10 Cheapest Places to Live in the UK

Where is the cheapest place to live in the UK? Finding the answer to this question can prove to be the ultimate mission. With forecasts suggesting the UK hit an all-time low in living standards since the mid-1950, we are witnessing an era where the economy is still trying to shrug off the effect of Covid-19. The conditions aren’t expected to get better anytime soon. Currently, the UK’s housing prices are far outpacing the salaries – with the average house costing over £261,221, and it’s only getting harder to find a cheap and nice place to live.

To help you with the mission, we at Talk Home have compiled a list of the cheapest places to live in the UK. In creating this list, we have kept in mind the most important factors of a living experience to make sure the places are cheap economically and comfortable to live in.

The factors considered in creating this list include location, climate, cost of living, average income/salary, local attractions, average house price, the price-to-earnings ratio (affordability ratio), and affordable connectivity. Based on these factors, this list is your best bet at finding cheap and best places to live in the UK amid the soaring inflation.

Let’s have a look at the list one by one:

1. Durham:

Durham holds the first position in this list of the cheapest places to live in the UK, and for a good reason. Here’s a breakdown of what each of our factors looks like for the town of Durham.

• Location:

Durham is located in Northeast England. Present between Newcastle, Sunderland, and Hartlepool, this is an easily accessible area. Due to its geographical position, the city is rich in history and culture. Not only is it within reach of all the necessitates, but it is also the central town in Durham County, making it an important administrative centre.

• Climate:

The climate in this city can be characterized as pleasant. The city lies 32m above sea level. The wintertime lies between December to February. The average temperature in Durham lies between 6° to 7°C, which increases to 19°C in July. Overall, the climate is nice and welcoming compared to the rest of the UK.

• Cost of living:

One of the biggest advantages of living in Durham is the cost of living, which is quite affordable. The cost of utilities is around £55, which is very attractive when compared with the rest of the UK.

• Average income/salary:

The average income in this part of the UK is around £26K per year.

• Local attractions:

The city houses places of historical significance and modern recreational parks. Some of the local attractions include:

1. Durham Castle
2. Cathedral
3. Botanic Gardens
4. Oriental Museum
5. Wharton Park
6. Durham Cathedral

• Average House Price

Housing-wise, Durham can be the cheapest place to buy a house in the UK. The average rent of a 1BHK apartment is £650 in the city and £360 outside the city.

• Affordable connectivity:

Connectivity inside the city is affordable. A city-wide travel pass is available for £55 only.

Must read: Cost of Living in the UK – Housing, Utilities & Taxes

2. Belfast:

• Location

Belfast is located on the Northeast coast of Northern Ireland. Since it is a coastal city, it has easy access to golden beaches and beautiful forests. North of the city has incredible basalt rock formations called Giant’s Causeway. In contrast, if you head south, you’ll find yourself facing some truly magnificent Mourne Mountains, where you can get a chance to scale the largest mountain peak in Northern Ireland. Having access to such an amazing variety of places, Belfast is easily the best place to start exploring Ireland, the rest of the UK, and Europe.

• Climate:

Belfast is located 12m above the sea surface. Its climate mostly feels mild, with February being the coldest month. The range for temperature lies around 3C. There is a moderate increase in July, which elevates the temperature to around 17C. Most of the rainfalls occur in October.

• Cost of living:

As mentioned above, Belfast is one of the best and cheapest places to live for students. The area has a wide range of shopping centres, grocery stores, laser treatment centres, restaurants, and Metro service that connects the entire city.

• Average Income/salary ️

The average income in Belfast is around 27K per year, slightly higher than the Durham average.

• Local attractions:

Some of the most iconic local attractions include:

1. Titanic Belfast
2. Belfast City Hall
3. Belfast Castle
4. Ulster Museum

• Average House Price:

In Belfast, an average 1 BHK apartment costs around £400 in the city centre, and £280 outside the city. This makes it a welcoming and cheapest living area when it comes to housing and residence costs.

• Affordable Connectivity

A complete day ticket costs around £6.50, and the monthly travel pass is around £58 only.

Guide: UK Travel Corridor: Open Sesame – Best UK Travel Guide

3. Stirling:

Crowned as Scotland’s happiest place to live, Stirling is also named the UK’s most affordable place to live. The cost of living in Stirling is around 40 times less than in London.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of various aspects related to living in Stirling:

• Location:

Stirling is located in central Scotland, only 26 miles away from Glasgow and 37 miles northwest of Edinburgh. Not only is it located on a Riverfront, it is also the administrative centre for the Stirling council area. Proverbially, it is called the “Gateway to the Highlands.”

• Climate:

The town is located 14m above sea level. The summer here is fantastic, while the winter is long. The Average temperature stays around 2C during the winter, and the climate starts warming around May. The temperature in summer is normally around 10C to 15C.

• Cost of living:

Being a very affordable city, Stirling is an excellent choice for students. All the essential utilities are available in the region, and the price for gasoline, clothing, and eateries is low. Healthcare is a fast-growing sector.

