How much does it cost?
Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.
Typical UK costs for big life events and everyday outgoings: running a car, buying a house, raising a child, a wedding, a funeral, probate, divorce and more. Every figure is sourced from a primary or authoritative source.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to run a car in the UK?
The RAC's 2024 'Cost of Motoring' report put the all-in cost of running a typical petrol or diesel car at around £3,000–£3,800 a year before depreciation. Add depreciation and the total real cost is often £4,500–£6,500 a year.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to buy a house in the UK?
On a £300,000 home with a 10% deposit, expect upfront costs of roughly £33,000–£38,000 once you add Stamp Duty (in England/NI), conveyancing, survey, mortgage and removals. The deposit is usually the largest single cost.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
Moving costs in the UK typically range £400 for a small flat with friends to £3,000+ for a 4-bed full-service move including packing. The average UK move comes in around £1,200–£1,800 for the removals leg alone.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to raise a child in the UK?
The Child Poverty Action Group's 'Cost of a Child' 2024 research put the basic cost of raising a child to age 18 at around £166,000 for a couple and £220,000 for a lone parent (excluding rent and childcare).
- Cost guide
How much does a UK wedding cost?
Industry surveys (Hitched, Bridebook) put the average UK wedding cost at £20,000–£24,000 in 2024. The venue and catering account for around half. A registry-office ceremony with a small reception can come in under £2,000.
- Cost guide
How much does a UK funeral cost?
SunLife's 2025 Cost of Dying report put the average attended UK funeral at £4,285 and the average unattended (direct) cremation at around £1,597. Add a wake and probate and the total 'cost of dying' averages over £9,200.
- Cost guide
How much does divorce cost in the UK?
The court fee alone for divorce in England & Wales is £593 (2025/26). Total costs vary from around £700 for a DIY uncontested divorce to £20,000+ for one with contested finances and solicitor representation.
- Cost guide
How much does childcare cost in the UK?
Coram's 2025 Childcare Survey put full-time nursery for a child under 2 at an average £14,500 a year (around £279/week). Costs are highest in inner London and lowest in the North East. The 30-free-hours expansion (from Sept 2025) substantially reduces this for working parents.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to live alone in the UK?
Outside London, a single adult typically needs £1,800–£2,400 a month to live alone in a 1-bed flat to a basic standard. London is £2,500–£3,500+. ONS data and the Minimum Income Standard are the best benchmarks.
- Cost guide
How much does probate cost in the UK?
The HMCTS probate application fee in England & Wales is £300 (estates over £5,000), plus £1.50 per sealed copy. If you use a solicitor for the whole estate, total cost typically lands at 1–5% of the estate's value.
- Cost guide
Will writing costs compared: solicitor vs online vs DIY
A solicitor-drafted single will typically costs £150–£300, or £200–£500 for a couple's mirror wills. Fixed-fee [online wills](https://swiftwill.co.uk/) for simple England and Wales estates can start from around £35 (for example [SwiftWill](https://swiftwill.co.uk/)); solicitor-backed platforms often from around £90. Charity campaigns such as Free Wills Month and Will Aid can also reduce the cost.
- Cost guide
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost in the UK?
Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) with the Office of the Public Guardian costs £82 per LPA in England and Wales. Most people set up two (property and financial affairs, and health and welfare), so the registration cost is £164 each — plus any solicitor fees.