions are excluded.
Standard Big Mac meal
PeerAbroad measures the normal price of a standard Big Mac meal: Big Mac, medium fries and a medium soft drink. Normal McDonald's locations and regular menu prices are used. Promotions, coupons, delivery markups and abnormal premium locations such as airports or motorway services are excluded. Where meaningful branch variation exists, multiple normal branches are compared.
Typical monthly student transport cost
PeerAbroad estimates the typical monthly cost of local public transport for a full-time exchange student. Broadly available student or youth fares are used where an ordinary exchange student is eligible. If a suitable monthly pass or fare cap exists, use the cheapest appropriate option for the standard usage level. Where neither exists, calculate the cost of 40 standard one-way local journeys per month using applicable student/youth fares, or adult fares where no broadly available student discount exists. University-specific schemes, special-status concessions, airport travel and intercity transport are excluded.
Regular cappuccino
PeerAbroad measures the typical regular price of a cappuccino or directly comparable standard café coffee in the city. Normal café pricing is used rather than temporary promotions or unusually premium venues.
Standard 500ml draught beer
PeerAbroad measures the regular price of a standard 500ml draught beer at a bar. Temporary promotions, happy-hour-only prices and unusually premium venues are excluded.
Standard 500ml lager
PeerAbroad measures the regular supermarket price equivalent of 500ml of lager. Current normal shelf prices are used. Loyalty-only offers, temporary promotions, multibuy discounts and refundable container deposits are excluded. The figure is researched city-by-city where supermarket pricing varies geographically.
Marlboro cigarettes, 20 pack
PeerAbroad uses a 20-pack of Marlboro as the standard international cigarette benchmark, normally Marlboro Red or Gold depending on reliable local availability. Current legal retail pricing is used. Where national tax or retail-price rules make the same official price applicable across a country, that national figure can be used across its cities.
Standard gym membership
PeerAbroad measures a general, non-promotional membership at standard gyms with unrestricted time access and no minimum commitment beyond one billing period. For each qualifying operator, the lowest membership meeting those rules is taken, then the median across the operator panel is used. Student-only discounts, temporary promotions, off-peak-only plans and long minimum commitments are excluded from the headline figure.
Flexible SIM-only plan, 20GB+
PeerAbroad uses a fixed panel of reputable national mobile providers. For each provider, take the cheapest normal flexible SIM-only plan providing at least 20GB of mobile data per month. The published figure is the median across three qualifying providers where possible. Long contracts, handset plans, temporary promotions, bundles requiring other services and tourist travel eSIMs are excluded. 28-day plans are normalised to a monthly equivalent. SIM pricing is national by default unless genuine regional pricing exists.
3 double mixers, entry and a 5km taxi
PeerAbroad uses a standardised club-night basket rather than attempting to estimate every student's personal spending. The basket consists of three double house-spirit mixers, typical club or venue entry where paid entry is normal in that city, and one standard 5km taxi journey home. Premium spirits, VIP or bottle service, special-event entry, temporary drink promotions and food are excluded.