The UK has always been the dream destination for lots of people. If you have already made up your mind, which are the best places to live in UK? After a thorough investigation and research, we now list 10 best places to live in UK. Whether you want to live in a historic place or a modern city, the UK can meet all your requirements. This article will also help you make your final choice. Let’s read on!
List of 10 best cities to live in UK
Our conclusion is based on a series of surveys and researches, which can provide you with a relatively reliable reference. We mainly focused on rent, cost of living, transportation, infrastructure, and other factors during the reasearch. Below is the 10 best places to live in UK.
| Cities in Britain | Population (2024) | Average Monthly Rent | Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 2,684,810 | £1,043 | £783.7 |
| Edinburgh | 558,676 | £1,414 | £903.9 |
| London | 9,748,030 | £2,220 | £1,038.9 |
| Cardiff | 491,755 | £1,084 | £771.8 |
| Belfast | 647,438 | £1,027 | £734.4 |
| Glasgow | 1,708,150 | £1,202 | £860.8 |
| Manchester | 2,811,760 | £1,291 | £883.3 |
| Leeds | 535,972 | £1,095 | £824.4 |
| Oxford | 162,409 | £1,798 | £889.3 |
| Sheffield | 751,303 | £873 | £830.5 |
Exploring the best places to live UK
After knowing these best places to live in UK, which one do you prefer? The following is an introduction to these cities for your reference.
Living in Birmingham
- Population: 2,684,810
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,043
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £783.7
Birmingham, a city in central England, is one of the best places to live in UK. Living here will bring you many surprises. First of all, as the second largest city in the UK, Birmingham has several busy commercial centres and modern buildings. But it also has quiet parks and historic neighbourhoods. For example, the Jewellery Quarter will take you back to the Victorian era, and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens will allow you to appreciate flowers all year round.
Birmingham also has convenient transportation. Within the city, there is a well-developed bus and underground system that connects every corner of the city. If you like to travel, Birmingham International Airport also offers flights to Europe and other countries all over the world. Several trains within the city can get you to London or other UK cities quickly. In addition, Birmingham’s cycle paths are well developed, making cycling a pleasant way to explore the city. This busy as well as laid-back lifestyle makes Birmingham one of the best places to live UK.
Living in Edinburgh
- Population: 558,676
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,414
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £903.9
Edinburgh is a charming city and one of the best places to live UK. As the capital of Scotland, it has the perfect blend of history and modern vibrancy. Walking through the streets of Edinburgh, you can see old castles, Victorian buildings and modern cafes everywhere. They exist in the same place, making people feel like traveling through time and space. Many people choose Edinburgh as one of the best places to live in the UK because of its intense cultural atmosphere. The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the largest arts festivals in the world, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world. In addition, there are many museums, galleries and theatres in the city.
The cost of living in Edinburgh is relatively low. Rent and living costs are relatively affordable compared to London. In addition, Edinburgh’s public transport system is developed, with trams and buses covering everywhere. Edinburgh is also one of the safest cities in the UK. The community in Edinburgh is friendly and helpful, so the atmosphere is warm to outsiders.
Living in London
- Population: 9,748,030
- Average Monthly Rent: £2,220
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £1,038.9
Many people also consider London to be one of the best places to live UK. This ancient and also modern international metropolis attracts people from all over the world with its diverse culture, history and thriving business centres. Living here, every day is a new adventure. The streets of London are full of history. From the majestic Tower of London to the magnificent Buckingham Palace and the ancient Westminster Abbey, each building tells a story of thousands of years ago. However, the city also has modern skyscrapers and trendy neighbourhoods, giving London the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
London’s multiculturalism is one of the city’s most fascinating features. People from all over the world gather here, bringing with them rich food types and a diverse lifestyle. This blend of cultures is also in art. Every year, the Notting Hill Carnival takes place in London, and people all over the city enjoy this grand multicultural feast. Besides, London’s transport network is one of the most developed in the world. The subways, buses and trains here constitute a huge transportation system, making it very convenient for people to travel and commute.
Living in Cardiff
- Population: 491,755
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,084
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £771.8
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and the seventh largest city in Britain. The city is one of the best places to live in UK for its deep history, rich cultures and friendly community atmosphere. First of all, Cardiff is a city full of green spaces, with numerous parks and natural attractions. For instance, Bute Park is one of the largest parks in the city, covering 130 acres with beautiful gardens.
