Prices on this page were verified in February 2026. Rates are set by London Homestays and may change — check our pricing page for the latest.
London homestay prices at a glance
A homestay in London costs between £205 and £325 per week depending on three things: the area (TfL zone), the type of room, and the meal plan you choose. That’s the base rate before any supplements for short stays, private bathrooms, or seasonal periods.
For context, a room in private rented accommodation in London typically costs £900–£1,300 per month for a room in a shared house, but that doesn’t include meals, bills, or Wi-Fi, and you’ll usually need a deposit and a minimum 6-month tenancy. Student halls of residence range from £350 to £700 per week but rarely include meals or a family environment.
A homestay includes a private furnished room, Wi-Fi, and meals (depending on your plan), all in one weekly price. There’s no deposit, no minimum lease, and you can book from as little as one week.
2026 weekly rates
London Homestays offers three categories of homestay, grouped by location and room quality:
Standard (Zone 3 and beyond) — from £205/week
A clean, comfortable room in a residential area with good transport links. Zones 3–6 cover areas like Balham, Streatham and Tooting, Enfield, Ilford, and Wood Green. Commute times to central London are typically 30–50 minutes by Tube or bus.
- Bed & Breakfast: £205/week
- Self Catering: £215/week
- Half Board: £250/week
Superior (Zone 2/3) — from £245/week
Well-connected areas like Brixton and Clapham, Earlsfield and Wimbledon, or Shepherd’s Bush offer an easy commute to central London, typically 20–35 minutes.
- Bed & Breakfast: £245/week
- Self Catering: £250/week
- Half Board: £285/week
Executive (Zone 1/2) — from £280/week
Central or near-central locations are less common, especially Zone 1 homestays, which are extremely rare. Executive placements typically suit professionals, mature students, or those who need to be close to a specific institution.
- Bed & Breakfast: £280/week
- Self Catering: £290/week
- Half Board: £325/week
For more on what separates each category, see our homestay categories page.
What each meal plan includes
The meal plan you choose affects both your weekly cost and your daily routine. Here’s what each one means in practice:
Bed & Breakfast (BB) — from £205/week. Your host provides breakfast each morning. You don’t have access to the kitchen to cook your own meals. Lunch and dinner are your responsibility (eating out, buying lunch near your school, etc.).
Self Catering (SC) — from £215/week. No meals are included, but you have access to your host’s kitchen to buy and prepare your own food. This costs slightly more than BB because kitchen access is considered higher value. Good if you prefer to cook for yourself or have specific dietary needs.
Half Board (HB) — from £250/week. Breakfast and an evening meal are included. This is the most popular option. You eat with your host family each evening, which is good English practice in a relaxed setting. Lunch is not included in any plan.
Full details on what to expect at mealtimes: meal plans explained.
Airport transfers
London Homestays can arrange a taxi to meet you at the airport and take you to your host family’s home. This is optional but popular with students arriving in London for the first time.
- Heathrow: £130
- Gatwick, Stansted, or Luton: from £150
- Add £20 if your accommodation is in East or South-East London
Transfers are one-way. Many students book an arrival transfer and then find their own way back to the airport when they leave, once they know the transport system.
How London homestay compares to other options
Accommodation is usually the biggest cost for students coming to London. Here’s how homestay compares on a weekly basis:
- Homestay (Half Board): £250–£325/week — includes breakfast, dinner, Wi-Fi, bills, furnished room. No deposit.
- Student halls of residence: £200–£400/week — self-catering only, no meals, minimum stay often 1 term/semester. Deposit required.
- Private rented room: £225–£325/week — no meals, bills extra, minimum 6-month lease typical. Deposit of 4–6 weeks’ rent. Harder to arrange from overseas.
On paper, private renting can look cheaper. But once you add food costs (£50–£80/week for groceries), utility bills (£15–£25/week for your share), and the upfront deposit, the real cost is similar to or higher than homestay. You also don’t get family support, English practice, or the flexibility to book short stays.
For a detailed comparison, see our which accommodation page.
“Best provider in London. Professional, fast, reliable, excellent value for money, and probably the nicest staff in the world. Thank you all for the wonderful experience you made possible.”
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Frequently asked questions
What’s included in the weekly price?
A furnished private room, bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi, and all household bills (electricity, gas, water, council tax). Meals depend on your chosen plan — BB includes breakfast, HB includes breakfast and dinner, SC includes kitchen access only.
Is there a deposit?
No. London Homestays does not charge a deposit. You pay a £50 booking fee and your weekly rate. If your stay is under 4 weeks, a £150 short-stay supplement applies.
What’s the minimum stay?
One week. There’s no maximum. Some students stay for a few weeks, others for a full academic year or longer.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes, subject to availability with your host family. London Homestays handles extension requests and will find you an alternative host if your current one isn’t available.
When do I pay?
Payment is due before your stay begins. London Homestays accepts bank transfer and card payments. You pay London Homestays directly — not the host family.