• Average Income/salary:

The average income is around 26K per year in Stirling. This makes it equivalent to Durham in this category.

• Local attractions:

There are a lot of attractions in Stirling to keep you entertained. A few of the top ones include:

1. Stirling Castle
2. Holy Rude
3. Stirling old town Jail
4. The National Wallace Monument
5. St Columba’s Church

• Average house price:

Stirling is an excellent residence choice for students. It offers affordable residential and basic necessities at very cheap prices. 1 BHK costs around £475 in the city and £416 outside the city.

• Affordable connectivity:

A city-wide travel pass would cost you around £73 only, which is a little more than some cities on this list but still within the affordable range.

4. Lancaster:

Lancaster is one of the towns very frequently mentioned among the cheapest and most affordable places to live in the UK. With the low cost of utilities and residence and an average income almost matching the other cities, Lancaster is a place you can bet on for an affordable living.

• Location:

Lancaster is the northernmost city in Lancashire, located three miles (4.8 km) inland from Morecambe Bay on the River Lune and the Lancaster Canal. From the Lune Valley eastwards, it gets hillier, with Williamson Hill in the northwest reaching a height of 109 meters (358 ft).

With the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Morecambe Bay, and the Forest of Bowland all within easy reach, Lancaster is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the UK offers.

• Climate:

Lancaster lies 31m above sea level. The onset of winter happens in December and lasts till February. The average temperature in this city is around 2C-3C, while the summer temperature can rise to the 5C-15C range.

• Cost of living: ️

Lancaster is a very affordable place to reside in. An average utility bill in this city costs around £172, while traveling costs around £80 inside the city. The local restaurants and markets are not that expensive, entertainment and getaway won’t be costing you too much in this city.

• Average income/salary: ️

The average income in the city is around £24K per anum.

• Local attractions:

Some of the common local attractions include:

1. Lancaster Castle
2. Williamson Park
3. Lancaster Canal
4. Ashton Memorial

• Average House Price

Lancaster is another great city for students to reside in. Student accommodations are relatively inexpensive. Generally, the accommodation can cost you around £567 inside the city and £440 outside the city.

Guide for students: Top 8 Student Discount Cards Every Student in the UK Should Have

• Affordable connectivity:

The city travel pass generally costs around £80 and lets you go around the interior of the city.

5. Cardiff:

Cardiff is the capital of Wales. As an affordable and cheapest place to live in the UK, it is a thriving city offering its residents entertainment, culture, and history.

Here’s everything that makes it worth living in this place.

• Location:

Cardiff is the largest city in Wales. The city is located in the southeast of Wales and in Cardiff Capital Region. Cardiff is the main commercial centre for Wales and is the base for Senedd. The population of this city is estimated to be around 479,000.

• Climate:

The city is 13m above sea level. In November, the temperature falls start falling and keeps around 4C-7C during the winters. Starting from April, the temperature starts to rise and stays between 9C-16C throughout the summers. The warmest month in this city in August.

• Cost of living ️

Cardiff is one of the most affordable places in the UK. With all the necessary amenities of life present, the utility bill costs around £202. Entertainment, sports, and the commute are affordable in the city. To travel inside the city, you can get a monthly pass for only £53.

• Average income/salary ️

The average income in this city is around £27-29K per-year range.

• Local attractions

There’s a lot to keep your mind invested in Cardiff. All around the year, there are lectures and exhibitions happening around the city. Some of the well-known local attractions include:

1. Cardiff Castle
2. Caerphilly Castle
3. Principality Stadium
4. Castell Coch
5. Newman hall Cardiff

• Average house price

Cardiff’s housing is affordable compared to most parts of the UK. 1-BHK apartment costs around £663 inside the city, while the rates outside are around £504.

• Affordable connectivity

You can commute inside the city for a travel pass of around £53 only.

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6. Newcastle:

Newcastle is located on the River Tyne of Northeast England. The city is the largest one in Northeast England. It is located only 46 miles away from the south border of Scotland.

• Location:

The city is located 11m above sea level; its weather is rather cold from June – August and remains pleasant for the rest of the year.

• Cost of living:

The city is very cheap to live in and offers a great medical care service. The basic utility bills cost around £130 per month. Restaurants, fitness clubs, entertainment centers, and other such facilities are available at very affordable rates.

• Average income/salary ️

The average salary in this region is around £27K per year.

• Local attractions

Some of the most interesting local attractions include:

1. Angel of the North
2. Gateshead Millennium Bridge
3. Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
4. Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

• Average house price

1 BHK apartment in Newcastle costs around £650 inside the town and £474 outside the town.

• Affordable connectivity

Transportation is quite cheap, costing just £60 for a pass to travel inside the city.

7. Coventry:

• Location:

Coventry is located in central England, in the county of West Midlands, five miles south of the town of Bedworth and 85 miles northwest of London.

• Climate: ️

Coventry is located almost 9m above the sea surface. The overall weather is mild in the city, with winters lasting from December to February. The average temperature during the winters is around 3C-4C. The Summers begin in May, and the temperature stays around 10C-16C during this season.

