Property Blog and News / Cheapest cities to live in the UK 2024

Cheapest cities to live in the UK 2024

9 August 2024

Author

Jamie Obertelli
Head of PR & Communications

So, you’ve started your property search and some of the house prices out there might seem daunting. For first-time buyers, affordable housing in the city might even appear out of reach. But is this the case nationwide?

The average property price across UK cities is approximately £358,007, but there are places where you can find homes for much less. That vibrant city life doesn’t have to come with steep prices. We’ve analysed all our property data to find the most affordable cities across the UK based on average property prices. 

Here’s our list of the top ten cheapest cities to buy a home:

1. Kingston-upon-Hull
2. Blackpool
3. Dundee
4. Middlesborough
5. Stoke-on-Trent
6. Liverpool
7. Sunderland
8. Durham
9. Glasgow
10. Belfast

1. Kingston-upon-Hull

Kingston-upon-Hull, more commonly known as Hull, makes it to number one on our list of the most affordable places to live in the UK, based on its comparatively low house prices. The average property in Hull will set you back just £156,035, making homeownership widely accessible in this northern city. In fact, house prices in Hull are almost 100% cheaper than the national average! 

But what’s it like living in Hull? A stunning port city, Hull is located in East Riding of Yorkshire and was dubbed the ‘City of Culture’ in 2017, which meant it gained significant funding to improve infrastructure and arts facilities. There are plenty of art galleries, music venues and theatres to enjoy, in addition to scenic urban walks and rich history all around. 

Just an hour away from Leeds by train, Hull is also a great place for commuters to enjoy cheaper housing without losing access to more job opportunities. 

Find your dream new home in Hull.

2. Blackpool

Blackpool is the second-cheapest city to live in the UK with the average property price at £163,853, just under 5% higher than Hull. 

Located on the Irish Sea coast, Blackpool is a popular seaside resort with plenty of things to see and do, making it a vibrant place to live. From restaurants and bars to clubs and the Pleasure Beach, residents are spoiled for activities. 

After the summer buzz, outside of peak holiday season, residents can enjoy the quiet beaches and the small-town, close-knit community.

Find your dream new home in Blackpool.

3. Dundee

In third place, Dundee’s average property price is £183,347, which is still almost 50% lower than the average across UK cities. Dundee is known as the ‘City of Discovery’, offering a unique blend of urban and coastal life, including a vibrant cultural scene and the picturesque views along the River Tay and North Sea.

Dundee’s overall cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other UK cities, making it attractive for families and young professionals. 

Find your dream new home in Dundee.

4. Middlesborough

The average house price in Middlesborough is £191,499, bringing it to number four on our list of the cheapest UK cities to buy a house.

Located in North Yorkshire, Middlesbrough is known for its industrial heritage with landmarks such as the iconic Transporter Bridge. The city offers the best of both worlds with good transport links, boasting easy access to major cities and the stunning natural landscapes of the North York Moors and the Yorkshire coast. 

Find your dream new home in Middlesbrough.

5. Stoke-on-Trent

Buying a property in Stoke-on-Trent will cost on average £192,091, just marginally higher than Middlesborough.

Living in Stoke-on-Trent offers residents a comfortable and community-oriented lifestyle. The city’s parks and green spaces, such as Hanley Park and Trentham Gardens, provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family fun.

Meanwhile, Stoke-on-Trent is also well-connected by road and rail, facilitating commutes to nearby cities like Manchester and Birmingham, making it a great option for professionals too. 

Find your dream new home in Stoke-on-Trent.

6. Liverpool

At number six, we have Liverpool where the average property price is £192,955.

Liverpool is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK, boasting a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle, rich in history and culture, job opportunities and more. That said, residents enjoy a mix of urban and green spaces, with parks such as Sefton Park and Calderstones Park, as well as numerous museums, galleries and music venues. 

Excellent transport links, including a comprehensive public transport network and proximity to John Lennon Airport, make commuting and travel convenient for professionals. 

Find your dream new home in Liverpool.

7. Sunderland

Sunderland boasts cheap house prices at just £194,204 on average. In addition to affordable housing, Sunderland makes an excellent choice for families to live, both in the city centre and suburbs. 

Located in the northeast of England, this city is known for its stunning coastline, with beautiful beaches like Roker and Seaburn, providing scenic spots for relaxation and outdoor activities. Moreover, the University of Sunderland attracts students from around the world, contributing to the city’s youthful and vibrant atmosphere. 

