15 Cheapest Places to Live in The UK

Are you on the hunt for the cheapest places to live in the UK? Do you think living in the UK means breaking the bank? Think again! Dive into our ultimate guide to the 15 cheapest places to live in UK to call home. We'll explore charming towns and vibrant cities that perfectly blend affordability with style. 

15 Cheapest Places to Live in the UK

Here is a list of the 15 cheapest places in the UK that offer a thriving lifestyle without compromising your finances. From historic charm to modern amenities, explore diverse options to find your perfect and most affordable place to live in the UK. 

1. Cardiff

Rent: Averaging between £4,500-£7,000 annually
Top Universities: Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of Wales
This vibrant city offers a winning combination of affordability, the cost of living is approximately £783.1 monthly and an amazing student experience. Student nirvana awaits in Cardiff! Being one of the cheapest places to live in UK, Cardiff boasts a buzzing student scene with 33,510 international students currently residing in the city, historic charm, and stunning natural beauty. 

2. Cambridge 

Rent: Averaging between £5,000-£8,000 annually
Top Universities: Cambridge University, King's College, Trinity College, Churchill College
Cambridge offers a unique student experience that transcends affordability with a monthly expense of approximately £ 866.9. Cambridge allows you to walk the same grounds as Isaac Newton. Delve into libraries brimming with historical knowledge and engage in lively discussions at college cafes – all while surrounded by fellow bright minds. Thinking about Cambridge, do you know everything about studying in the UK? Beyond academics, punting down the scenic River Cam past King's College Chapel provides a magical Cambridge experience. It is one of the most affordable and desirable places to live in UK.

3. Burnley

Rent: Averaging between £3,800 to £5,500 annually
Top Universities: University of Central Lancashire, Burnley College
Cultivate a unique and budget-friendly student experience in Burnley, Lancashire, as it is one of the most affordable cities in UK. This city transcends the typical urban university setting, offering attractive rental options for students, typically ranging from affordable buses, with single fares of around £2 and groceries averaging around £140 per month. This allows you to maximize your financial resources while focusing on your academic pursuits, as it is one of the cheapest and nicest places to live in UK. Burnley fosters a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for students seeking a quieter environment conducive to focused study. 

4. Durham

Rent: Averaging between £3,000 to £5000 annually
Top Universities: Durham University, Balliol College, Hatfield College
Seeking a unique and affordable student experience steeped in history? Look no further than Durham. This charming city offers a compelling proposition for budget-conscious scholars. Average student accommodation rents range from £4,800 to £7,000 annually. Presenting a significant cost advantage compared to other major UK university towns. Beyond being one of the cheapest cities to live in UK, Durham boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site unlike any other. Durham is a walkable city, and it also has an ideal UK Transportation for all. Buses are a convenient option, with single fares around £2. 

5. Belfast

Rent: Averaging between £4,200-£6,000  annually
Top Universities: Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, St Mary's University College Belfast
Belfast is one of the cheapest places to live in UK. It beckons budget-conscious students with affordable digs with monthly bus passes costing around £40-£55. The cost of living per month without rent is £747.3. This historic city blends modern buzz (Titanic Belfast museum!) with iconic murals and traditional pub music. Unlike many UK spots, Belfast offers warm local vibes alongside a thriving student scene. Plus, stunning coastlines and the Mourne Mountains are a nature lover's dream. It's the cheapest and nicest place to live in the UK!

6. Leicester

Rent: Averaging between £4,000-£6,500 annually
Top Universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University Leicester
Culturally curious students seeking an exceptionally affordable UK experience should consider Leicester. This vibrant city positions itself as a strong contender for the cheapest places to live in UK to live in. As, The cost of living for students without rent is approximately £ 863.7. Leicester offers a breath of fresh air for your wallet as it is one of the cheapest cities to live in UK. You can Immerse yourself in Leicester's rich tapestry. Leicester has everything never to let you get stuck by boredom, but if you do, then a beautiful road trip in the UK is just around the corner. 

7. Stirling

Rent: Averaging between £4,000 to £6,500 annualy
Top Universities: University of Stirling
Value-driven students seeking a unique and affordable UK experience should explore Stirling, Scotland. This charming city presents a compelling proposition, boasting some of the lowest student accommodation costs in the UK. Stirling goes beyond affordability, with bus fare around  £2, and groceries can be quite reasonable, averaging around £160 per month. The unique combination of budget-friendliness, rich history, and natural beauty positions Stirling as a top contender for discerning students seeking a cost-effective and enriching academic journey in the UK. It is one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the UK. 