• Cost of living:

Coventry is known for its low residence prices, especially for the students. Rent for a 1-BHK apartment is around £655 inside the city and £530 outside the city. The Local markets in the city are quite cheap, and utility bills often cost around £181 per month. Transportation pass for commuting inside the city costs around £51 only.

• Average income/salary ️

The average salary in this area is around £30K per year.

• Local attractions:

Some of the local attractions in the town include:

1. Coventry Cathedral
2. Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
3. War Memorial Park
4. National Trust-Baddesley Clinton
5. Coventry Transport Museum

• Average house price:

Inside the town, an average 1BHK apartment would cost you around £655, while outside the city, the price is around £530.

• Affordable connectivity

A monthly travel pass would cost you around £51 only.

Traveler’s guide: Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in the UK – All You Need to Know in 2022

8. Warwick

• Location:

Warwick is a county town of Warwickshire. It is located 9 miles south of Coventry and 19 miles southeast of Birmingham. Leamington Spa and Whitnash are both close by. It has ancient roots and a diverse collection of historic structures, most notably from the Medieval, Stuart, and Georgian periods.

• Climate:

The city is located 54m above sea level. Mostly, the weather is quite warm here, with summers starting in May and extending till October. The average temperature around this time stays between 11C-16C. The winter starts in December. The average temperature during this time remains between 3C-4C.

• Cost of living:

Warwick is relatively a cheap city to reside in, the cost of utilities mostly comes around to £134, and a transport pass is only £125 for a commute inside the city.

• Average Income/salary ️

The average income of residents is around £30K per year.

• Local attractions:

Warwick has a host of places you can visit and enjoy. Some of these include:

1. Warwick Castle
2. John’s House
3. Jephson Gardens
4. Mary’s Church

• Average House Price

An average 1BHK apartment in Warwick costs around £767 inside the city and £658 outside it.

• Affordable Connectivity

A city-wide monthly travel pass would cost you around £125 only.

9. Lincoln

• Location:

Lincoln is the county town of Lincolnshire, one of the largest counties in the United Kingdom. It is located on the east coast of England, to the north of Norfolk and the south of Yorkshire. Lincoln is around 40 miles away from Nottingham.

• Climate ️

The city is 66m above the sea surface and hosts relatively warmer weather. Summer starts in May and goes till October, while the winter lasts from November to February. The average summer temperature is 11C-17C, and the winter temperature is 1C-4C.

• Cost of living:

Just like other names on this list, living in this part of the UK is also quite affordable. The town has childcare and preschools with a relatively average pricing range. You can visit beautiful restaurants, local markets, and apparel stores within the city at a low cost. Transportation around the city interiors is inexpensive, costing of around £52 for a monthly commute pass.

• Average income/salary:

The average salary in Lincoln is around £25K per year.

• Local attractions

Some of the attractions people like to visit in Lincoln include:

1. Lincoln Cathedral
2. Lincoln Castle
3. Museum of Lincolnshire Life
4. Lincoln Medieval Bishops’ Palace

• Average House Price

1BHK apartment costs around £616 if you want to live on Foster street and £471 if you are okay with living on the outskirts of the city.

• Affordable connectivity

Within the city, transportation is inexpensive. The cost of a monthly travel pass is over £52.

10. Nottingham

• Location

  Nottingham is located in Central England’s Midland Region. The city is located 128 miles north of London, 44 miles (71 km) south of Sheffield and 45 miles (72 km) northeast of Birmingham.

• Climate ️

The city is around 51m above the sea surface and hosts temperate weather. The summer season begins in April and extends to October, while winter starts around November till March. The average temperature stays between 7C-17C in summers and 0C-3C in winters.

• Cost of living ️

Living in Nottingham will cost you around £142 in basic utilities, which is pretty affordable for an average household. Cinemas, schools, and fitness clubs are inexpensive, and transport will cost you around £65 for a commute inside the city.

• Average Income/Salary ️

The average salary is around £29K per year, which is on par with the other towns on this list.

• Local Attractions:

Though the town is full of places to captivate the mind and hearts of its residents and visitors alike, some of the most frequently visited public places include:

1. Cadbury World
2. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
3. Black Country Living Museum
4. High Street
5. Birmingham Botanical Gardens

• Average House Price

If you are someone who prefers to live in the hustle and bustle of the main city, a 1BHK apartment will cost you around £766. The cost will be around £580 for residents outside the city.

• Affordable connectivity

Nottingham has inexpensive transportation. For travel within the city, a monthly pass costs around £56.

Conclusion:

A good living in today’s world means having a balance between your expenses and income and a continuous streak of savings for the future. If you are not satisfied with their current financial situation and want to relocate, the above list of the 10 cheapest places to live in the UK

might be your best bet at giving your finances a nice and sound start over. We must, however, warn you that no matter where you live or how much you make, having a sound understanding of your income versus expenses situation and good money habits are a must for keeping your financial situation in line. Good luck with finding your next affordable home in the UK.

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