Are you on the hunt for an affordable and desirable place to live? There are plenty of cheaper places to live in the UK that have plenty to offer. It just takes a little research. Don’t worry – we’ve done all the hard work for you to help you find a place to live that’s right for you.
The UK housing market is in a state of flux. It’s fair to say that the shocks of Brexit, Covid, the cost of living crisis, and historic underinvestment in housing stock mean prices are high. However, a significant portion of the population can’t afford to get on the housing ladder, making it hard for some sellers to find a buyer.
The UK has always had places that are more desirable (and therefore expensive) to live in, such as London and the South East, big cities, and natural beauty spots – but what about at the other end of the market? What are the most affordable places to live in the UK?
This post explores some of the cheapest places to live in the UK that still offer great, safe surroundings, plenty to do, and a good quality of life. So, let’s get started, shall we?
The cheapest places to live in the UK
Before we start looking at the cheapest places to live, let’s set a benchmark with the most expensive as of April 2024:
| City | Average Monthly Rent | Average House Price |
| London | £2,264 | £501,934 |
| Oxford | £1,561 | £338,085 |
| Cambridge | £1,533 | £361,429 |
| St Albans | £1,533 | £391,964 |
| Brighton | £1,468 | £335,402 |
| Bristol | £1,336 | £280,112 |
| Winchester | £1,332 | £344,638 |
| Edinburgh | £1,310 | £239,028 |
| Chelmsford | £1,300 | £262,522 |
| Milton Keynes | £1,300 | £351,197 |
The 6 most desirable and affordable places to live in the UK
1. Durham
A safe, beautiful, and historic cathedral city on the River Wear, Durham is incredibly popular with students, families, and those settling into retirement. Durham University is ranked in the global Top 100, and the city itself boasts buildings and history back to the Saxons. There are tons of galleries and museums, independent shops and restaurants, and plenty of employment options in various sectors, especially education. What’s more, the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Parks and the North Pennines AONB make getting your fill of fresh air a doddle. If you ever need to sell your house quickly, our sell house fast Durham service offers a smooth, hassle-free cash sale.
Although not the cheapest in the UK, the cost of living in Durham is very reasonable considering your surroundings, and the average rent for a 1-bedroom flat is £650 per month. In 2024, Durham’s average house price was around £185,000.
2. Liverpool
While the endless march of gentrification and increased cost of living is affecting the city, Liverpool remains one of the most affordable and exciting places to live in the UK. Combining a cosmopolitan vibe with excellent cultural, sporting, and artistic history, it has everything you could need. Residents love the bustling city centre, iconic waterfront, easy access to local beaches, and great transport links to the rest of the country. Liverpool is not only a great place to live but also offers a fast and hassle-free way to sell your home if needed. Our sell house fast Liverpool services ensures a quick cash sale with no delays
It also boasts a cost of living 25% lower than London, and rents a whopping 63% lower! In 2023, the average house price in Liverpool was £164,000.
3. Glasgow
The biggest city in Scotland, and the third biggest city proper in the UK, Glasgow is one of the best cheap(er) places to live outside London. Over 1.1m people live in Greater Glasgow, and it’s incredibly popular with tourists drawn by the rich history, tons of free galleries, museums and attractions, high-end shopping and amazing nightlife.” Easy access to Edinburgh, as well as the wilds of the Scottish Highlands, make Glasgow a great choice for people who like the great outdoors too. If you ever need to sell your home quickly in Glasgow, our sell house fast Glasgow service offers a smooth, hassle-free cash sale with no delays
While rents are higher than other places on this list, the cost of living in Glasgow is still considered affordable, and the average house price in 2023 was £153,310.
4. Norwich
The jewel of Norfolk’s crown, Norwich is the best-preserved mediaeval city in the UK and offers a fantastic quality of living at a reasonable price. Easily accessible from London and the Midlands, it offers everything you’d expect from a modern city. Perched on the edge of the Norfolk Broads National Park and near the stunning beaches of East Anglia, it’s a great choice for students and young professionals, families, and people looking for a slightly slower pace of life in safe surroundings. With Norwich’s charming appeal and steady property market, it’s a great place to own a home. But if you ever need to sell quickly, our sell house fast Norwich service ensures a smooth, hassle-free cash sale.
Norwich’s cost of living is quite low, with reasonably priced public transport and average rents for a 1-bedroom bedroom apartment in the city centre hovering around £600 per month. The average property price is higher than many places on this list and sits at £290,000.
5. Belfast
Heading across the Irish Sea, Belfast is an up-and-coming, vibrant city that’s very affordable. A young population with plenty of students and young professionals, and on the doorstep of a stunning landscape that features mountains, hills, loughs and rivers, it also offers plenty of shopping, nightlife, food and drink and cultural activities.
Belfast is one of the least expensive places to live in the UK with average rents for city centre 1-bedroom flats at around £500 per month, and average house prices of £180,000. Monthly travel passes for public transport are £50, while you should expect to pay around £120 per month for utilities.
6. Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough consistently ranks highest among the cheapest places to live in England. Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, it has excellent links to the bustling cities of Newcastle, York, and Leeds, as well as the beautiful landscapes of the North Pennines AONB, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.
Middlesbrough has suffered from decades of industrial decline but also has an undeserved bad reputation. There are all the amenities you’d expect from a large town, with good transport links and employment opportunities in the education, healthcare and industrial sectors.
