Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the UK for Low-Cost Living

With the cost of living in the UK rising, many people are rethinking where they live. Major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh can be exciting, but they come with high housing prices, steep rents, and daily expenses that stretch budgets thin. If you’re looking for affordable alternatives, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of budget-friendly towns and cities where you can live comfortably without sacrificing quality of life.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 cheapest places to live in the UK in 2025, comparing housing prices, rental rates, and lifestyle costs. Whether you’re a student, young professional, family, or retiree, these low-cost living spots could be your next home.

Table of Contents

Factors That Make a Place Affordable

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand what makes a city “cheap” to live in:

Housing costs – Rent and house prices are the biggest factors.
Job opportunities – Areas with reasonable salaries relative to costs.
Transport links – Affordable public transport and commuting options.
Daily expenses – Food, utilities, and leisure activities.
Quality of life – Safety, healthcare, schools, and cultural opportunities.

Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in the UK

1. Hull (Kingston upon Hull)

Hull consistently ranks among the most affordable places in the UK. With average rents between £500–£600 and house prices around £120,000, it’s ideal for first-time buyers and families. The city has a rich maritime history, affordable shopping, and a growing student population.

2. Bradford

Bradford offers low-cost housing with average house prices of £135,000. The average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment usually ranges between £550 and £650. The city is culturally diverse, with a vibrant food scene and strong community spirit. Its affordability makes it attractive to students and young families.

3. Sunderland

Located in the northeast, Sunderland is known for its stunning coastline and affordable living. Rent for a one-bed property averages £500–£600, with house prices near £130,000. It’s popular among students attending the University of Sunderland and those who want a quieter lifestyle with access to Newcastle’s job market.

4. Stoke-on-Trent

Once the heart of Britain’s pottery industry, Stoke remains one of the cheapest cities in England. With house prices averaging £140,000 and rents under £625 for a one-bedroom flat, it’s an affordable option for first-time buyers. It also has excellent rail links to Birmingham and Manchester.

5. Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough offers one of the lowest costs of living in the UK. A one-bedroom flat rents for about £500–£600, and house prices average £125,000. Entertainment, dining, and public transport are also budget-friendly, making it a good choice for students and young professionals.

6. Doncaster

Doncaster combines affordable living with strong transport links. Average house prices sit around £145,000, and rents remain lower than nearby Sheffield. The town has been undergoing regeneration, making it an attractive option for commuters looking for lower costs.

7. Blackpool

Famous for its seaside attractions, Blackpool also happens to be one of the UK’s cheapest places to live. Rent can be as low as £475–£600, with house prices averaging £130,000. While the economy relies heavily on tourism, it’s appealing for families and retirees seeking affordable coastal living.

8. Dundee (Scotland)

Scotland’s most affordable city, Dundee offers average rents between £600–£700 and house prices near £155,000. It’s home to major universities and a growing tech sector, making it popular with students and young professionals. Dundee balances culture, history, and affordability.

9. Liverpool

Liverpool is vibrant, historic, and still affordable compared to Manchester or London. Average rents range from £650–£750, while house prices are around £160,000. The city’s nightlife, cultural attractions, and student population make it one of the best budget-friendly urban centres in the UK.

10. Coventry

Coventry combines affordability with excellent transport connections. Average rent is £650–£750, with house prices at £170,000. It’s a student-friendly city thanks to Coventry University and also appeals to families due to its schools and community atmosphere.

Comparison Table: Cheapest Places to Live in the UK (2025)

City/Town	Avg. Monthly Rent (1-Bed)	Avg. House Price	Cost of Living (Monthly, excl. rent)	Notes
Hull	£500–£600	£120,000	£650–£750	Very affordable housing
Bradford	£550–£650	£135,000	£700–£800	Low rental + utilities
Sunderland	£500–£600	£130,000	£650–£750	Coastal, student-friendly
Stoke-on-Trent	£525–£625	£140,000	£675–£775	Affordable mortgages
Middlesbrough	£500–£600	£125,000	£650–£740	Budget dining, transport
Doncaster	£525–£650	£145,000	£680–£780	Strong rail links
Blackpool	£475–£600	£130,000	£640–£740	Seaside living
Dundee	£600–£700	£155,000	£750–£850	Scotland’s cheapest
Liverpool	£650–£750	£160,000	£750–£850	Vibrant culture
Coventry	£650–£750	£170,000	£800–£900	Student hub

(Note: Figures are 2025 estimates and vary by neighborhood.)

Pros & Cons of Living in Cheaper UK Cities

Pros:

Lower rent and property prices
More space for families
Affordable entertainment and daily expenses
Less crowded and more community-focused

Cons:

Fewer high-paying job opportunities
Slower economic growth in some regions
Limited luxury amenities compared to bigger cities

Tips for Choosing the Right Affordable City

Balance affordability with job availability.
Factor in commuting and transport costs.
Research healthcare, schools, and safety ratings.
Visit the area before relocating to see if it suits your lifestyle.

FAQs About Cheapest Places to Live in the UK

1. What is the absolute cheapest city to live in the UK in 2025?

Hull and Blackpool rank among the cheapest overall due to low rents and property prices.

2. Which cheap UK city has the best job opportunities?

Liverpool and Coventry are affordable while still offering strong job markets.

3. Are northern UK cities always cheaper than southern ones?

Generally, yes. Cities in the north and Scotland tend to have lower housing and living costs than southern England.

4. Which city is best for students on a budget?

Bradford, Sunderland, and Dundee are popular choices for affordable student living.

5. Is it cheaper to rent or buy property in these cities?

It depends on your situation. In many of these cities, mortgage payments can be cheaper than renting.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest places to live in the UK doesn’t mean compromising on quality of life. From seaside towns like Blackpool to bustling student hubs like Dundee and Coventry, there are plenty of affordable options for different lifestyles. Whether you want coastal living, cultural attractions, or strong transport links, these 10 cities offer a balance of affordability and opportunity.

If saving money and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle are priorities, these destinations prove that you don’t need to live in London to thrive in the UK.