An increasing number of people are considering moving to a different area and find a comparably cheapest place to live in UK. Affordability is the biggest deterrent to relocation. It’s no secret that costs in the UK have been rising gradually for years, so it might be difficult to find accommodation that fits your budget. Most people may ask: “Where is the cheapest place to live in the UK?”
In this article, we’re going to dig out the cheapest places to live in Great Britain. We’ll be digging out average house prices, PE ratio, introduction and cost of living in each place to see where we can get the most bang for your buck.
PE (Price to Earnings’ ratio)
Determining an area’s cost of living involves a multitude of elements. The cost of housing in a new place is the “bar to entry” cost of moving there, while ongoing living expenses are still significant. The average cost of a property in a certain place divided by the average annual income of its residents is known as the “Price to Earnings” ratio, or PE.
The standard formula for PE is “X” times average earnings. Consequently, a PE ratio of five would indicate that the average cost of properties in the area is five times the annual income of the residents. Given that rental markets are impacted by the general price of homes in the area, PE ratios are also helpful measures of affordability for tenants. Where is the cheapest place to live in the UK?
Here are 15 cheapest places to live in England and their respectable datas.
Top 15 cheapest cities to live in UK with detailed data
| Ranks | Places | PE ratio | Average House Price( £) | Average Monthly Rents( £) | Average Monthly Salary( £) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Durham, North East England | 4 | 130,413 | 650 | 3411 |
| 2 | Belfast, Capital of Northern Ireland | 5.1 | 235,560 | 495 | 3591 |
| 3 | Newcastle | 5.7 | 210,000 | 650 | 4162 |
| 4 | Stirling | 6.3 | 220,500 | 495 | 3688 |
| 5 | Lancaster | 5.4 | 194,853 | 567 | 3727 |
| 6 | Cardiff | 7.5 | 230,500 | 663 | 3668 |
| 7 | Dundee | 5.6 | 187,387 | 794 | 3852 |
| 8 | Hull | 3.5 | 141,437 | 470 | 3995 |
| 9 | Coventry | 6.3 | 237,130 | 655 | 4221 |
| 10 | Lincoln | 7.3 | 183,000 | 616 | 3536 |
| 11 | Liverpool | 4.9 | 163,870 | 710 | 4004 |
| 12 | Nottingham | 6.5 | 229,000 | 610 | 4327 |
| 13 | Manchester | 7.9 | 226,155 | 830 | 4215 |
| 14 | Birmingham | 7 | 267,000 | 766 | 4327 |
| 15 | Norwich | 7.2 | 273,000 | 598 | 4373 |
Top 15 Cheapest places to live in the UK
1. Durham, North East England
Average House Price: £130,413
Average Monthly Rent: £650
PE ratio: 4
Introduction: Durham is widely acknowledged as the least expensive place to live in UK and has the most affordable living expenses in 2024. Durham is situated south of Newcastle upon Tyne in northeastern England. The River Wear, which circles Durham Cathedral and Norman Castle, is the source of the city’s name. Beautiful gardens and a maze may be found at Crook Hall, a 13th-century mansion located north of the castle. Durham University is located south of the river and features an Oriental Museum with an abundance of Asian, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern artifacts on show, as well as breathtaking views of tropical and woodland vegetation in its Botanic Garden.
Cost of Living: Durham is a well-liked and reasonably cheapest place to live in UK, particularly for students. Durham accommodation offers a superb selection of universities and law schools, together with affordable living expenses. In Durham, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is £650, whereas outside the city, it is £360. A monthly travel pass is £55, and basic utilities are about £235 per month. Average cost in Durham per month is about £1230.
2. Belfast, Capital of Northern Ireland
Average House Price: £235,560
Average Monthly Rent: £495
PE ratio: 5.1
Introduction: Belfast has cheap living costs for new comers. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and home of the RMS Titanic’s construction. In addition, the city refurbished its dockyards and built the Titanic Quarter, which houses the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, Titanic Slipways, and a museum devoted to the ship (Titanic Belfast). Open-air concerts are held at the Slipways these days.
Cost of Living: Belfast, Northern Ireland, has very low average living expenses and is one of the cheapest cities to live in UK. The rent of Belfast accommodation for a one-bedroom flat in the city is about £495, outside the city is £325. The monthly travel pass is £50, while the cost of basic utilities is approximately £120. Monthly cost in Belfast is averagely £1320.
3. Newcastle
Average House Price: £210,000
Average Monthly Rent: £650
PE ratio: 5.7
Introduction: Newcastle is known widely because of its affordable living expenses. Newcastle is situated next to the River Tyne in North East England which is the university city upon Tyne. Although it gained notoriety during the Industrial Revolution for its shipbuilding and industry, it is now a hub for business, the arts, and sciences. The two cities are connected by the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which crosses the Tyne river and is renowned for its tilting aperture.
