Looking for the cheapest places to live UK in 2025? Whether you're planning to rent, buy, relocate for work, or simply cut costs, finding a location that offers value without sacrificing quality of life is key. This guide breaks down the top 10 cheapest places to live UK and explores towns and cities where your money stretches furthest.
From bustling hubs with low living costs to peaceful countryside retreats with budget-friendly homes, we explore the cheapest cities in UK, the most affordable place to live in UK, and everything in between.
What makes a place affordable?
Affordability isn’t just about low house prices. A truly cheap area to live in UK considers:
Average property price or rent
Price-to-earnings (PE) ratio
Local cost of living (council tax, transport, groceries)
Access to jobs and amenities
Safety and overall quality of life
This comprehensive review will help you discover not only cheap places in England to live, but also those worth living in long-term.
Cheapest places to live UK rent
Renting? You’ll be glad to know that some of the cheapest cities in UK for renters offer surprisingly good amenities:
City/Town | Average Rent (1-bed flat) | Region |
Hull | £500 | Yorkshire |
Stoke-on-Trent | £525 | West Midlands |
Sunderland | £550 | North East |
Doncaster | £560 | South Yorkshire |
Blackpool | £575 | Lancashire |
These cheap towns to live in UK are perfect for young professionals, remote workers, or retirees looking to reduce monthly costs. According to user posts on Cheapest places to live UK Reddit, many of these areas also score well for public transport and community spirit.
Cheapest cities and towns to buy a house in the UK (2025)
If you're buying, here are some standout locations based on Rightmove data and current market trends:
Top 10 Cheapest Cities to Live UK (2025)
Cumnock, Scotland – From £58,000
Shildon, County Durham – From £60,000
Hull, East Yorkshire – From £80,000
Dundee, Scotland – From £85,000
Burnley, Lancashire – From £90,000
Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire – From £95,000
Stoke-on-Trent – From £100,000
Blackpool – From £105,000
Aberdeen – From £110,000
Newport, Wales – From £115,000
If you're wondering about the cheapest place to buy a house in UK, these cities offer excellent value with potential for future growth.
Cheapest place to live in Great Britain: Regional comparison
Let’s explore cheap areas to live London and across Britain by region.
South of England
While the South is typically pricier, cheapest places to live UK South include:
Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Gosport, Hampshire
Hastings, East Sussex
North of England
The cheapest area in UK to live often falls in the North. For instance:
Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Bradford, West Yorkshire
Midlands
Look at:
Telford, Shropshire
Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Scotland
Greenock
Port Glasgow
Wales
Merthyr Tydfil
Neath Port Talbot
Cheapest places to live in London
Living in the capital? These cheap areas to live London offer a more affordable London lifestyle:
Barking and Dagenham
Bexley
Croydon
Havering (Romford)
Sutton
With average rents around £1,250–£1,400 per month for a one-bedroom flat, they offer value without compromising on Tube access and amenities.
Renting vs buying: Which is cheaper?
The debate continues in 2025. Generally, renting is more flexible, while buying offers equity growth. In cheaper cities, mortgage payments can be less than local rents.
Practical tips for moving to a cheaper area
Research job markets before relocating
Use Rightmove and local council sites for price comparisons
Consider schemes like Shared Ownership
Review council tax and commuting costs
Prioritise access to healthcare, education, and transport
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in the UK?
Shildon (County Durham) and Cumnock (Scotland) consistently offer great value, low crime, and access to beautiful countryside.
What is Britain's most affordable town?
Burnley and Grimsby often top the charts due to their combination of low house prices and reasonable living costs.
Which part of the UK has the lowest house prices?
Northern England and parts of Scotland, including County Durham, East Ayrshire, and West Dunbartonshire.
Which city has the lowest cost of living?
Dundee and Hull are top picks for cheap living, with low rents, affordable amenities, and strong transport links.
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in the UK?
Many consider Stirling or Newcastle-under-Lyme as hidden gems—affordable with a great balance of urban and natural life.
Cheapest and safest place to live in UK?
Dumfries and Galloway is known for safety, low prices, and scenic living.
Final thoughts
The cheapest places to live in the UK in 2025 are not just affordable—they're full of character, potential, and community. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest place to live in Britain to rent, buy, or relocate to, there’s a location that fits your budget and lifestyle.
From the cheapest place to live in Great Britain to the top 10 cheapest places to live in the UK, the real question is—what kind of lifestyle do you want to lead, and where does your money go furthest?