The cost of living is increasing all the time causing people to up sticks and look for cheaper areas in which to live. Unsurprisingly, the North is dominated by the top 10 list of affordable places to live, further reinforcing the notion of a North-South divide. Looking at the cost of living in an area against the average wages you can earn working there, a ratio has been created, allowing a top 10 list to be compiled. Here are the most affordable places in the UK to live:

Londonderry, Northern Ireland

The top 3 is dominated by cities in Northern Ireland, with Londonderry [colloquially known as Derry] sits on top as the most affordable place to live in the UK. Its history of hardship and turmoil has given Londonderry a unique spirit and character, which is reflected in the many murals and sculptures seen around the city. The ratio of prices to wages is a paltry 3.38, making Londonderry the most affordable place in the UK to live.

Lisburn, Northern Ireland

The third largest city in Northern Ireland, Lisburn is one of the biggest shopping destinations in the country, offering modern malls and retail parks. The city has a ratio of just 3.5 of prices to wages, making it a highly affordable city to live.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

The Irish capital is famous for its shipbuilding heritage, most notably the Harland and Wolff shipyard which was responsible for building the ill-fated ocean liner, the RMS Titanic. The ratio of prices to wages for the vibrant capital is 3.67, making it the cheapest capital in the UK.

Stirling, Scotland

Dominated by Stirling castle, the Scottish cities history is strewn with battles and skirmishes [the most notable of these being the Battle of Stirling Bridge in which William Wallace defeated English forces]. The National Wallace Monument marks the place where William Wallace was said to have looked out over the massing of English soldiers. In modern days, the city is a relatively cheap place to live, with a ratio of 3.81 prices to wages.

Bradford, Yorkshire and the Humber

The Industrial Revolution transformed Bradford into one of the central cities in the textile industry. With such industry, migrants from various countries flocked to the city, meaning Bradford is now one of the most multi-ethnic cities in the UK. The city has an affordable ratio of 3.98 prices to wages.

Salford, North West

Another city that rode the boom of the textile industry, Salford borders Manchester – separated by the river Irwell. The cost of living in Salford compared to wages is low, with a ratio of 4.11 prices to wages reflecting this.

Glasgow, Scotland

Grown from a small town into a bustling city by industrialisation, Glasgow is best known as a busy seaport and for the Old Firm derby [Rangers V Celtic]. The Scottish city has a ratio of 4.23 prices to wages.

Lancaster, North

Rich with history, Lancaster has retained many of its listed buildings. Surprisingly for such an old city, Lancaster has an interestingly high amount of contemporary culture, including a large arts community. The city has a ratio of 4.28 prices to wages.

Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber

Kingston upon Hull, more commonly shortened to just Hull, sits in the valley of the river Hull. During the Second World War, 95% of houses in Hull were either destroyed or damaged by bombing, second only to London. Today, the ratio of 4.32 prices to wages makes it a cheap city to live in.

Sunderland, North

Home to Mackems, Sunderland is another city famous for its shipbuilding past and coalmining industry. The rivalry between neighbouring Newcastle goes back in history before the first Tyne/Wearside football derby. The city in the North East has a ratio of 4.43 prices to wages. 

Sources: Telegraph, Rentify
Photo credit: upload.wikimedia.org

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… written by Mike Lesse - a freelance copywriter from London. His hobbies include real estate and travel.