Best Places to Live in the UK: Essential Guide + Wizard Tool

When you’re moving internationally, in the UK specifically, people often raise questions, such as “What is the best place to live in the UK?” or “Where to live in England?”, well, it varies according to what you value in that area. To some, it is a cost issue. To others, it is good schools, good health, good transport or career opportunities. 

This guide covers the topic of the best places to live in the UK, divided into categories. Whether you’re curious about the best cities in England, wondering if Manchester is a good place to live, or seeking the best city to live in based on culture or commuting options, this list will assist you in selecting the right city to live in, depending on your lifestyle and needs.

So, whether you’re relocating from WA to the UK, investing, or simply daydreaming, let’s explore the best places to live in the UK.

Check here for a comprehensive Moving Overseas Checklist.

Best Places to Live in the UK Wizard

To simplify this, we have developed the Best Places to Live in the UK Wizard—an interactive tool to help you find your perfect match based on your preferences. The wizard provides the personalised output and brings the decision process closer to one that is personal and informed.

Take the quiz and receive personalised recommendations in less than a minute.

Criteria for Ranking the Best Places to Live in the UK

When discussing the best places to live in the UK, several factors must be considered that directly impact the quality of life. Whether you’re searching for the best place to live in England, planning a move to a smaller town, or trying to decide where to live in the UK, the following criteria can help identify the best cities to live in the UK.

• Community, Culture, and Lifestyle: Culture, green spaces, and a sense of community are of utmost importance when looking for the best cities to live in. When people wonder if England or the UK is a good place to live, the answer lies in the type of lifestyle that is offered. These lifestyle attributes make the best places to live in England.
• Cost of Living and Housing Affordability: The cost of living and housing affordability are key factors in determining the best places to live. However, like other cities, such as London, have top-notch facilities, people often ask: Is London a good place to live, especially when considering the very high cost of paying rent and other expenses? 
• Employment Opportunities and Local Economy: A strong job market is essential when deciding where to live. Areas with a strong economy and thriving industries are typically the best cities to live in England. So if you’re wondering if Manchester is a good place to live or if Bristol is a good place to live, the answer often depends on your career goals.
• Education and Schools: Access to great schools is the common pre-requisite that families consider when looking for the best place to live in the UK. Cities such as Cambridge, Oxford, and York are consistently ranked among the top educational cities to reside in.
• Healthcare Access: Access to quality healthcare is also a good measure and indicator of a good city to live in. The NHS covers the whole of the UK, but patients may need to travel to hospitals and GPs that are closer to them. Some of the best cities to live in offer some of the most reliable and fastest healthcare programs, making them a competitive choice among both retirees and families.
• Safety and Crime Rates: Security is also a top priority for people seeking a pleasant place to live. There are places to live in England that have low crime rates and have strong community ties. Such places are often featured on lists of the best places to live in the UK due to their family-friendly communities.
• Transport and Connectivity: Effective transportation connections can make a person’s place of residence feel more livable. The largest city in the UK by size, London, boasts a wide network of public transport; however, there are other cities where a professional who travels frequently can have a good experience.

Which UK Cities Have the Most Affordable Cost of Living and Housing?

If you’re looking for the best places to live in the UK on a budget, these cities consistently rank high for affordable rents, lower living costs, and reasonable property prices. Great for students, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking value without sacrificing amenities.

1. Middlesbrough
2. Sunderland
3. Newcastle upon Tyne
4. Durham
5. Plymouth
6. Liverpool
7. Cardiff
8. Nottingham
9. Brighton
10. Sheffield

To get a good idea, here’s a comparison on the cost of living UK vs Australia.

Which UK Cities Offer the Best Employment Opportunities and Strongest Economies?

If your priority is to have a successful economy and career development, these are some of the best cities to live in England and the UK, particularly in terms of job opportunities. They also provide varied labour markets, innovation centres and rising wages in an industry.

1. London
2. Manchester
3. Edinburgh
4. Winchester
5. Warrington
6. Chester
7. Stafford
8. Cambridge
9. Plymouth
10. Birmingham

Which UK Cities Have the Highest-Quality Schools and Education Systems?

Places that rank well in academics are a question that families and students would like to know. These cities offer the best state and independent schools, strong university affiliations, and effective education systems.

1. Cambridge
2. Bath
3. York
4. Harrogate
5. London
6. Edinburgh
7. Sheffield
8. Nottingham
9. Plymouth
10. Leeds

Which UK Cities Provide the Best Access to Healthcare Services?

