Compare housing costs, salaries and affordability across major UK cities. Find out where your money goes furthest.
The cost of living varies significantly across the UK, with housing being the biggest factor. While cities like London offer higher salaries, they also come with substantially higher living costs, particularly in rent.
In many cases, mid-sized cities such as Coventry, Sheffield and Nottingham provide better overall value, allowing for greater disposable income despite lower average salaries.
A higher salary does not always mean better financial outcomes — housing costs in larger cities can outweigh income gains, reducing overall affordability.
Rent and property prices are the biggest cost factor in most cities.
Higher wages can offset costs, but not always proportionally.
Commuting costs vary depending on city size and infrastructure.
Cities in the Midlands and North often provide better value for money, with lower housing costs and reasonable salary levels. While London and the South East offer strong earning potential, they tend to have the highest overall living costs.