Here at Remitly, we want to help you manage your money successfully. Part of that means offering tips for cutting costs where possible. So, we’ve researched some affordable places for you to settle down in the United Kingdom.
Affordability is the main benchmark for assessing the locations on this list, but we’ve also considered other criteria like lifestyle. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a multi-member family, we’ve found options for you. Additionally, our list features popular, up-and-coming areas while still remaining relatively accessible in terms of cost.
The costs of rental properties and homes used in this article are based on aggregated data about residential properties advertised for sale or rent online. Read on to discover great places to call home in the UK.
Affordable Areas for Students
Are you a student on the hunt for a good deal? These affordable areas offer connectivity, entertainment options, and proximity to excellent schools.
Camden, London, England
Ask anyone where students should live in central London, and Camden is probably going to be the answer. This neighbourhood is close to University College London (UCL) and Central Saint Martins.
Pros
- Camden is famous for its nightlife, culture, and art and music scenes.
- Excellent tube and bus connections make it easy to commute without a car.
- Beautiful views and running trails by the river and canals.
- Rents start at about £2,700 GBP per month for a 1-bedroom flat.
- Pay even less if you choose to live with one or more flatmates.
Cons
- Although relatively safe, it has a higher crime rate than other areas of central London.
- Some might find it noisy, especially at night.
Camden is a young, vibrant area for students to enjoy an urban lifestyle. If you choose to live here, you’ll have no shortage of fun cafes, restaurants and live performance venues to check out.
Shoreditch, London, England
Living in Shoreditch grants you automatic access to a vibrant social life outside of school. This neighbourhood is known for its nightlife and creative atmosphere.
Pros
- Close to London Metropolitan University and well-connected by public transport.
- Widely available housing options, with many old industrial buildings converted into residential spaces.
- Rent for a 1-bedroom flat is typically about £2,900 GBP per month.
- A hot spot for start-ups and tech companies offering plenty of post-graduate job opportunities.
Cons
- Highly sought after, so it may not be as affordable as other locations.
- With a lot of noise and crowds, some times of the day may not be conducive to studying.
If you’re more extroverted and dynamic, Shoreditch could be a great option for you, especially if you plan to job hunt without having to relocate.
Budget-Friendly Neighbourhoods for Young Professionals
Perhaps you’ve moved on to the next milestone and are now building a career from scratch. Here are some pocket-friendly neighbourhoods where you can start out as a young professional.
Glasgow, Scotland
If your work allows you to live further away from London, why not look outside of England all together? The cost of living in Glasgow, Scotland, is a lot lower than in London—about 20% cheaper—but the city still has so much to offer.
Pros
- Known for its music scene and street art, this area has a lot to see and do.
- Situated on the River Clyde, with a lot of green spaces to explore.
- Strong sports culture—Glasgow hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- Rents start at around £1,421 GBP per month.
Cons
- Cloudy and rainy weather for most of the year.
- Local Glaswegian accents can be difficult for newcomers to understand.
Glasgow is a great city if you’re able to live outside of London. It’s artsy and home to many independent restaurants and cafes.
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Sheffield boasts a dynamic cultural scene and several universities. This keeps the area feeling youthful and vibrant. There are also many green spaces for you to enjoy.
Pros
- More affordable than other major cities in the UK.
- Vibrant university life.
- An efficient tramline makes commuting easy if you live near the centre.
- Flats are about £1,022 GBP per month to rent.
Cons
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- May not be as diverse as other large urban areas.
Sheffield could be ideal for remote workers or people who already have a job offer. The friendly, welcoming community you’ll find here adds to its appeal.
Margate, Kent, England
Can you imagine waking up to the sound of the sea every day? Living in Margate would allow you to make that dream a reality. This coastal town is a tranquil escape for young professionals looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Pros
- Independent cafes and coworking spaces let you work wherever you choose.
- Relatively low cost of living and housing, so you can stretch your budget further.
- Stunning beaches and coastal views.
- Community cultural festivals like the Margate Soul Festival or Margate Bookie.
- Rents start at about £1,100 GBP per month.
Cons
- Inconsistent transportation system—it could take you about 1.5-2 hours to get to London from Margate.
- Overcrowding during tourist season and the summer months.
- Unpredictable weather.
Margate’s beautiful landscape and small-town feel make it a fantastic option outside of the UK’s urban centres. Here, you get to relax on the seaside and truly find out what “work-life balance” means to you.
Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods on a Budget
Finding appropriate housing for a family might be more difficult in certain areas. Here are some family-friendly options to consider:
Cumnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
This is Britain’s most affordable town to live in, especially if you’re planning to purchase a home. The average living-value-to-income ratio on purchased homes in Cumnock is about 1.26, whereas the country’s average is 3.79.
Pros
- Home to the Robert Burns Academy, the largest educational campus in Scotland.
- Strong liberal spirit and values from its history as a mining town.
- Emphasis on building houses using green technologies.
- Purchase property for as low as £186,000 GBP.
Cons
- Above average unemployment rate compared to the overall Scottish numbers.
- Somewhat isolated from nearby towns.
- Limited amenities as compared to larger urban areas.
As the cheapest place to buy a home in Britain, Cumnock has to make this list. If you’re a family with children, you’ll enjoy the educational opportunities and community vibe.
Bruce Grove, North London, England
If you need access to central London, Bruce Grove is the place to be. This suburb boasts historical charm alongside modern-day attractions. It’s only an hour away from the London city centre.
Pros
- Home to multiple well-rated schools, including Bruce Grove Primary School
- Historical landmarks like Bruce Castle Park also host fairs and cultural programs.
- Plenty of traditional pubs and cozy local cafes.
- Rent a 3-bedroom property starts at about £3,135 GBP per month.
Cons
- Reputation as a bit of a tougher neighbourhood, but statistics show that it’s relatively safe.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours.
Bruce Grove is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable suburb in central London. The lived experience of neighbourhood residents proves that this is a friendly, inclusive community.
Affordable, Up-and-Coming UK Neighbourhoods
Wembley, London, England
Known for its legendary stadium, Wembley is rising in popularity. Communities are growing as a result of its built-to-rent sector.
Pros
- Many rental properties offer amazing amenities like concierge services and gyms.
- Low crime rate compared to other parts of London.
- Very multicultural and vibrant. thanks to the proximity of several universities.
- Rent a 1-bedroom could start at around £1,800 GBP per month.
Cons
- More expensive than some other options on this list.
- Intense crowds during football season.
Moving to Wembley now rather than later could mean you end up living in a well-located, central area of London before it gets prohibitively expensive.
Pontcanna, Cardiff, Wales
Pontcanna was recently cited as the only neighbourhood in Wales to make the list of Britain’s coolest places to live. This area of Cardiff is known for its green spaces, trendy venues, and hipster feel.
Pros
- Twenty-minute walk to Cardiff city centre.
- Home to many independent eateries and cafes.
- Feels authentically Welsh as locals outnumber tourists and day-trippers.
- Flats are about £1,400 GBP per month to rent.
Cons
- Getting a car might be necessary for an easy commute here.
- Parking can be difficult to find.
If you’re looking for a hip neighbourhood off the beaten path where you can live like a local, Pontcanna is the neighbourhood for you.
Tips for Choosing the Right Neighbourhood as a Newcomer
Some of the most affordable areas in the UK are in Scotland and North East England. Generally, the southern parts of the country are more expensive to live in than the northern areas. There are still options if you want to live closer to big cities like London or Cardiff. As you research the best areas for you, consider the following:
- Budget: Whether you plan to rent or buy, your neighbourhood should have housing options that fit your personal budget. Remember, you have to account for the cost of housing, utilities, and daily transportation costs.
- Quality of life: Assess the safety, amenities, public transportation options, green spaces, and cultural offerings that your potential new neighbourhood offers. You can also check out messaging boards on sites like Reddit or Facebook to see what actual residents are saying about the area.
- Commuting: If you don’t work from home or if you have children, consider what your daily commute to work or school would look like. Think not only about the time it would take but also how you would commute, whether it’s by car, bus, or rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in the UK?
There are several affordable residential areas in the UK that fit diverse lifestyles and priorities. Students could opt to live in Camden or Shoreditch, while young professionals might choose options like Sheffield, Glasgow, and Margate. Meanwhile, Cumnock and Bruce Grove are quite family-friendly, but trendy hipsters might find their pack in Wembley or Pontcanna.
Should I rent or buy a property when I relocate to the UK?
The decision of whether to rent or buy is a big one. You should consider your current financial position and what your long term financial goals are. Also, research the UK rental and purchase markets to help you make an informed choice.
What else do I need to know before immigrating to the UK?
Finding a place to live is just one of the hurdles you’ll face when relocating to the UK. You’ll also want to consider the different bureaucratic processes you must complete, like applying for your visa, and any long-term goals you might have for the immigration process, like eventually applying for citizenship.