In addition, Cardiff has a rich cultural life and is the cultural centre of Wales. It is home to not only the historic Cardiff Castle and the National Museum of Wales, but also the world-renowned Wales Millennium Centre. A variety of music, theatre and dance performances are held here throughout the year. Cardiff is also famous for its sports, especially rugby and soccer. The Principality Stadium is the home of the Welsh team. Cardiff’s transportation is convenient as well. London, Bristol and other cities are closely connected. It takes only 2 hours by car to reach London.
Living in Belfast
- Population: 647,438
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,027
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £734.4
Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland and is considered by many Northern Irish to be one of the best places to live in Britain. The city has witnessed countless important historical moments. A lot of people come here because of the famous Titanic. In recent years, Belfast has gradually become a vibrant modern city. The cost of living in Belfast is relatively low. Rent and living expenses here are more affordable than in other UK cities. In addition, Belfast has a strong transport system, with two international airport routes and a convenient rail network.
Belfast has a rich cultural life, and has been named “City of Music” by UNESCO. It is home to numerous music venues and artistic events. Victoria Square and St. George’s Market in the city centre are great places to shop and relax, while the Cathedral district is known for its various bars and lively nightlife.
Living in Glasgow
- Population: 1,708,150
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,202
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £860.8
Glasgow, another of the best cities to live in Britain, is the largest city in Scotland and the third largest city in the UK. This historic city was once an important ship-building centre during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it has transformed from an industrial centre into a modern city. The strong artistic atmosphere attracts many people to live in Glasgow. It boasts not only several old buildings and museums, but also a vibrant scene of modern art and music. With an average of more than 120 concerts and performances each week, the city is rich in cultural activities.
The low cost of living is a big strength of Glasgow. Compared to cities, such as Edinburgh and London, Glasgow’s rent and living costs are more affordable. In addition, Glasgow has multiple train stations and bus routes in the city centre, making it easy for residents to travel to other cities in Scotland. The residents of Glasgow are known for their hospitality, sincerity and sense of humour. Many people choose Glasgow as the best place to live in UK because of this friendly neighbourhood.
Living in Manchester
- Population: 2,811,760
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,291
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £883.3
Manchester is a vibrant and charming city in the north of England, which many people consider to be one of the good places to live in UK. Manchester has a rich history and was one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution. With the development of the times, many old buildings and factories have now been converted into art galleries, museums and creative spaces. For example, Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry showcases the city’s industrial achievements. Manchester Art Gallery displays works of art from ancient to contemporary.
In addition, Manchester is one of the important birthplaces of British rock and pop music, attracting fans from all over the world. Manchester’s sports culture is also remarkable. It is home to two famous English Premier League teams, Manchester United and Manchester City. On every match day, the whole city is immersed in the passion of soccer.
Living in Leeds
- Population: 535,972
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,095
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £824.4
Leeds is a city of energy and opportunity in the north of the UK, and living here is a wonderful experience. As the third largest city in England, Leeds is known for its rich cultural activities, quality educational resources and friendly community atmosphere. It is home to well-known institutions, such as University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, which attract a large number of international students. These students inject fresh energy into the city and give Leeds a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Leeds has a rich cultural life, with theatre, opera, ballet performances and international film festivals throughout the year. In addition, Leeds has a lively nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs and music venues in the city centre, attracting a large number of young people. For sports lovers, there are also first-class football, rugby and cricket matches to be enjoyed here. As a result, Leeds is one of the best cities in the UK to live in.
Living in Oxford
- Population: 162,409
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,798
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £889.3
Oxford is most famous for its famous university, University of Oxford. Top educational resources and a wealth of cultural activities make the city one of the best places to live in UK. At the same time, Oxford is relatively safe and is considered to be one of the safest cities in the UK. The pace of life in Oxford is relatively slow, suitable for those who desire a quiet life. There are many museums, art galleries and theatres, and rich and varied cultural activities. In addition, Oxford’s natural environment is also very pleasant, with large green spaces and parks around the city. Places like Port Meadow and University Parks are perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
Living in Sheffield
- Population: 751,303
- Average Monthly Rent: £873
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £830.5
Sheffield is also recognised as one of the best places to live in UK. Surrounded by stunning countryside landscapes, Sheffield is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are many parks and green spaces in the city, and one-third of the area is a rural national park. For this reason, Sheffield is an ideal destination for outdoor activities, such as hiking, running and cycling. As an important industrial and cultural centre in the UK, Sheffield offers a rich cultural life. It has the largest theatre complex in the UK, numerous museums and galleries. An annual music and comedy festival is held here as well. Sheffield also has a well-developed public transport system, with a well-connected tram and bus system.