Cost of Living: Newcastle offers excellent healthcare and gradually becomes cheapest place to live in UK 2024. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Newcastle accommodation is £474 outside of the city and £650 inside. On average, monthly major utility bill will come to £130. Reasonably priced dining options, entertainment, and fitness centers are all available. Average cost to live in Newcastle is £1390.
4. Stirling
Average House Price: £220,500
Average Monthly Rent: £700
PE ratio: 6.3
Introduction: Stirling, a city in central Scotland, as one of the cheapest and most affordable places to live in the UK. Glasgow is located 26 miles to the northeast and Edinburgh is located 37 miles to the northwest. With a hometown atmosphere, Stirling is a vibrant city offering all the conveniences of a contemporary metropolis.
Cost of Living: Single person in Stirling spends about £700 per month averagely, not including rent and course fees. The average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Stirling accommodation is £495, and the cost of utilities is approximately £105. To live li Stirling, average monthly cost is about £1420.
5. Lancaster
Average House Price: £194,853
Average Monthly Rent: £567
PE ratio: 5.4
Introduction: As one of the most cost-effective and cheapest place to live in England, Lancaster, also has historical value worth exploring. The old furnishings and 19th-century prison cells of Lancaster Castle reflect the beauty of the River Lune. In addition, the magnificent City Museum of Georgian architecture displays many interesting facts about the Lancastrian Legion.
Cost of Living: Average monthly rent is around £567 in Lachester town and £440 outside of the city, with utility bills costing £172 approximately-Lancaster has got you covered,which is widely thought of the cheapest place in UK to live. There’s a mere £80 monthly pass to travel throughout the entire city. Average cost in Lancaster per month is £1400.
6. Cardiff
Average House Price: £230,500
Average Monthly Rent: £663
PE ratio: 7.5
Introduction: Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city situated on the southern coast of Wales. It combines rich history, modern developments, and a strong cultural identity, making it a dynamic place to live and visit. Culturally, Cardiff boasts numerous attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium for sports and events, and the Wales Millennium Centre for arts and entertainment. The city’s diverse dining scene, vibrant nightlife, and thriving music and theater venues cater to a wide range of tastes and interests. Cardiff is also home to Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, which contribute to a youthful and dynamic atmosphere.
Cost of Living: Cardiff is one of the most affordable places to live in the UK. A one- bedroom apartment in Cardiff accommodation goes for about £663 inside the city, and only £504 outside. Utilities bill will come up to around £202 each month. To afford in Cardiff, every month needs £1460 at least.
7. Dundee
Average House Price: £187,387
Average Monthly Rent: £794
PE ratio: 5.6
Introduction: Dundee is known as the “City of Discovery” because it has been the site of many famous discoveries and inventions, such as postage stamps, wireless telegraphy, aspirin, X-rays and many more. Dundee has a pleasant climate and is one of Scotland’s sunniest cities, which is especially rare on the island of Britain, where rainy days are frequent. There are the University of Dundee (founded in 1881), and other higher education institutions.
Cost of Living: The average rent is £794, making Dundee accommodation an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly living experience. The cost of transportation and food is also affordable and cheap. Average cost in Dundee per month is £1545.
8. Hull
Average House Price: £141,437
Average Monthly Rent: £470
PE ratio: 3.5
Introduction: Hull, also known as Kingston upon Hull, is a city in Yorkshire, England, in the northeast of United Kingdom, where two rivers (Hull and Humber) meet. Hull is a city in flux, with a growing number of museums, most of which are free to visitors, perhaps the most avant-garde of which is The Deep, the world’s only submarine museum.
Cost of Living: As one of the cheapest area to live, the average rent in Hull is around £470, it’s an affordable city. The city offers a budget-friendly living environment while showcasing its historical and architectural highlights. To live in Hull, every month at least costs £1550.
9. Coventry
Average House Price: £237,130
Average Monthly Rent: £530
PE ratio: 6.3
Introduction: Coventry, situated in the West Midlands of England, is a historic city known for its industrial heritage, medieval history, and modern revitalization. It is one of the cheapest area to live. It was heavily bombed during World War II but has since been rebuilt into a thriving urban center with a blend of old and new. Culturally, Coventry offers a range of attractions and activities. It boasts a stunning cathedral, medieval guildhall, and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Coventry accommodation is cheaper than renting in other cities, with the average cost being £655 per month for an apartment in town and £530 for an apartment outside of town. The basic utility bill costs around £181 per month. That’s why Coventry is praised as one of the cheapest cities to live in UK. Average cost in Conventy per month is £1680.