The cost of living in Middlesbrough is low, with average rents around £550 per month and average house prices at just £110,000. Flats and terraced houses can easily be found for under £100,000.
While the disparity in affordability in the UK is quite big, there are plenty of great places to live that won’t break the bank. Many affordable towns and cities in the UK are safe, well-equipped and have good access to the countryside and other cities. If you need to sell your house quickly and would like a cash sale completed within a week, don’t hesitate to contact Zapperty.
Average House Prices in the UK in 2025
Have you ever dreamed of owning a cozy home in the UK but felt discouraged by soaring property prices? You’re not alone. The housing market can feel like a maze, especially with prices varying dramatically across cities and regions. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled an overview of average property prices in some of the most affordable UK cities.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Durham: £185,000
- Liverpool: £164,000
- Cardiff: £259,000
- Coventry: £290,000
- Newcastle upon Tyne: £170,000
- Leicester: £245,000
- Lincoln: £210,000
- Nottingham: £235,000
- Stirling: £220,000
- Warwick: £400,000
These figures might surprise you, especially when compared to high-end areas like London, where the average house price exceeds £500,000. But cities like Liverpool and Middlesbrough still offer affordable options without compromising on charm or quality of life.
Did you know? The “price-to-earnings ratio” is a critical metric when evaluating housing affordability. For instance, a city like Stirling boasts a lower ratio, making it a more realistic option for first-time buyers compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Historical Trends
In the past five years, cities like Liverpool and Durham have seen steady price growth of 5–7% annually, while Middlesbrough remains one of the UK’s best-kept secrets for affordability. This means these areas balance potential investment growth with current affordability, a win-win for buyers!
Price-to-Earnings Ratio: A crucial metric in determining how affordable a city truly is, this ratio compares average house prices to median salaries. In Liverpool, for instance, the ratio is around 6:1, much lower than London’s staggering 12:1.
These insights show that finding an affordable place to call home doesn’t mean sacrificing quality of life. For more on other affordable yet desirable locations, explore Bradford or Essex.
Business Opportunities and Relocation
Considering a move but worried about job opportunities? Rest assured, many affordable areas are also brimming with potential for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Liverpool is a prime example of a city with thriving industries like tech, healthcare, and creative arts. The city’s waterfront has transformed into a hub for startups and innovation. If you’re dreaming of launching your own business, Liverpool’s cost-effective office spaces and collaborative environment could be just the ticket.
Affordable cities like Coventry and Leicester boast excellent transport links to major hubs like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Commuting is easy, whether you’re working remotely and need occasional office days or managing a business that requires frequent travel.
Laura, a freelance graphic designer, relocated from London to Leicester. “I was worried about leaving the city,” she shared, “but Leicester offered a slower pace, lower living costs, and still kept me connected to clients across the UK. I couldn’t be happier!”
Thinking about relocating? Read more about the benefits of living in Birmingham.
Considerations for Moving
What to Think About Before Making the Big Move
Are you considering a fresh start in a new city? Before you pack those boxes, here are some essential factors to keep in mind:
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- Public Transport and Connectivity
Is the area well-connected? A friend who moved to Essex shared how the local train network made her daily commute to London easy. Reliable public transport can save you money and make life much easier. - Amenities and Lifestyle
From schools to fitness clubs, understanding what’s available locally is crucial. Cities like Leicester and Newcastle upon Tyne offer a mix of modern amenities and cultural heritage, making them perfect for families and young professionals alike. - Budgeting for the Move: Beyond house prices, consider moving costs, utility bills, and initial setup expenses. Did you know the average utility cost in cities like Stirling and Cardiff is around £120 per month? Being financially prepared can save you stress later.
- Quick Decision-Making in Popular Areas: In competitive markets like Leicester, properties can go off the market within days. If you’ve found your dream home, act fast, but always have a clear budget in mind
- Neighbourhood Feel: Walk around the neighbourhoods. Can you picture yourself strolling down those streets on a Sunday morning or visiting the local market?
- Public Transport and Connectivity
For a deeper dive into how your lifestyle could fit into these cities, check out where to live in Essex for more inspiration.
Cost of Living
A city’s affordability isn’t just about housing—it’s about how much your everyday life will cost. Living expenses can make or break a decision to move. Here’s what you can expect across some of the UK’s most affordable cities:
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- Utilities: On average, basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water) cost £120 per month in cities like Coventry and Belfast.
- Transportation: A monthly travel pass in Nottingham costs around £65, compared to London’s £160
- Rental Costs: Rental prices vary significantly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Lincoln city centre averages £700, while the same in Liverpool is around £550.
- Everyday Living Expenses:Groceries, fitness clubs, and entertainment also play a role. Durham offers affordable access to gyms and leisure activities, while Leicester boasts vibrant local markets with fresh produce at reasonable prices.
Take it from James, who moved from the pricey streets of Oxford to Cardiff. “My rent is half of what I paid before, and my overall living expenses are manageable. I even joined a local cycling club—I couldn’t afford hobbies like this before!”. Discover the top neighbourhoods to call home in Oxford by exploring our detailed blog.
If you’re curious about other affordable areas, don’t miss our insights on Bradford.
Conclusion
Relocating can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and a little soul-searching, you’ll find the perfect place to call home. Whether it’s the historical charm of Durham, the vibrant culture of Liverpool, or the serene beauty of Lincoln, there’s a city out there waiting for you.
And if you need help selling your property quickly to fund your move, Zapperty is here to help. Get a cash offer within 7 days and make your dream move a reality.