Other good places to live in UK
When discussing the best places to live in UK, people often first think of well-known cities, such as London, Manchester or Edinburgh. However, in addition to these places, many other cities in the UK are also charming and livable.
Living in Liverpool
- Population: 922,871
- Average Monthly Rent: £826
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £830.4
Liverpool is also recognized by many people as one of the best places to live UK. As the birthplace of the Beatles, Liverpool has a strong musical atmosphere, and beautiful melodies can often be heard on the streets. There are many Beatles-related attractions scattered throughout the city, such as the famous Cavern Club and The Beatles Story Museum. Liverpool’s architectural style is also distinctive, with both old Victorian buildings and modern tall buildings.
Students from all over the world are willing to come to study at the prestigious University of Liverpool, which has a strong academic atmosphere. Thus, it is a good place for academic research. Liverpool’s sporting culture is equally impressive. The home ground of the famous Liverpool Football Club is in Anfield, so it has become a holy place for fans.
Living in Bristol
- Population: 713,884
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,756
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £849.5
Bristol is one of the most important cities in the South West of England. Bristol Cathedral and the Clifton Suspension Bridge in the city centre are landmarks of the city. Among them, Clifton Suspension Bridge is a symbol of Bristol, across the River Avon, especially spectacular in the sunset. Walking along the streets of Bristol, you can also find many hidden art corners, such as graffiti walls and street artworks. These show the city’s tolerance and love for creativity and arts.
There are also many unique festivals and events in Bristol, such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. It is one of the largest hot-air balloon festivals in Europe and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Bristol’s food and nightlife are equally impressive. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the city, from traditional English pubs to restaurants with international cuisine. The Harbourside Marina in the city centre is a great place to enjoy your nightlife.
Living in Nottingham
- Population: 813,078
- Average Monthly Rent: £947
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £787.5
When it comes to the best places to live in UK, never miss Nottingham. Many people come to England just for this city. The history of Nottingham dates back to the Middle Ages, and the city has a close bond with the legendary Robin Hood. Nottingham Castle is now a museum and art exhibition centre that showcases Nottingham’s development from ancient times to the present day. In addition, Nottingham has many old buildings and streets, such as Market Square in the city centre.
Nottingham is rich in educational resources and is also one of the important academic centres in the UK. It is home to a number of prestigious universities, including University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, which attract students from all over the world. The city has a strong academic atmosphere, with libraries and academic lectures everywhere. For students, it offers not only a wealth of learning resources, but also many entertainment venues and social activities suitable for young people.
Living in Brighton
- Population: 627,524
- Average Monthly Rent: £1,790
- Average Monthly Living Costs Per Person (without rent): £896.2
Brighton is one of the most popular cities in the south of England and has been recognized as one of the best cities to live in UK. The city’s landmark, the Royal Pavilion, attracts countless visitors with its unique architectural style and rich history. Brighton also has quality education, with two well-known universities: University of Brighton and University of Sussex . They are respectively renowned for art design and academic research. In addition, Brighton has a number of quality primary and secondary schools, including the prestigious Brighton College.
Brighton’s beautiful coastal scenery makes it a good place for residents to relax. Its location is excellent, and the transportation is quite convenient. The city is just an hour’s train ride from London and is adjacent to Gatwick Airport. It is very convenient whether you want to travel to other cities of Britain or go abroad.
How to choose the best place to live in UK?
When choosing a destination to move to or study abroad, the UK is often many people’s first choice. However, each city in the UK has its own style and charm. Finding the best place to live in UK often depends on a number of factors, such as your lifestyle, career plans and cultural preferences. Here are a few factors you should consider when deciding the best place to live in UK.
1. Lifestyle
Lifestyle is crucial when choosing the right place to live, as it directly relates to your quality of life and happiness. Big cities, such as London, are vibrant and can offer a wealth of job opportunities and cultural activities. But the cost of living here is higher and the pace of life is faster. In contrast, smaller cities like Brighton or Nottingham have a slower pace of life and a relatively low cost of living. They are suitable for people seeking a quiet life. Other than that, if you love outdoor activities, cities close to the sea or mountains, such as Newcastle or Plymouth, may be good choices.
