Sam SmithThe United Kingdom is often associated with high living costs, especially in London and the Southeast, but affordability varies widely across regions. By focusing on the house price to earnings ratio and everyday expenses like groceries and utilities, it’s possible to identify cities and towns where your money stretches further. Unsurprisingly, many of the cheapest places are in the North of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, where housing markets remain accessible and living costs are lower than the national average.
Top 50 Cheapest Cities To Live In The UK
1. Middlesbrough (North Yorkshire)
Middlesbrough is one of the cheapest cities to live in England. Historically an industrial hub, it has faced economic challenges but offers regeneration projects and cultural venues like MIMA. Living costs are low, though employment opportunities can be limited. Its location near the North York Moors and coastline adds lifestyle appeal. Middlesbrough’s affordability makes it attractive for first‑time buyers and families seeking budget‑friendly housing in northern England.
2. Hull (Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire)
Hull is a port city with a strong maritime heritage and one of the lowest house price‑to‑earnings ratios in England. It has undergone regeneration, especially since being UK City of Culture in 2017, boosting amenities and cultural life. Housing and everyday costs remain affordable compared to national averages. Employment is concentrated in logistics, healthcare, and education. Hull’s affordability, combined with its cultural revival and coastal location, makes it appealing for families and young professionals.
3. Bradford (West Yorkshire)
Bradford is a diverse city in West Yorkshire known for its affordability and cultural heritage. House prices are significantly below the UK average, and living costs are manageable. The city has faced economic challenges but is undergoing regeneration, with its designation as UK City of Culture 2025 expected to boost investment. Bradford offers strong community ties, historic architecture, and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales. Its affordability makes it attractive for families and those seeking value.
4. Stoke‑on‑Trent (Staffordshire)
Stoke‑on‑Trent, historically famous for pottery, remains one of the UK’s most affordable large cities. Housing costs are low, and everyday expenses are manageable. The economy has shifted from manufacturing to services, healthcare, and education. Stoke offers cultural attractions, green spaces, and good transport links to Manchester and Birmingham. While some areas face deprivation, affordability and regeneration projects make Stoke appealing for families and first‑time buyers seeking budget‑friendly living in the Midlands.
5. Sunderland (Tyne and Wear)
Sunderland is a coastal city in northeast England with affordable housing and living costs. Historically industrial, it has transitioned toward services, education, and technology. The University of Sunderland adds a youthful presence. House prices are well below the UK average, and amenities include beaches, parks, and cultural venues. While employment opportunities can be limited, Sunderland’s affordability and coastal lifestyle make it attractive for families, students, and retirees seeking budget‑friendly living in the North East.
6. Hartlepool (County Durham)
Hartlepool is a coastal town in County Durham known for its affordability and maritime heritage. Housing costs are among the lowest in England, making it attractive for first‑time buyers. The economy is modest, with jobs in services, healthcare, and local industries. Amenities include a marina, historic sites, and access to nearby cities. While some areas face economic challenges, Hartlepool’s affordability and coastal setting make it appealing for families and retirees seeking budget‑friendly living.
7. Blackpool (Lancashire)
Blackpool is a seaside resort town with affordable housing and living costs. Known for its tourism industry, it offers attractions like the Pleasure Beach and iconic tower. House prices are low, though employment opportunities can be seasonal and limited outside hospitality. Amenities include beaches, entertainment venues, and transport links. While some areas face deprivation, Blackpool’s affordability and lively atmosphere make it appealing for families, retirees, and those seeking budget‑friendly coastal living in northwest England.
8. Burnley (Lancashire)
Burnley is a small town in Lancashire with affordable housing and a strong industrial heritage. House prices are well below the UK average, making it attractive for first‑time buyers. The economy includes manufacturing, services, and retail, though opportunities are limited compared to larger cities. Amenities include parks, schools, and proximity to the Pennines for outdoor recreation. Burnley’s affordability and community feel make it appealing for families and individuals seeking budget‑friendly living in northern England.