Having access to healthcare is a significant criterion when selecting the best place to live in the UK, particularly for families, retirees, and professionals. These cities have good NHS hospitals and easy access to GP services.

1. London
2. Cambridge
3. Edinburgh
4. Manchester
5. Nottingham
6. Bristol
7. Leeds
8. Sheffield
9. York
10. Cardiff

Which UK Cities Are the Safest, With the Lowest Crime Rates?

Safety is crucial for maintaining peace of mind and a strong family life. These cities consistently rank among the best places to live in the UK, thanks to their low crime rates, strong community safety, and high resident satisfaction.

1. Sevenoaks
2. Harrogate
3. Chester
4. Truro
5. Exeter
6. Torquay
7. Bath
8. York
9. Norwich
10. Cambridge

Which UK Cities Have the Best Public Transport and Connectivity?

These are the best cities to live in the UK, where the availability of means of transport is good, whether for commuting, travelling, or local transportation. They are ranked highly in terms of mobility and convenient transportation options, including buses, trams, rail transport systems, and cycle transport systems.

1. London
2. Manchester
3. Leeds
4. Edinburgh
5. Birmingham
6. Bristol
7. Cambridge
8. Newcastle upon Tyne
9. Sheffield
10. Cardiff

Which UK Cities Offer the Most Vibrant Communities, Culture, and Lifestyle?

Looking for cool places to live with vibrant arts scenes, nightlife, music, festivals, and inclusive communities? These cities offer energy, diversity, and a rich cultural identity, where creatives, young professionals, and all those who love an active lifestyle will thrive.

1. York
2. Brighton
3. Manchester
4. Edinburgh
5. Bristol
6. Liverpool
7. Sheffield
8. Cambridge
9. Leeds
10. Cardiff

What are The Best Places to Live in the UK?

If you’re interested in moving to the UK from Australia, here are some of the best places to live in the UK. Each of these top cities is broken down in detail with both the positives and negatives against each of our seven criteria that make a place truly great to live and work.

Edinburgh

• Avg Salary: ~£37,500/year
• Avg Property Price: ~£420,000
• Avg Rent: ~£1,000/month

Edinburgh is a city of historic charm, natural beauty, and a very strong economy. As the capital of Scotland, it dominates high-value sectors such as finance, government, technology, and tourism, consistently ranking high on quality of life indexes. It is constantly referred to as one of the best cities in the UK to live in and work.

Pros:

• A high GDP per capita (~£69,800) and a strong job market, surpassing London for the first time.
• High ratings among the quality of life indicators: affordability of renter (relatively high), commute times, green space, and public services.
• High culture- host to the internationally recognised festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe; high in air-quality rankings and education.
• Superb remote work infrastructure: broadband, coworking access, tranquil communities.

Cons:

• High property prices in areas with strong demand make it difficult for lower-income residents to afford rent.
• Minimal nightlife throughout the year as compared to London; the weather is usually wet and grey.

➜ Learn more about Endinburgh

Manchester

• Avg Salary: ~£33,000/year
• Avg Property Price: ~£257,000
• Avg Rent: ~£1,312/month

Manchester is a force in the north of England, providing a thriving economy in its financial, creative industry, technology and professional services sectors. It also combines cheapness with opportunity, making it one of the best places to live and work in the UK.

Pros:

• The major financial centre beyond London, with more than 60 banks and corporate employers in Spinningfields and MediaCity.
• Swiftest growth in the private sector among the largest cities of the UK; large fields of legal industry, media, medicine, and the digital industry.
• Affordable residence in comparison with London; strong university and start‑up presence.
• Good railway connections to London and the rest of Europe; vibrant art, sports, and nightlife culture.

Cons:

• Ranked lower in quality of life index due to rent, congestion and pollution issues.
• Certain regions are in the process of social recovery, while crime hotspots persist.

➜ Learn more about Manchester

York

• Avg Salary: ~£31,000/year
• Avg Property Price: ~£266,000
• Avg Rent: ~£1,122/month

York is a well-maintained historical city, particularly in terms of its remote-work-friendly environment, safety, and work-life balance. It is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in England to live and work, thanks to its quiet lifestyle and excellent connectivity.

Pros:

• Ranked 3rd in the UK for remote work, it is good in terms of cost, broadband, job opportunities, and quality of life.
• Very good safety and low crime rates; very high scores in scenic ambience, walkability, and schools.
• Being cheaper than urban centres, a strong presence in tourism, small business and education.