2. Transport Links
Good transport links not only affect your daily commute, but also determine how connected a city is to other areas. For example, London, the UK’s important transport hub, has one of the oldest and most developed underground and bus networks in the world. Convenient transport can reduce your commute time and improve your quality of life. In addition, transport links also affect employment opportunities. Cities close to major transport hubs, such as London, Manchester and Newcastle, generally have more job opportunities. However, for people who prefer a quiet life, small towns or suburbs may be more appropriate. Although these places do not have complex transport networks, they do have some important stops and stations.
3. Study/Work Plans
Study/work plans have a direct impact on your future development. If your main goal is to further your academic studies, educational resources and the academic atmosphere of the city are crucial. For example, cities such as London, Edinburgh and Manchester are home to the world’s top universities. Students are able to pursue a high-quality education here. If you want to have a better career development, the city’s job opportunities and growth potential are important. Work-life balance also needs to be considered when choosing the best places to live in UK. For example, Edinburgh and Bristol are known for their short commutes and high quality of life. While opportunities abound in London, the fast pace of life and high cost of living can be stressful.
4. Facilities
Facilities can greatly affect residents’ quality of life. Good facilities can not only enhance the convenience of daily life, but also meet the diverse needs of different people. Facilities include many aspects. For example, medical facilities are the basic guarantee. For example, London, Manchester, Birmingham and other big cities have advanced hospitals and perfect medical services. Educational resources are also important, especially for families with children. Excellent schools and universities are one of the key factors in choosing good places to live in UK. In addition, recreational facilities can not be ignored. Parks, museums, art galleries and sports facilities can enrich residents’ life.
Conclusion
The above article gives us an in-depth look at the best places to live in UK. We found that each city has its unique charm and advantages to meet the needs of different groups of people. Whether you like a lively modern city or prefer quiet suburban life, you can find the right place to live in Britain. When choosing the best city to live in in the UK, you need to consider a number of factors, including personal career development, transportation and so on. No matter where you choose finally, these cities will offer you rich experiences and endless possibilities to help you start a wonderful journey.
FAQ
| Ranks | Cities | Average House Price | Average Monthly Rent | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Durham | £130,413 | £650 | £3,411 |
| 2 | Belfast | £235,560 | £495 | £3,591 |
| 3 | Newcastle | £210,000 | £650 | £4,162 |
| 4 | Stirling | £220,500 | £495 | £3,688 |
| 5 | Lancaster | £194,853 | £567 | £3,727 |
| 6 | Cardiff | £230,500 | £663 | £3,668 |
| 7 | Dundee | £187,387 | £794 | £3,852 |
| 8 | Hull | £141,437 | £470 | £3,995 |
| 9 | Coventry | £237,130 | £655 | £4,221 |
| 10 | Lincoln | £183,000 | £616 | £3,536 |
| Cities | Student Population | Main Universities |
|---|---|---|
| London | Around 500,000 | Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), King’s College London, London School of Economics (LSE) |
| Edinburgh | Around 60,000 | University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University |
| Manchester | Around 100,000 (Greater Manchester) | University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University |
| Glasgow | Around 185,000 | University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University |
| Bristol | Around 60,000 | University of Bristol, University of the West of England (UWE) |
| Coventry | Around 50,000 | Coventry University, University of Warwick |
| Birmingham | Around 80,000 | University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University |
| Nottingham | Around 60,000 | University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University |
| Leeds | Around 70,000 | University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University |
| Liverpool | Around 60,000 | University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University |
Here are the safest cities to live in UK:
- Wiltshire – 56.9 crimes per 1,000 people
- Devon and Cornwall – 57.0 crimes per 1,000 people
- North Yorkshire – 59.4 crimes per 1,000 people
- Surrey – 61.0 crimes per 1,000 people
- Suffolk – 62.4 crimes per 1,000 people
- Hertfordshire – 63.1 crimes per 1,000 people
- Dorset – 65.8 crimes per 1,000 people
- Warwickshire – 67.1 crimes per 1,000 people
- Norfolk – 67.6 crimes per 1,000 people
- Bedfordshire – 69.0 crimes per 1,000 people
Here are the happiest places to live in Britain:
- Woodbridge, East of England
- Richmond upon Thames, Greater London
- Hexham, North East
- Monmouth, Wales
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and The Humber
- Skipton, Yorkshire and The Humber
- Sevenoaks, South East
- Leigh on Sea, East of England
- Cirencester, South West
- Wokingham, South East
No.
Although London is the capital and the biggest city of the UK, it is not the best place to live in UK for many people. This is often due to the high cost of living in London and the fast pace of life. The people who live here are usually under a lot of pressure.
