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The Real Cost of Freelancing in London: Why I Spent £500 More a Month to Work Somewhere Else

For the past two years, I’ve been freelancing full-time as a content creator in London, collaborating with brands and sharing my journey online. It’s been an incredible ride, but one truth has become crystal clear: freelancing isn’t cheap. From rent and travel to gear, subscriptions, and the general cost of living, the expenses add up fast. While I’ve always tried to be mindful with my money, I’ve learned that sometimes, spending is the key to growth. After a year and a half of working from my one-bedroom flat and hitting a creative wall, I knew something had to change. So, I invested an extra £500 a month to work in a shared studio space—a decision that’s been a game-changer. In this article, I’ll break down my monthly expenses as a freelancer in London, from everyday costs to business investments, and explain why spending more was the best.

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The Turning Point: Why I Needed a Change

Freelancing often blurs the line between work and life. Working from my flat meant spending days in joggers, rarely leaving, and struggling to switch off. I’d hit a point where I felt uninspired and unproductive, despite loving my work. I’d tried working from local coffee shops, but it wasn’t enough. I needed a space that would spark creativity and provide balance.

After months of feeling stuck, my friend Leia, my partner Gareth, and I started hunting for a studio. We had clear priorities: natural light (non-negotiable for filming), a budget of around £600 per person, a convenient location, and a vibrant, creative community. The search wasn’t easy—our first viewing in Hackney was underwhelming, with a 55-minute commute and lackluster vibes. But then we found a space near our neighborhood, with great natural light, a welcoming community, and even unique amenities like saunas and ice baths. The moment we walked in, we knew it was the one. After two months of emails and a paid deposit, we moved in, and it’s been transformative for my focus, mental health, and overall energy.

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The Breakdown: What It Costs to Freelance in London

Let’s get to the numbers. The studio costs £2,000 per month, but after deducting 20% VAT, it’s £1,670, or roughly £557 per person for the three of us. Getting there takes 25 minutes, and I save on travel with a 16-25 railcard (30% off train fares) and a £120 yearly Santander Cycles membership. Committing to this extra expense as a freelancer was daunting—work isn’t guaranteed, and income fluctuates. I recently had a contract fall through after months of negotiation because I stuck to my terms, a reminder of the uncertainty in this line of work. Thankfully, a year-long retainer with Artlist provides some financial stability, giving me peace of mind.

Leia’s advice stuck with me: instead of focusing on the cost, think about the person you’ll become by investing in yourself. That mindset shift made the decision easier.

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Income and Business Expenses

About 80% of my income comes from brand deals, which have opened incredible opportunities. Early on, I pinched every penny, but I’ve since learned to value time and efficiency over always choosing the cheapest option. For example, my laptop cost £3,500, but it’s the heart of my work, so it’s worth it. Gear is a big part of content creation—cameras, lenses, mics, and accessories. Some I’ve bought, and some were gifted (like two Sony lenses from a paid project and a 35mm f1.4 lens exchanged for an image I created). Renting out gear brings in about £70 a month on average, a nice bonus. Storage is another essential cost—my recent 96 TB NAS purchase cost £3,500, prompting me to finally sort out camera insurance.

My total business expenses, including subscriptions and insurance, come to about £2,545 monthly, or £30,540 annually. Sponsorships with Motion Array and Artlist cover some software costs, and I’m grateful to my audience for using my affiliate links, which help fund my content.

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Living Costs in London

Living in London comes with its own hefty price tag. Rent is £1,600 a month, excluding bills like electricity, Wi-Fi, council tax, and utilities. When I worked from home, I could expense some of these for tax purposes since my flat doubled as my office. Now, with the studio, my home is just my home, which has been a refreshing shift.

I manage my own taxes, staying organized with receipts and expense tracking. I pay myself a monthly salary from my business account to my personal one, keeping personal expenses like groceries separate. Living in London also means embracing its opportunities—networking, meeting creative friends, or catching up with potential clients. I spend about £100 monthly on the Tube (rarely taking Ubers unless necessary) and roughly £400 on food, coffees, and social events. Eating out adds up fast, especially during long filming or editing days, but cooking at home helps balance it. Social and networking events, while sometimes costly, are invaluable for building my career.

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The Full Picture: My Monthly Breakdown

Here’s the total cost of freelancing in London, based on my experience (not financial advice!):

• Living Costs: £1,087/month (45%)—rent, bills, utilities

• Studio: £557/month (23%) – rent, bills, internet

• Food & Social: £400/month (17%) – groceries, eating out, coffees, networking

• Travel: £150/month (6%) – Tube, Santander Cycles

• Subscriptions & Admin: £130/month (5%) – software, website hosting, insurance

• Gym Membership: £29/month (1%)—a small but important investment in health

Total: ~£2,400/month

Expenses vary by season—summer tends to be pricier as I make the most of the nice weather. My priorities have shifted since moving to London, and they’ll likely keep evolving. The biggest lesson? You don’t need everything figured out to take a step forward. Freelancing is a rollercoaster, but learning when to save, when to spend, and who to spend time with makes all the difference.

This journey—new studio, new mindset—has been worth every penny. London’s opportunities, experiences, and friendships make it a privilege to call this city home. Here’s to the next chapter.

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