Cambridge City Guide

Cambridge is a city steeped in history. It’s inspired some of the greatest writers of all time and is the chosen resting place of three Nobel prize winners. From punting on the river to historical cobbled streets and walkways, Cambridge has a great deal of cultural appeal, but it also has a huge helping of tech appeal as home to some of the most progressive tech companies in the world. Cambridge has attracted substantial governmental investment in the new heart and lung hospital and in improving transportation links around the city.

Housing

In Cambridge, you can choose whether to rent or to buy a property.

Renting your house or flat in Cambridge
On average, monthly rent in Cambridge now sits at around £1,400. Renting a house is likely to be slightly more expensive, with average rental fees around £1,600, but you can save money by renting a room (starting at £700 per month) or a flat (starting at £1,250).

Buying a home in Cambridge
If you prefer to buy, you’ll likely need a deposit of between 5% and 20% of the total cost of the property. The average house price in Cambridge has risen to £420,000. Renting can make sense while you get to know the area or settle into a new job before buying.

UK Visa Requirements

If you’re a British national, you’ll have an automatic right to work within the UK. Since January 2021, EU nationals can still work in the UK, but they must obtain a visa. Typically, once you’ve secured a job, your employer can apply for a work visa on your behalf. Read more about the UK work visa application process post-Brexit in our article ‘All You Need to Know About UK Immigration Visa Changes.’

The Cost of Living in Cambridge

Renting a furnished 85m² flat in Cambridge now ranges from £1,500 to £2,000 per calendar month, depending on the area. You’ll need to budget around £160 a month for utilities (gas, electricity, and water). While not as expensive as London, Cambridge remains one of the UK's costliest cities. A basic lunch menu in the business district will cost around £14, a loaf of bread 80p, and a decent bottle of red wine £12.

Salaries in Cambridge

The average salary in Cambridge is now around £38,000. A Cambridge-based mid-level ASIC Design engineer can expect to command between £50,000 and £60,000, while a mid-level Data Scientist can earn between £65,000 and £85,000, depending on experience.

Commuting and Public Transport around Cambridge

Commuting from Cambridge to London remains convenient with a fast train service to London Kings Cross that takes less than 50 minutes. Cambridge is also extremely bike-friendly, with over 80 miles of bike paths and the new Chisholm Trail, making cycling safer and more convenient. Plans for a tram network are still in place, aiming to further reduce congestion and pollution in the area.

Schools

In the UK, schooling can be state or private. Unless home-schooled, all children between the ages of 4 and 16 are required to attend school. State schools in Cambridge are free of charge and follow the National Curriculum. They are assessed by Ofsted, and their reports are publicly available. Private schools, however, can cost from £17,000 to £45,000 per year.

Global Companies in Cambridge

Cambridge continues to be a thriving digital hub, generating double the average digital tech turnover seen in other UK regions. Silicon Fen remains home to several major tech companies, including Darktrace, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Arm, as well as numerous startups.

In your spare time

Cambridge’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, thanks to the extensive network of cycling paths. You can spend your free time bargain hunting in the city’s shopping centre or relaxing by the river at one of its pubs or brasseries. Cambridge is also just 40 minutes from Stansted Airport, making it an ideal base for traveling across Europe.

If you would like to discuss opportunities in Cambridge or a potential career move, please contact us at enquiry@ic-resources.com or you can view all our jobs in Cambridge here.