Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in UK
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For those looking to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank, the UK offers several cities with affordable housing, reasonable rental prices, and a lower overall cost of living. While cities like London and Oxford often dominate discussions about the UK’s housing market, there are many budget-friendly alternatives that provide great opportunities for students, professionals, and families alike.
From the historic charm of Durham and Lincoln to the vibrant city life of Liverpool and Cardiff, these locations offer a mix of economic growth, cultural experiences, and affordability. In this guide, we will explore the top 10 cheapest places to live in the UK in 2025, comparing property prices, rental costs, public transport expenses, and key industries in each city. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful lifestyle in Stirling, a creative hub in Dundee, or the coastal appeal of Hull, this list will help you find a budget-friendly city that fits your lifestyle and financial needs.
Best 10 Cheapest Places in UK
Durham
Located in Northeast England, Durham is a historic city known for its stunning medieval architecture, world-renowned university, and beautiful riverside setting. The city offers an ideal balance between affordability and cultural richness, with its lower-than-average living costs. Durham’s strong academic presence, led by Durham University, contributes to a thriving local economy centered around education, research, and tourism. Additionally, the city’s small but vibrant community ensures a high quality of life with plenty of green spaces and a charming city center. Below are the key details of Durham for 2025:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £130,000 – £140,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £600 – £700/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £50 – £60 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 90 – 92 |
| Key Industries | Education, Tourism, Public Services |
| Main Attractions | Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, River Wear, Botanic Garden |
| Pros | Affordable housing, picturesque scenery, strong education sector |
| Cons | Limited nightlife, fewer job opportunities outside of education and tourism |
Belfast
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a dynamic city known for its deep maritime history, cultural diversity, and economic growth. The city’s Titanic Quarter, home to the famous Titanic Belfast Museum, is a key historical and tourist attraction. Belfast has undergone significant regeneration, leading to a growing economy fueled by industries such as shipbuilding, technology, and tourism. Despite its capital-city status, Belfast remains one of the most affordable places to live in the UK, with lower property prices and rental costs compared to other major cities. It offers a strong job market, lively arts scene, and access to breathtaking natural landscapes just outside the city. Below are the key details of Belfast for 2025:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £230,000 – £240,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £450 – £550/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £45 – £55 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 92 – 95 |
| Key Industries | Shipbuilding, Tourism, Tech, Financial Services |
| Main Attractions | Titanic Belfast, Botanic Gardens, Belfast Castle, St. George’s Market |
| Pros | Low rent costs, thriving economy, rich cultural heritage |
| Cons | Unpredictable weather, some areas experiencing regeneration challenges |
Leicester
Located in the East Midlands, Leicester is a thriving multicultural city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city is known for its diverse communities, world-famous festivals, and strong economic foundation in industries such as manufacturing, retail, and education. Leicester offers an affordable cost of living compared to many other UK cities, with reasonable property prices and rental rates. Home to De Montfort University and the University of Leicester, the city attracts students and young professionals, making it an energetic and lively place to live. Below are the key details of Leicester for 2025:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £210,000 – £220,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £550 – £650/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £55 – £65 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 88 – 90 |
| Key Industries | Manufacturing, Retail, Education, Healthcare |
| Main Attractions | National Space Centre, King Richard III Visitor Centre, Abbey Park |
| Pros | Diverse culture, affordable housing, strong job market |
| Cons | Traffic congestion, busy city center |
Stirling
Located in central Scotland, Stirling is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the city is home to the iconic Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, making it a major tourist attraction. Stirling’s compact size offers a peaceful environment with easy access to Scotland’s scenic countryside, while still being well-connected to Glasgow and Edinburgh. With its relatively low cost of living, Stirling is an appealing option for students, families, and retirees looking for affordability combined with cultural significance. Below are the key details of Stirling:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £215,000 – £225,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £450 – £550/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £40 – £50 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 86 – 88 |
| Key Industries | Education, Tourism, Public Services |
| Main Attractions | Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Blair Drummond Safari Park |
| Pros | Scenic beauty, strong historical presence, low cost of living |
| Cons | Limited job market outside of education and tourism |
Lancaster
Nestled in Northwest England, Lancaster is a historic city that blends rich heritage with a vibrant arts and cultural scene. It is home to Lancaster University, one of the UK’s top-ranked institutions, contributing to a thriving student population and a strong education sector. The city features stunning Georgian architecture, lively markets, and an abundance of green spaces. With affordable housing and a lower-than-average cost of living, Lancaster attracts students, academics, and professionals looking for a high quality of life without the high costs of larger UK cities. Below are the key details of Lancaster:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £190,000 – £200,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £550 – £600/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £45 – £55 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 87 – 89 |
| Key Industries | Education, Healthcare, Retail |
| Main Attractions | Lancaster Castle, Williamson Park, Lancaster Maritime Museum |
| Pros | Affordable housing, vibrant student and cultural scene |
| Cons | Frequent rainy weather, smaller job market outside of education |
Cardiff
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a lively and diverse city that balances modern urban development with historic charm. Known for its sporting venues, thriving waterfront, and rich cultural heritage, Cardiff is an attractive place to live for students, professionals, and families alike. The city is home to leading universities, a strong media presence (including BBC Wales), and a rapidly growing financial sector. Cardiff’s cost of living is relatively low compared to other UK capitals, offering a good quality of life with affordable housing options and an active nightlife scene. Below is the key details of Cardiff:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £225,000 – £235,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £650 – £700/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £50 – £60 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 92 – 93 |