8. Lancaster

Rent: Averaging between £4,200 to £6,800 annually 
Top Universities: Lancaster University
Lancaster is known for being one of the cheapest places to live in UK. However, affordability and a vibrant student scene are often considered mutually exclusive in the UK. Lancaster offers a compelling exception. Student accommodation costs here are highly competitive; typically, single bus fares are around £2, and it costs around £175 per month for groceries, making it a financially attractive option. It is one of the most affordable cities to live in in the UK. The city is home to Lancaster Castle, enriching the student experience with a palpable sense of history. 

9. Newcastle

Rent: Averaging between £4,500-£7,000 annually
Top Universities: Newcastle University, Northumbria University Newcastle
A compelling option for cost-conscious students seeking a vibrant and historic city is Newcastle upon Tyne. This northern powerhouse offers student accommodation at a competitive rate; typically, monthly bus passes cost around £57.60 and £120-£150 per month for groceries, presenting a significant financial advantage compared to national averages. The city boasts a unique cultural tapestry unlike any other in the UK. Students can explore the city's iconic bridges, delve into the rich history of the Roman fort, or catch a live performance in the lively Quayside area. It is one of the cheapest places to live in UK. 

10. Coventry

Rent: Averaging between £4,000-£6,000 annually
Top Universities: Coventry University, Coventry College
Coventry offers affordable student accommodation with a cost of living for students £760.9 monthly. Hence, it is said to be one of the cheapest and safest places to live in the UK. Explore the awe-inspiring Coventry Cathedral ruins amidst a vibrant student scene. Unlike some UK towns, Coventry seamlessly blends its past with a dynamic present, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious learners. It is one of the cheapest areas to live in England. 

11. Nottingham

Rent: Averaging between £600- £700 per month
Top Universities: University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University
Unveiling a gem amongst cheap towns to live in UK- Nottingham!, it is one of the cheapest places to live in UK This friendly city boasts a 35% lower cost of living and student accommodation compared to London student accommodation, offering affordable housing and delightful parks. The monthly cost of living is £820.7 without rent, while private digs range from £4,200 to £6,000 annually, depending on type and location. Nottingham beats Bristol on affordability (by 9%). It is a budget-friendly haven with something for everyone. 

12. Manchester 

Rent: Averaging between £700-£800/ month annually
Top Universities: University of Manchester, University of Salford, University of Bolton
Manchester presents a compelling option for those seeking an affordable yet vibrant lifestyle in the UK. It is one of the cheapest cities to live in the UK and boasts significantly lower living costs compared to major hubs like London. This city provides students with a cost of living of £853.4 per month without rent. This allows you to enjoy Manchester's rich cultural offerings, renowned music scene, and Premier League football without sacrificing financial well-being.

13. Norwich 

Rent: Averaging between £4,200-£6,500 annually
Top Universities: University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich University of the Arts (NUA)
History buffs and budget-conscious students, take note! Norwich offers a unique charm, unlike any other UK city. The rent is very reasonable, and monthly bus passes cost around £35-£45. The average cost of groceries is £150 per month, significantly lower than national averages. It is one of the cheapest places to live in UK. Norwich boasts a relaxed pace with easy access to the beautiful Norfolk Broads National Park, perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking an escape from the hustle.

14. Lincoln

Rent: Averaging between £4,618 to £9,996 annually
Top Universities: University of Lincoln, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln College
Steeped in history and offering some of the best student accommodation in the UK with £ 866.9 monthly expense without rent. Beyond its cost-effectiveness, Lincoln boasts a magnificent medieval cathedral and a vibrant historic centre, offering a unique learning environment unlike many other UK cities. Students seeking a relaxed atmosphere will find solace in Lincoln's charm in museums or even in hiking destinations in UK. This combination of affordability, historical significance, and natural beauty positions Lincoln as a prime destination for students seeking cheap towns to live in the UK. 

15. Liverpool

Rent: Averaging between £4,000 to £6,000 annually
Top Universities: University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool pulses with student energy, and it is one of the cheapest areas in the UK to live, making it a top contender for budget-conscious scholars. The cost of living for students in Liverpool is £842.3 monthly without rent. This unique blend of affordability, cultural richness, and a friendly atmosphere positions Liverpool as a perfect choice for students seeking a fun and enriching academic adventure.

The UK offers a number of cheapest places to live in UK. From budget-friendly gems like Lincoln and Coventry to historically vibrant cities like Nottingham and Belfast, this exploration hopefully sparked your UK student adventure. Remember, finding the cheapest places to live in UK to live is just one piece of the puzzle. Dive deeper into each city's unique offerings to find the perfect fit for your academic and personal goals. Happy exploring!

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