Cons:

• Fewer business employment opportunities; limited scale beyond universities or SMEs.
• Poor public transport access – there is less connectivity in the region as compared to the larger cities.

➜ Learn more about York

Leeds

• Avg Salary: ~£32,000/year
• Avg Property Price: ~£230,000
• Avg Rent: ~£976/month

Leeds is a high northern economic centre with affordable prices, a wide range of job categories, and a high quality of urban culture. It is often touted as one of the best cities to live in the UK, offering career opportunities and social infrastructure at a lower cost than London.

Pros:

• A mixed economy of core cities, with a huge hub of finance, law services, digital, education, and health.
• Great employment, robust private-sector growth, and legal/financial headquarters.
• Affordable housing, good transport links (rail, motorway), and expanding leisure and nightlife infrastructure.

Cons:

• Other peripheral neighbourhoods are overcrowded and unequal.
• Not as glamorous in history as York or Bath, but with a growing level of life.

➜ Learn more about Leeds

Cambridge

• Avg Salary: ~£35–40,000/year
• Avg Property Price: ~£500,000
• Avg Rent: ~£1,700/month

Cambridge is an internationally renowned centre of avant-garde and education, combining academic excellence with that of biotech and technological start-up innovation. It is often considered one of the best places to live in England, particularly for professionals working in STEM fields or academia.

Pros:

• A large concentration of high-skilled employment, especially in the life sciences and data innovation.
• Good education systems and healthcare, bicycle-related urban planning, and an eco-friendly environment.
• Famous for its research culture and quality of life.

Cons:

• Very high house prices and rents.
• Lack of diversity in lifestyles or, in other words, few entertainment hobbies or nightclubs compared to big cities.

➜ Learn more about Cambridge

London

• Salary: ~£44,356/year (average) 
• Property price: ~£500,000–600,000+
• Rent: ~£2,700/month (avg across all)

London is the UK’s global capital, where job diversity, infrastructure and cultural richness are unmatched. It can be the most livable city for ambitious professionals, but at a steep price.

Pros:

• Unmatched concentration: finance, technology, media, government, art.
• Globally connected via airports, transport, top salaries and international appeal
• Diverse communities, world-class universities, museums, healthcare, and leisure.

Cons:

• It is the most expensive place to live in the UK.
• Crowded, stressful urban environment; significant disparities in wealth and resources between boroughs.

➜ Learn more about London

Belfast

• Salary: ~£30,000/year or slightly lower than the UK average
• Property price: ~£160,000–180,000 (Northern Ireland average+)
• Rent: ~£800–900/month

The capital of Northern Ireland combines low costs with cultural revival and public sector employment opportunities. It has been noted as a highly satisfying place to live, and with economic prospects on the mend, it is becoming an increasingly competitive choice among the best cities to live in the UK.

Pros:

• Affordable housing and a good work-life balance.
• Rising financial, technology and governmental centres; friendly, compact city lifestyle.
• Proximity to jobs and affordable connectivity.

Cons:

• Reduced economy and fewer employers around the globe.
• Political nuance and limited rail links to England.

➜ Learn more about Belfast

Bath

• Salary: ~£30,000–35,000 (public/tourism/education roles)
• Property price: ~£400,000–450,000+
• Rent: ~£1,200–1,500/month

Bath is renowned for its Georgian architecture and design, its tranquil pace of life, and its high quality of life. 

Pros:

• Beautiful surroundings, secure areas, and the best educational establishments.
• Good facilities, health-oriented lifestyle, and autonomous shopping.
• Good remote work ratings, ultra-fast broadband, and not too crazy a commute to Bristol or London.

Cons:

• Very expensive housing.
• A small high-skill labour market; there are many commuters to local cities.

➜ Learn more about Bath

Brighton

• Salary: ~£32,000/year 
• Property price: ~£400,000+
• Rent: ~£1,300–1,700/month

Brighton offers a creative, digital economy and coastal lifestyle. It is one of the hip places to live in the UK, offering a lifestyle and medium affordability that is enjoyed by freelancers, students, and young professionals.

Pros:

• There is a festival, an inclusive culture, and a strong presence in the arts and digital entrepreneurship.
• It is relatively close to London (a short commuter train ride away), and the rent is moderate compared to London.
• Quality of life is improved through established coworking spaces and beaches.

Cons:

• The job market is limited—many commute to London for senior roles.
• The housing remains expensive compared to salaries.