9. Rochdale (Greater Manchester)
Rochdale is a town in Greater Manchester offering affordable housing and good transport links to Manchester city centre. House prices are lower than many surrounding areas, making it attractive for commuters. The economy includes retail, services, and healthcare, with regeneration projects underway. Amenities include historic architecture, parks, and cultural venues. While some areas face deprivation, Rochdale’s affordability and proximity to Manchester make it appealing for families and professionals seeking budget‑friendly living with urban access.
10. Bolton (Greater Manchester)
Bolton is a large town in Greater Manchester with affordable housing and strong transport links to Manchester. House prices are below the UK average, making it attractive for commuters and families. The economy includes retail, manufacturing, and services, with Bolton University adding a youthful presence. Amenities include cultural venues, parks, and shopping centres. While some areas face economic challenges, Bolton’s affordability and proximity to Manchester make it appealing for those seeking budget‑friendly living.
Table: Most Affordable Cities & Towns in the UK
| # | City / Town | County / Region | UK Nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlesbrough | North Yorkshire | England |
| 2 | Hull (Kingston upon Hull) | East Riding of Yorkshire | England |
| 3 | Bradford | West Yorkshire | England |
| 4 | Stoke-on-Trent | Staffordshire | England |
| 5 | Sunderland | Tyne and Wear | England |
| 6 | Hartlepool | County Durham | England |
| 7 | Blackpool | Lancashire | England |
| 8 | Burnley | Lancashire | England |
| 9 | Rochdale | Greater Manchester | England |
| 10 | Bolton | Greater Manchester | England |
| 11 | Wigan | Greater Manchester | England |
| 12 | Halifax | West Yorkshire | England |
| 13 | Grimsby | Lincolnshire | England |
| 14 | Doncaster | South Yorkshire | England |
| 15 | Rotherham | South Yorkshire | England |
| 16 | Barnsley | South Yorkshire | England |
| 17 | Wakefield | West Yorkshire | England |
| 18 | Durham | County Durham | England |
| 19 | Preston | Lancashire | England |
| 20 | Carlisle | Cumbria | England |
| 21 | Glasgow | Glasgow City | Scotland |
| 22 | Aberdeen | Aberdeen City | Scotland |
| 23 | Dundee | Dundee City | Scotland |
| 24 | Perth | Perth and Kinross | Scotland |
| 25 | Inverness | Highland | Scotland |
| 26 | Ayr | South Ayrshire | Scotland |
| 27 | Kilmarnock | East Ayrshire | Scotland |
| 28 | Falkirk | Falkirk | Scotland |
| 29 | Paisley | Renfrewshire | Scotland |
| 30 | Swansea | Swansea | Wales |
| 31 | Cardiff | Cardiff | Wales |
| 32 | Newport | Newport | Wales |
| 33 | Wrexham | Wrexham | Wales |
| 34 | Merthyr Tydfil | Merthyr Tydfil | Wales |
| 35 | Bangor | Gwynedd | Wales |
| 36 | Port Talbot | Neath Port Talbot | Wales |
| 37 | Belfast | Belfast | Northern Ireland |
| 38 | Derry (Londonderry) | County Londonderry | Northern Ireland |
| 39 | Lisburn | Lisburn & Castlereagh | Northern Ireland |
| 40 | Newry | Newry, Mourne & Down | Northern Ireland |
| 41 | Bangor | County Down | Northern Ireland |
| 42 | Armagh | County Armagh | Northern Ireland |
| 43 | Derby | Derbyshire | England |
| 44 | Leicester | Leicestershire | England |
| 45 | Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | England |
| 46 | Sheffield | South Yorkshire | England |
| 47 | Liverpool | Merseyside | England |
| 48 | Manchester | Greater Manchester | England |
| 49 | Plymouth | Devon | England |
| 50 | Southend-on-Sea | Essex | England |
Closing
While no UK city is universally “cheap,” these 50 locations highlight where relative affordability exists within the country’s diverse housing market. Each comes with trade‑offs — from fewer job opportunities to longer commutes — but they also offer pathways to homeownership and a more manageable lifestyle. Use this list as a foundation, then validate with official data, explore regeneration projects, and spend time in potential areas to ensure the community, amenities, and costs align with your priorities.