Edinburgh is the most expensive city in the UK for students due to “above average rent costs combined with significantly lower than average term-time income” according to the NatWest Student Living Index.

The report said Edinburgh students also spend the most on going out and spend more than the weekly average on alcohol.

Students in Portsmouth, Liverpool and Newcastle have the highest term-time income, making these cities among the most affordable places to study in the UK.

The NatWest Student Living Index surveyed 2,500 students across the UK to determine the most affordable place to study.

Portsmouth students pay slightly more rent than the UK average but augment their income by working about 25% more hours in part-time jobs, the report said.

The majority of a UK student’s income comes from loans, which on average are £161.14 per week, four times higher than any other source, including part time work.

After loans, money from parents is the largest source of income.

For students in England and Wales, fees are higher than ever, but only one in 50 students said they take fees into consideration when deciding which university to attend, according to the report.

The reports said other concerns such as subject choice, university reputation, distance from home and the cost of living were more important for 98% of prospective students.

Dan Jones, NatWest’s Head of Student Accounts said: “Making the most of university can be expensive and there is a massive difference in the costs students face depending on where they choose to study.”