Are you looking to get into the cheapest place to live in the UK? If so, you have probably noticed that prices are rising rapidly in the United Kingdom.
It seems living in the UK means breaking the bank. Whenever you choose any place to live in the UK, you must consider safety and affordability.
The United Kingdom is a dream city for many because of its diverse culture, education, modern industries, and heritage universities, making the country perfect.
However, individual needs and budgets play a crucial role here. Property prices and living expenses are also key factors to consider.
However, there are some places in the United Kingdom where you can find affordable home properties. Instead of accessing personal cars, people use public transport in such places. Let’s discover 6 cheapest and nicest places to live in the UK.
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Prices To Earnings (PE) Ratio
The cost of living in any place can not be determined by its ongoing expenses but by the initial price tag of housing.
The cost of housing in a new place is the “bar to entry” cost of moving there. At the same point, ongoing living expenses are still significant to consider.
The average cost of a house property at a significant place relative to its total residents’ earnings in a year. The ratio is known as the PE or Price-to-earnings ratio.
A PE ratio of 5 means that on average, properties cost five times what the residents earn yearly.
List of 6 cheapest places to Live in the UK
1. Durham, North East England
- Average House Price: 130,413 Pounds
- Average Monthly Rate: 650 Pounds
- PE ratio: 4
Durham is widely acknowledged as the cheapest place to live in the United Kingdom and has the most affordable living expenses in the UK.
Durham is a city known for its historical significance and castles. Durham is also known as ‘Cathedral City’ because it has the famous Durham Cathedral.
The streets are lively with an array of cafes, restaurants, bars, luxury shopping stores, and more. The city is vibrant and people can enjoy different festivals and events here all through the year.
Cost of Living:
Durham is a reasonably cheapest city in the United Kingdom, particularly for students. Durham has various good law schools, and universities, and living costs are reasonable.
The average rent for a 1BHK apartment is 650 Pounds per month, basic utility costs around 235 Pounds per month, and the monthly travel pass is available at 55 Pounds.
2. Belfast, Capital of Northern Ireland
- Average House Price: 235,560 Pounds
- Average Monthly Rent: 495 Pounds
- PE Ratio: 5.1
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and has inexpensive living costs in the United Kingdom. The city’s linen industry is significant and in recent years,
Belfast has become one of the most significant art and cultural developments in the UK.
Belfast is famous for luxurious shopping centres, educational centres, universities, and plenty of retail and service centres. The city is well-connected by ferry and airports to England and Scotland, making it a favorable choice for families to settle down.
Cost of Living:
Belfast has very low average living expenses, making it one of the cheapest places to live in the UK. In Belfast, you can find one one-bedroom flat available at 495 Pounds.
You can have a monthly travel pass of 50 Pounds while the basic utilities are around 120 Pounds.
3. Dundee
- Average House Price: 187,387 Pounds
- Average Monthly Rent: 794 Pounds
- PE ratio: 5.6
Dundee is known as the ‘City of Discovery’ since it has been the spot for various discoveries and inventions such as postage stamps, aspirin, X-rays, wireless telegraphy, and more.
Dundee is one of Scotland’s sunniest cities, and it has a pleasant climate. There is the University of Dundee, founded in 1881, and other higher educational institutions.
Living in Dundee offers a unique and enriching experience. With an abundance of great schools, universities, lively streets, restaurants, shopping centres, bars, cafes, and community spirit; Dundee is such an amazing place to live in the United Kingdom.
Cost of Living:
Dundee has an inexpensive living cost compared to the other cities in the UK. The average rent is available at 794 Pounds, and the cost of travel and food is also affordable and cheap.
The average cost of living in Dundee per month is 1545 pounds. So, if you are searching for an attractive and budget-friendly place to live in the UK, Dundee can be your ultimate choice.
4. Newcastle
- Average House Price: 210,000 Pounds
- Average Monthly Rent: 650 Pounds
- PE Ratio: 5.7
Newcastle is widely known for its affordable living cost. It is a historic city located on the River Tyne’s north bank.
The city is a significant educational hub, it has various famous universities, and colleges, making it an attractive place to settle down for the students.
Newcastle has six major roads and rail bridges, so the city is well-connected with the other cities in Britain.
It is also connected with London and Edinburgh, here the Electrical Swing Bridge adds charm. Newcastle is a hub for arts, science, and education.
Cost of Living:
Newcastle offers excellent healthcare facilities and gradually becoming one of the cheapest cities in the UK. The average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Newcastle is available at 474 Pounds. The major monthly utility bill will be around 130 Pounds, and dining options, entertainment, and fitness centre are reasonably priced.
5. Stirling
- Average House Price: 220,500 Pounds
- Average Monthly Rent: 700 Pounds
- PE ratio: 6.3
Stirling is one of the major cities in Scotland. Stirling is a central hub for train connections to farms. With a hometown atmosphere, Stirling is a lively city offering most of the conveniences of a contemporary metropolis.
The city has been split into two parts: the new city on the plains and the old city and castle on the hills. Stirling offers various services including cafes, shopping hubs, restaurants, entertainment, and tech companies. The city’s most of the buildings are old and beautiful mansions, giving the city a rich cultural vibes.
Cost of Living:
A single person’s living cost will be around 700 Pounds per month in Stirling not including rent and course fees. The average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Stirling is available at 495 Pounds, and the cost of utilities will be around 105 Pounds. To live in Stirling, the average monthly cost will be about 1420 Pounds.
6. Cardiff
- Average House Price: 230,500 Pounds
- Average Monthly Rent: 663 Pounds
- PE Ratio: 7.5
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, and this vibrant city is located on the Southern coast of Wales. The city is a hub of media studies, lawyers, and Film direction. The city has a significant role in commercial, cultural, and administrative aspects.
Cardiff boasts various attractions including Cardiff Castle, The Wales Millennium Centre for arts and entertainment, and the Principality Stadium for sports and events.
The diverse dining scene, vibrant nightlife, and thriving music and theatre venues; making the city one of the most attractive places to live in the UK.
Cost of Living:
Cardiff is one of the cheapest and nicest places to live in the UK. A one-bedroom flat is available for rent at around 663 Pounds, utilities bill will come up to around 202 each month. To live in Cardiff, the average cost of living will be around 1460 Pounds.
Conclusion
The UK is a dream city for many because of various qualities including top-notch healthcare facilities, the world’s best education, excellent transport links, high social engagement, and more. However, while planning to settle down in the UK, the cost of living can be a barrier for you.
Here, in this article, we have put together the 6 cheapest and nicest places to live in the UK. You can pick one place from the guide that suits perfectly your needs and budgets.
