Hello,

Great question!

For accommodation, it varies depending on rank and where you're posted, but for a new Private or equivalent out of training it ranges from around £50 to £100 a month. You'll also pay Charges In Lieu Of Council Tax (CILOCT), which is around £5. This all comes out of your pay before it goes into your bank, so you don't really notice it and you don't need to worry about budgeting for your accommodation.

For food, three meals a day at the Junior Ranks Diner (JRD) starts from just under £6, the more you take, the more it will cost. You don't have to eat at the JRD, though, so it's up to you if you'd like to spend your money elsewhere.

The only other things I can think of that you'll need to get yourself are haircuts (the price varies depending on where you are I currently spend about £20 a month) and consumables like boot polish (around £7 a tin for good stuff, but it lasts for a couple of months) and toiletries (the cost will depend on your requirements and what brands you buy).

I hope that's gone some way toward answering your question, please feel welcome to use the comment section if you have any follow up questions.

03 March, 2025 13:35