➜ Learn more about Brighton

Nottingham

• Salary: ~£30,000/year
• Property price: ~£230,000–250,000
• Rent: ~£900–1,100/month

Nottingham is a centrally based city characterised by its affordability, high university presence, and growing life sciences and digital sectors. It is often cited as one of the best cities to live in England in terms of value and accessibility.

Pros:

• Low housing and rent costs, a large number of students.
• Developing technology and life science employment in the small and walkable downtown area.
• Good infrastructure in health and education with an emerging start-up community.

Cons:

• Depending on your area, crime rates can vary significantly; thus, some areas are safer than others.
• Smaller corporate roles than in the larger cities.

➜ Learn more about Nottingham

Plymouth

• Salary: ~£28,000–30,000/year
• Property price: ~£220,000
• Rent: ~£800–1,000/month

Plymouth is a cost-effective port city and a hub for public sector work, as well as an emerging attraction for remote employees. It has a high score in terms of work-life balance satisfaction and affordability.

Pros:

• The cheapest cities to buy a house and raise children are in major UK cities.
• High life satisfaction, comfortable remote or public sector jobs.
• Access to the beaches and national parks.

Cons:

• Pretty isolated; distances far from major economic cities.
• Limited scope for high-end corporate careers.

➜ Learn more about Plymouth

Harrogate

• Salary: ~£30,000/year 
• Property price: ~£376,000 
• Rent: ~£900–1,200/month

Harrogate is a calm and prosperous spa city in North Yorkshire, consistently ranking as one of the best destinations in the UK for remote work. It focuses on health, security, and a good quality of life.

Pros: 

• Spectacular high-speed internet (~60 Mbps), acres of green space, low crime rates, and good educational institutions.
• The perfect place to stay with the family or for those seeking peace and excellent service.
• Boutique environment with wellness amenities and social capital.

Cons:

• Smaller job market; fewer economic specialisations
• Higher housing costs in a small town.

➜ Learn more about Harrogate

Cardiff

• Salary: ~£30,000/year
• Property price: ~£280,000–300,000
• Rent: ~£900/month

The capital of Wales is moderate in price, but it also offers new technologies, excellent public services, and a vibrant capital city among its advantages. Cardiff is one of the best places to live in the UK.

Pros:

• Affordable housing rates, parks, and access to the coast.
• A strong industry in terms of public administration, healthcare, and media.
• Bright future in remote-work growth and business services.

Cons:

• A lower national economy compared to the big cities of England.
• Restricted international transportation and reduced large-scale head offices.

➜ Learn more about Cardiff

Bournemouth

• Salary: ~£28,000–30,000/year
• Property price: ~£300,000–320,000
• Rent: ~£800–1,000/month

Bournemouth is a coastal town renowned for its stunning beaches, pleasant microclimate, and relaxed pace. It is not a large employment centre, but it is attractive to remote workers, retirees and those who want cleaner air and lower rents.

Pros:

• Cheap seaside and green living.
• Attractive to remote freelancers and retirees, with a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Strong wellness and health sectors.

Cons:

• A smaller job market in the corporate or academic world.
• Average transport and internet infrastructure are middling, with less urban sophistication.

➜ Learn more about Bournemouth

Summary Table – Best for Each Category

Category	Top City
Cost of Living	Plymouth
Job Opportunities	London, Manchester
Quality of Life	Edinburgh, York
Remote Work	York, Harrogate
Safety & Crime	Bath, Harrogate
Public Transport & Connectivity	London, Manchester
Culture & Lifestyle	Edinburgh, Brighton
Education	Cambridge, Leeds
Healthcare	Edinburgh, Cardiff

Relocations WA Can Help You Move with Ease!

The final decision on where you should live in the UK will be up to you as far as personal lifestyle, priorities, and life aspirations are concerned. Regardless of whether you prioritise career development or a high-quality family life, access to employment, the reputation of high-ranked schools, or simply seeking the right places to reside, in culturally rich, green environments, the UK is diverse enough to offer a wide variety of opportunities.

Some people are drawn to the energy and opportunity of London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, while others may prefer the charm and tranquillity of Harrogate or Bath. It’s essential to consider what matters most: affordability, amenities, career prospects, or overall quality of life.

If you’re currently in Australia and considering migration, and would like us to organise the planning and settlement of your new life in one of the best places to live in the UK, Relocations WA can help you do so with ease. We take the stress off your move because we are experts, making the process very easy.

Start your UK journey with Relocation WA today.