| Key Industries | Media, Finance, Tourism, Government |
| Main Attractions | Cardiff Castle, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Bay |
| Pros | Vibrant culture, strong job market, coastal lifestyle |
| Cons | Traffic congestion, high demand for housing |
Dundee
Dundee, located on Scotland’s east coast, has transformed itself into a vibrant and forward-thinking city with a strong cultural and technological presence. It is recognized as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design and is home to the V&A Dundee Museum, a landmark of Scotland’s cultural scene. The city’s growing tech industry, supported by institutions like Abertay University, has helped attract a younger, innovative workforce. Dundee’s affordability, combined with its investment in waterfront regeneration, makes it a rising star among Scotland’s cities. Below is the key details of Dundee:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £180,000 – £190,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £750 – £800/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £45 – £55 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 88 – 90 |
| Key Industries | Technology, Education, Creative Arts |
| Main Attractions | V&A Dundee, Discovery Point, Dundee Law |
| Pros | Thriving tech and creative industries, scenic waterfront |
| Cons | Limited direct flight connections, job market still developing |
Hull
Located in East Yorkshire, Hull is a port city with a rich maritime heritage and an emerging economy. It has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, transforming its waterfront, cultural spaces, and infrastructure. As the UK City of Culture in 2017, Hull has grown in popularity, offering a variety of museums, galleries, and entertainment options. Despite its economic progress, Hull remains one of the most affordable cities in the UK, with low property prices and a cost of living below the national average. It is particularly appealing to students, families, and professionals in logistics and renewable energy sectors. Below are the key details of Hull:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £150,000 – £160,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £750 – £800/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £40 – £50 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 84 – 85 |
| Key Industries | Logistics, Renewable Energy, Manufacturing |
| Main Attractions | Hull Maritime Museum, The Deep Aquarium, Hull Marina |
| Pros | Low housing costs, growing economy, cultural revival |
| Cons | Limited job market outside of logistics and maritime sectors |
Lincoln
Lincoln is a historic city in the East Midlands, known for its medieval cathedral, cobbled streets, and welcoming community. The city offers a relatively low cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life. Its economy is supported by the education sector, with the University of Lincoln attracting students from across the UK. Additionally, Lincoln has a strong manufacturing and retail presence, contributing to local employment opportunities. With a mix of historical charm and modern convenience, Lincoln provides a well-balanced lifestyle for families, students, and professionals. Below are the key details of Lincoln:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £180,000 – £190,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £700 – £750/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £45 – £55 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 86 – 87 |
| Key Industries | Education, Manufacturing, Retail |
| Main Attractions | Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle, Brayford Waterfront |
| Pros | Affordable living, strong academic presence, historic beauty |
| Cons | Limited nightlife, small city job market |
Liverpool
Liverpool is one of the most affordable and dynamic cities in the UK, offering a balance of economic opportunities, cultural vibrancy, and relatively low housing costs. Known globally as the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool has a thriving arts and music scene, world-class football clubs, and a strong waterfront economy. With major developments in finance, technology, and retail, Liverpool provides excellent job prospects while maintaining a cost of living lower than many other major UK cities. Its friendly community, historic sites, and lively entertainment scene make it an attractive place to live for students, young professionals, and families. Below are the key details of Liverpool:
| Feature | Details |
| Average Property Price (2025) | £175,000 – £185,000 |
| Average Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | £800 – £900/month |
| Monthly Public Transport Cost | £55 – £65 |
| Cost of Living Index (UK Avg = 100) | 89 – 90 |
| Key Industries | Finance, Creative Arts, Retail, Tourism |
| Main Attractions | The Beatles Story, Albert Dock, Anfield Stadium, Liverpool Cathedral |
| Pros | Thriving cultural scene, strong job market, affordable housing |
| Cons | Unpredictable weather, tourist-heavy areas |
Conclusion
Choosing an affordable place to live in the UK doesn’t mean sacrificing quality of life. Cities like Durham, Belfast, and Lancaster offer rich historical charm, while Leicester, Cardiff, and Liverpool provide dynamic urban environments with diverse job markets. Dundee, Stirling, and Hull present cost-effective options with scenic surroundings, and Lincoln remains a strong choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and culture. With the cost of living continuing to rise in major cities like London and Manchester, these more affordable alternatives provide the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy a comfortable life without excessive expenses. Whether you’re relocating for work, studying, or simply looking for a fresh start, the UK offers plenty of affordable and welcoming places to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to live in the UK in 2025?
Durham is one of the cheapest places to live in the UK, with affordable property prices (£130,000 – £140,000) and low rent costs (£600 – £700/month). The city offers a high quality of life, rich history, and a strong education sector, making it a great option for students and families.
Which UK city has the lowest rent?
Belfast and Stirling have some of the lowest rent costs in the UK, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from £450 – £550/month. These cities provide affordable living while maintaining strong job markets and cultural attractions.
What is the average monthly cost of public transport in the cheapest UK cities?
The cheapest cities to live in also offer affordable public transport, with average monthly costs as follows:
- Durham – £50 – £60
- Belfast – £45 – £55
- Leicester – £55 – £65
- Cardiff – £50 – £60
- Hull – £40 – £50
Are these cheap UK cities safe to live in?
Yes, most of the cities on this list, including Stirling, Lancaster, and Durham, have low crime rates and a strong sense of community, making them safe and welcoming for residents.
Which of these cities is best for remote workers?
Dundee and Lancaster are great options for remote workers, offering affordable housing, good transport links, and access to co-working spaces while maintaining a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
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