10. Lincoln
Average House Price: £212,000
Average Monthly Rent: £616
PE ratio: 7.3
Introduction: Lincoln, located in the East Midlands of England, is a historic city with a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. It is best known for its impressive cathedral, which dominates the skyline, as well as its well-preserved medieval architecture and the ancient Lincoln Castle.
Cost of Living: Lincoln is one of cheapest places to live in the Great Britain, especially when compared to other places in the United Kingdom. The average one-bedroom apartment is £616 per month, but it drops to £471 if you live outside of the city. Essential utilities would cost about £135 per month. Cost in Lincoln per month is about £1675.
11. Liverpool
Average House Price: £163,870
Average Monthly Rent: £710
PE ratio: 4.9
Introduction: Liverpool is a port city in the northwest of England and one of the eight core cities in England. Liverpool is the capital of Merseyside. Home to the Albert Dock, The Beatles, the Tate Gallery and the Nautical Museum, Liverpool is home to the stunning Croxteth National Park and Speke Hall.
Cost of Living: As one of the cheapest towns to live in, the price of homes-and the cost of living here – is attractive. It’s 20% cheaper than London, according to Numbeo’s index. The average one-bedroom apartment is £710 per month, covering utilities. To live in Liverpool, you need to cost £1750 per month at least.
12. Nottingham
Average House Price: £229,000
Average Monthly Rent: £610
PE ratio: 6.5
Introduction: Nottinghamshire is a county in the middle of England, United Kingdom. Except for the western part of the Pennines, which are foothills, they are all plains with an altitude of about 60 meters. Coal-producing, there are many coal-mining towns. The main river, the Trent River. Important agricultural area.
Cost of Living: Nottingham is regarded as one of the cheapest towns to live in. The city boasts an affordable cost of living—a one-bedroom apartment costs around £610 in the city and £472 outside the city. The basic utility bill comes to about £156 for a month. Average cost in Nottingham per month is £1789.
13. Manchester
Average House Price: £226,155
Average Monthly Rent: £830
PE ratio: 7.9
Introduction: Manchester is the world’s first industrialized city, an important transportation hub and commercial, financial, industrial and cultural center of United Kingdom, and an international metropolis. Manchester is a great example of urban regeneration, where one can see the history of United Kingdom industry.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Manchester is affordable, especially when compared to other large cities. A one-bedroom apartment costs around £830 inside the city and £548 outside the city. The primary utility bill for a family of 4 costs about £125 per month. Transportation and food are also cost-friendly. To live in Manchester, monthly cost is about £1980.
14. Birmingham
Average House Price: $267,000
Average Monthly Rent: £766
PE ratio: 7
Introduction: Birmingham is the second largest cosmopolitan city in the United Kingdom after London. Birmingham has the largest young population in Europe and has been ranked as the best quality of life city in United Kingdom by the Mercer Living Index for three consecutive years. In addition to football and cricket matches, as well as top international events, Birmingham is also home to a number of arts programmes such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Birmingham is affordable, with a one-bedroom apartment costing only £766 in the city and £580 outside. The monthly utility bill is approximately £142, and a monthly travel pass is available for only £65. Cost in Birmingham per month is about £2010.
15. Norwich
Average House Price: £273,000
Average Monthly Rent: £598
PE ratio: 7.2
Introduction: Located in the far east of England, next to a scenic seaside and surrounded by The Broad, the largest wetland reserve in the United Kingdom, Norwich is recognised as the greenest city in the United Kingdom. Norwich is also recognised as one of the most attractive and the least expensive place to live in UK. Norwich Castle is a fortress built by order of William the Conqueror and has a unique design.
Cost of Living: In Norwich, UK, one-bedroom apartments near the city center cost £598 on average while those outside the main city run about £500. Monthly utility bills are approximately £140. The cost of transportation and food in Norwich are budget-friendly. Average cost in Norwich is about £2200.
Methodology of ranking the cheapest cities to live in UK
Tips for moving to a new place in UK
1. Housing
Determine your budget for rent or mortgage, and consider additional costs such as deposits, agency fees, and maintenance. Research neighborhoods for safety, amenities, proximity to work or school, and overall quality of life.
2. Utilities and Services
Set up or transfer utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Check if there are any existing contracts and compare suppliers for the best rates. Understand the council tax band for your new property and budget for monthly payments.
3. Transportation
Consider the distance and cost of commuting to work or school. Check public transportation options and their reliability.
4. Healthcare
Register with a local General Practitioner (GP) as soon as possible. Research nearby medical facilities and pharmacies.
5. Education
If you’re a student, ensure you have accommodation arranged near your university.
