When it comes to finding an affordable place to live in the U.K., many factors are considered, such as housing costs, transportation, and the cost of living! The United Kingdom offers diverse cities and towns, each with unique charm and affordability.
Let’s look at the cheapest places to live in the U.K. while considering the average house prices and cost of living in each location. As such, you could get the most bang for your buck in places you least expected!
So, without much fuss, here are ten of the cheapest places to live in the U.K.
1. Durham, North East England
Located in northeast England, south of Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham City got its name from the River Wear that loops around Durham Cathedral and Norman Castle. North of the castle, you’ll find Crook Hall, a 13th-century building home to beautiful gardens and a maze.
Durham University, South of the river, offers stunning views of woodland and tropical plants in its Botanic Garden and an abundance of Asian, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern artifacts on display in its Oriental Museum. This city is well-known as one of the cheapest places to live in the U.K., especially for students.
Durham has many good law schools and universities, with a reasonably cheap cost of living! The average rent of a 1BHK apartment in County Durham is £650 per month, while it costs £360 per month outside the city. Basic utility costs around £235 per month, and the monthly travel pass is available at £55.
2. Leicester
If you are interested in a city rich in history and culture, Leicester is the perfect place! With great attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, something here keeps everyone returning.
On average, a single person in Leicester can spend about £600 monthly, aside from the rent and course fees. Meanwhile, the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in this city is around £475, utilities cost approximately £100, and a monthly travel pass costs £50.
The property market in Leicester City has seen healthy growth in recent years, with the average property price rising by 5.2% to £216,946.
3. Birmingham
Birmingham is the second-largest city in Britain, a historic city famous for being affordable in the U.K. With a population of 1.145 million, it is a social, cultural, financial, and commercial center in the West Midlands region.
The city was previously a significant manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution and has retained many landmarks over time. It also has an extensive network of canals running through the city, restored in recent years with trendy cafes and bars lining their banks.
The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is in the city’s heart, which sounds interesting. Living in Birmingham means you’ll reside with most youngsters as the town has the continent’s youngest population. Under-25s make up almost 40% of our population.
On average, the home price in Birmingham is £247,563, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable housing. Additionally, the average rent is around £1,213, providing reasonable living costs for residents.
The monthly utility bill is roughly £142, while fitness clubs, cinemas, and pre-paid schools are all inside the city. Transportation is cheap compared to other cities. A monthly travel pass is available for only £65.
4. Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is one of the cheapest places in the United Kingdom to live and work. The average cost of living here is quite affordable, with rent for a 1BHK apartment in the city costing around £495; outside the city, it is £325.
Essential utilities cost about £120 per month, and the monthly travel pass is available for £50. If you want to purchase a property in Belfast, the average price is currently £235,560. Reasonable, right?
Despite being cost-effective, it keeps its charm and history intact. Belfast is conveniently served by George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport, making it accessible for residents and visitors.
5. Nottingham
Of all the cities in the United Kingdom, Nottingham stands out as the friendliest and one of the cheapest places to live in the U.K. For many reasons, you should consider living in Nottingham!
There are 20 parks and attractions nearby, the schools are good, the average salary is £25,334, and the housing prices are low compared to other places in the U.K. Don’t be surprised; living in Nottingham is 35% cheaper than living in London and 9% cheaper than in Bristol.
In addition, Nottingham boasts an affordable cost of living, with a 1 B.H.K. apartment costing around £610 in the city and £472 outside the city. The primary utility bill comes to about £156 for a month.
Joining fitness clubs and sports, going to cinemas, and attending childcare are all reasonably cheap in Nottingham! You can find cheap student houses in Lenton, many of which offer stair lift facilities. Getting around Nottingham is also inexpensive; you can buy a monthly travel pass for only £56.
6. Sunderland
Sunderland is also one of the cheapest cities to live in Britain! With an average rent of £1,100 and an average home price of £150,515, this great city offers a budget-friendly lifestyle.
The population is around 168,277 people, so if you are a fan of less-populated regions, Sunderland is your perfect shot! Living in Sunderland is set apart by the warm community and a whole world of things to do and see, no matter your age or interests.
Sunderland is ideal for a well-rounded lifestyle, offering a vibrant blend of coastal charm, urban energy and calming countryside. For families, this relatively small city boasts excellent schools and a strong sense of community while conveniently linking to Newcastle and the rest of the North East.
Some notable attractions in Sunderland include the 14th-century Hylton Castle and the beautiful beaches of Roker and Sea-burn, making it an appealing place to explore!
7. Lincoln
Lincoln is a historical city in the English East Midlands, with the beautiful Lincoln Cathedral as one of its main attractions! This city is perfect if you love a mix of the old and new and the quiet suburban life.
The city center and historic Cathedral Quarter offer an array of activities, attractions, and features that make hustle and bustle seekers excel in the vibrant city center. Compared to other places in the United Kingdom, Lincoln is exceptionally affordable.
There are plenty of beautiful restaurants, local markets, and clothing stores at a minimal cost. Transportation is cheap inside the city, and the monthly travel pass only costs nearly £52.
8. Doncaster
The vibrant town of Doncaster is a place where history and modernity intertwine. It is a destination that offers a unique blend of rich heritage, lively culture, stunning natural beauty, and a budget-friendly place to live in the U.K.!
Doncaster is a town that has something for everyone. From its thriving arts scene and bustling markets to the world-famous Doncaster Racecourse, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore.
This fantastic city offers a comfortable and economical lifestyle for its residents. Whether you’re for outdoor adventures, a lover of arts and culture, or a history enthusiast, Doncaster offers these quite affordably.
9. Derby
Derby is another vibrant, diverse, and affordable place to live in the U.K., located in the East Midlands. The average home price is around £222,713, and the average rent is approximately £652.
With a population of 261,136, this city is a hub for advanced transport manufacturing. Notably, it houses the well-known engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and the company Alstom, contributing to the city’s significance in the field.
Derby is a stone’s throw away from the Peak District National Park, the first national park in the United Kingdom, home to the world-renowned Chatsworth estate.
10. Hull
Hull is often considered an affordable city in the U.K. compared to other similar cities like Leeds or Manchester. With an average home price of £141,437 and average rent around £470, it’s indeed cheap!
Hull has a population of 266,463 and is full of notable schools, shopping locations, cinemas, and beautiful hotels. Other prominent landmarks include the Minster, the tidal surge barrier, and the Paragon Interchange.
The city offers a budget-friendly living environment while showcasing its historical and architectural highlights.