While a large city, Sunderland is a 30-minute drive away from even larger city, Newcastle, and also Durham. This expands the job opportunities for those who live there. 

Find your dream new home in Sunderland.

8. Durham

The average property price in Durham is £199,711, bringing it to number eight on our list of the cheapest cities to live in the UK. 

Durham is a quaint city in the north of England, well-known for its world heritage, such as its 11th century castle and Norman cathedral, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the city, residents can enjoy shops, cafes and restaurants, offering a cosy, small-town atmosphere without losing out on the convenience of urban amenities. 

The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Durham Dales and River Wear, making it the ideal home for outdoor-enthusiasts and cyclists. Some of the most desirable places to live in Durham include Chester-Le-Street, West Rainton, Crossgate, Darlington and Allergate. 

Find your dream new home in Durham.

9. Glasgow

Number nine on the cheapest cities to buy a property in the UK is Glasgow, where the average sale price is £219,894. While the Glasgow average surpasses the £200,000 mark, this is still 39% less than the national average. 

Living in Glasgow offers a dynamic and vibrant lifestyle in Scotland’s largest city. Known for its rich industrial heritage and stunning Victorian architecture, Glasgow is a cultural powerhouse with a thriving arts scene. The city boasts world-class museums, gallerie, and music venues, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum and the iconic SSE Hydro. 

The city’s diverse neighbourhoods cater to various lifestyles, from the trendy West End with its cafes and boutiques to the bustling city centre with its shopping and dining options. Popular neighbourhoods include Dennistoun, Merchant City, Shawlands and Hillhead. 

Find your dream new home in Glasgow.

10. Belfast

At number ten, we have the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland, where the average property price is around £222,000. Belfast is also the top city in the UK for investors’ rental properties.  Sought-after neighbours in Belfast include the Cathedral Quarter and Gaeltacht Quarter. 

Living in Belfast offers a blend of historical charm, modern conveniences and culture for residents. They enjoy a thriving arts and music scene, with venues like the Grand Opera House, the MAC and the bustling Cathedral Quarter known for its lively nightlife, pubs and restaurants. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Mourne Mountains, Lagan Valley Regional Park and the iconic Giant’s Causeway. Similar luxuries are also available within the city’s parks, such as Botanic Gardens and Ormeau Park. 

Find your dream new home in Belfast.

How does your city compare?

Rank UK City Average property price
1 Kingston-upon-Hull £156,035
2 Blackpool £163,853
3 Dundee £183,347
4 Middlesborough £191,499
5 Stoke-on-Trent £192,091
6 Liverpool £192,955
7 Sunderland £194,204
8 Durham £199,711
9 Glasgow £219,894
10 Belfast £222,000
11 Aberdeen £226,154
12 Lincoln £232,926
13 Nottingham £238,069
14 Stirling £251,532
15 Newcastle upon Tyne £253,627
16 Lancaster £253,913
17 Carlisle £260,136
18 Wolverhampton £265,965
19 Derby £266,599
20 Bradford £270,940
21 Salford £275,179
22 Coventry £275,388
23 Wakefield £281,446
24 Leicester £282,010
25 Gloucester £283,136
26 Sheffield £286,335
27 Wrexham £292,074
28 Swansea £293,604
29 Newport £295,135
30 Plymouth £297,593
31 Swindon £297,930
32 Manchester £302,845
33 Peterborough £309,536
34 Birmingham £313,323
35 Norwich £315,300
36 Worcester £316,006
37 Southampton £316,201
38 Leeds £333,526
39 Portsmouth £347,833
40 Perth £355,316
41 Preston £355,877
42 Cardiff £357,703
43 Chester £371,311
44 Edinburgh £373,506
45 York £402,099
46 Colchester £403,812
47 Reading £407,995
48 Milton Keynes £416,931
49 Exeter £419,207
50 Hereford £425,253
51 Canterbury £435,500
52 Bristol £437,145
53 Southend-on-Sea £440,748
54 Lichfield £459,970
55 Brighton £506,612
56 Chelmsford £517,850
57 Bournemouth £567,694
58 Chichester £611,841
59 Doncaster £611,841
60 Oxford £622,918
61 Cambridge £628,756
62 Bath £634,117
63 Winchester £655,535
64 St Albans £765,861
65 London £935,205

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