A new study has named the most affordable cities to live in the UK, with one vibrant metro city coming out on top – and it’s not London, Manchester or Birmingham
A bustling UK city, renowned for its industrial heritage, cultural diversity and sporting prowess, has been crowned the most affordable city to live in.
Wolverhampton, nestled in the West Midlands, is a city that takes pride in its rich history and community spirit. Research carried out by estate agents Kaybridge Residentials unveiled which UK cities offer the best balance of urban living without the hefty price tag.
Wolverhampton clinched the top spot with a score of 62.91, making it the most budget-friendly city in the UK. Historically, it was a powerhouse of manufacturing and engineering during the Industrial Revolution, specialising in steel production, lock-making, and the automotive industry.
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Today, Wolverhampton marries its industrial past with contemporary development, boasting vibrant arts venues such as the Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the Grand Theatre, alongside lush green spaces like West Park.
With an average monthly rent of just £712.50 and a robust post-tax income of £2,775.75, residents can enjoy more disposable income. The city’s affordability ratio of 0.42 indicates that people spend less than half their income on living expenses – a dream come true for those mindful of their budget, reports the Express.
The city also hosts the University of Wolverhampton, adding to its vibrant student population and academic atmosphere. Football enthusiasts will recognise Wolverhampton as the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, fondly known as Wolves, who play at Molineux.
Stoke-on-Trent is hot on the heels with 61.74 points. The average monthly rent is a steal at £497.50 – nearly half of what you’d shell out in more expensive cities. Despite a lower average income of £2,407.25, the ultra-low living costs ensure your money goes a lot further here.
Cheltenham completes the top three with 60.96 points, demonstrating that charm and affordability can go hand in hand. Although the rent is higher at £787.50, the city’s robust average income of £3,447.08 and reasonable utility costs of £165.50 keep it well within the affordable bracket.
Kevin Barzegar, property expert at Kaybridge Residentials, remarked: “What this data shows is that affordability in the UK is shaped by more than just wages, and it’s the delicate balance between what you earn and what everything costs that really matters. You might think bigger cities automatically mean bigger paychecks, but places like London prove that’s not always enough when rent and living costs spiral.
“The standout finding for me is how cities like Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent are offering genuine value. These are cheap places to live with proper infrastructure, transport links, and amenities where your money actually works for you.
“Meanwhile, somewhere like Oxford might have prestige, but when you’re spending your hard-earned income just to get by, that prestige comes at a serious cost.
“For anyone looking to move, don’t just focus on salary figures. Look at the full picture: housing costs, transport, even your weekly shop.
“The cities topping our affordability list means they’ve got the sweet spot of decent incomes without the crippling costs that plague other metro areas. That’s where smart property decisions are made.”