6. Employment
If you’re moving for work, ensure your job is secure. If you’re moving without a job, research the local job market and employment opportunities.
7. Cost of Living
Understand the cost of living in the new area, including groceries, dining out, and entertainment. Update or acquire home and contents insurance for your new property.
Cheapest Houses in the UK
St Lukes View, Liverpool: St Lukes View is a popular student accommodation in Liverpool that is beautifully furnished and fully equipped. St Lukes View Liverpool has a 10-minute distance from both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Talbot Street, Nottingham: Study Inn Talbot Street Nottingham is an excellent Nottingham student accommodation in the town centre that offers a quality service. Talbot Street offers exceptional living spaces that have been recognized as the Best Student Accommodation in Nottingham.
Live Oasis Deansgate, Manchester: Live Oasis Deansgate is a luxurious Manchester student accommodation offering four Studio rooms suitable for single occupancy. Thanks to the well-developed transportation network within the city, students can easily reach the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Vita Student Pebble Mill, Birmingham: Vita Student Pebble Mill is the leading luxury student accommodation in Birmingham, offering a high-quality accommodation experience and a full range of services. It is within walking distance of the University of Birmingham and accessible by transport to Aston University and Birmingham City University in the city centre.
Least Affordable Places to Rent in the UK
After knowing the cheapest place to live in the England, you may be curious Where is the cheapest place to live in the UK. Here ia a table that will satisfy your curiosity.
| Ranks | Areas | Average Monthly Wage (£) | Median Monthly Rent (£) | Rent-to-Wage Ratio (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kensington and Chelsea | 3,529 | 3,000 | 85 |
| 2 | Westminster | 3,625 | 2,900 | 80 |
| 3 | Camden | 3,333 | 2,500 | 75 |
| 4 | Islington | 3,333 | 2,400 | 72 |
| 5 | Oxford | 2,307 | 1,500 | 65 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 2,266 | 1,450 | 64 |
| 7 | Brighton and Hove | 2,222 | 1,400 | 63 |
| 8 | Edinburgh | 2,166 | 1,300 | 60 |
| 9 | Bristol | 2,155 | 1,250 | 58 |
| 10 | Richmond upon Thames | 3,142 | 2,200 | 70 |
Choose the Cheapest Place to live in UK
Top 15 cheapest places to live in the Great Britain have been listed above. When choosing a new place to live, in addition to saying goodbye to the past and embracing a new life, finding a livable and cost-effective house is also crucial. uhomes.com can provide you with a variety of rental housing resources that are comfortable and cost-effective to help you start a new life quickly!
FAQ
One of the cities often cited as having the lowest living costs in the UK is Durham. Here’s a detailed explanation of why Durham is considered to be one of the most affordable place to live in UK:
- Affordable Housing:
Compared to larger cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, Durham offers significantly lower rent and property prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is much lower, and even more so in the suburbs.
- Cost of Living:
The cost of groceries, dining out, and utilities is lower compared to many other cities in the UK. Local markets and supermarkets offer competitive prices, and there are plenty of budget-friendly dining options.
- Conclusion:
Durham stands out as one of the most affordable places to live in the UK due to its lower housing costs, affordable everyday expenses, and vibrant yet budget-friendly lifestyle options.
To lower living costs in the UK, you can follow these detailed strategies:
- Choose the Right Accommodation:
For students, university dormitories are often the most economical option as they usually include all bills. Renting a house with others can significantly reduce rent and utility costs.
- Food and Daily Necessities:
Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out.
- Transportation:
Use public transport such as buses and trains instead of taxis or owning a car.
- Financial Planning:
Create a budget, plan your monthly expenses, and stick to it. Before purchasing big-ticket items or subscribing to long-term services, compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal.
To live comfortably in the UK, the required monthly salary varies by location:
- London:
Approximately £3,000 – £3,500 per month after taxes.
- Other Major Cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh):
Approximately £2,300 – £3,000 per month after taxes.
- Smaller Cities and Towns:
Approximately £1,600 – £2,300 per month after taxes.
One of the most beautiful yet cheapest places to live in the UK is York. York combines historical charm with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. Here are some reasons why:
- Historical Beauty:
York is known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the iconic York Minster, ancient city walls, and charming cobbled streets.
- Cultural Richness:
The city offers a variety of cultural attractions, museums, galleries, and festivals, providing a vibrant lifestyle.
Lower Living Costs: Compared to cities like London or Edinburgh, York has more affordable housing and lower overall living expenses.
- Quality of Life:
York has excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a friendly community atmosphere, making it ideal for families and individuals alike.
- Green Spaces:
The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Overall, York offers a blend of beauty, culture, and affordability, making it a highly desirable place to live.
