Cost of Living Index 2025: Where are the Cheapest Places to Live in the UK?

The map below shows a full breakdown of the cost of living in local authorities* across the UK.

Scroll across the different regions for more information or use the search bar to find and compare different locations.

*Some local authorities had missing data points, these areas are highlighted in grey on the map and were not assigned a Cost of Living score. 

1. Burnley

The historic mill town of Burnley took the top spot on our Cost of Living Index, with a score of 100.

The average house price in Burnley is £120,719 – less than half the UK average house price, which stands at £131,374. Private renters pay an average of £599 per month.

When compared to the median weekly pay of £530.10, Burnley presents an affordable area to live.

2. Kingston-upon-Hull

Once hailed as the UK’s ‘City of Culture,’ Hull is the second most affordable place to live on our Cost of Living Index, holding a score of 100.

The average house price in Hull is £131,374 and private renters can expect to pay around £642 per month.

Hull’s median weekly pay is £575.50, making it a cheap area to live when compared to housing costs.

3. Hartlepool

Boasting a rich maritime heritage, Hartlepool takes third place as the cheapest area to live on our Cost of Living Index, with a score of 98.

The average private rent stands at £546 per month, while the average house price is £136,148.

Hartlepool’s median salary is £ 523.20 per week, making the coastal town an affordable place to live.

4. Blaenau Gwent

Bordering the picturesque Brecon Beacons, Blaenau Gwent is the fourth-cheapest area to live in, according to our Cost of Living Index. It also holds a score of 97.

The average house price in Blaenau Gwent is £139,176 and the average private rent stands at £625 per month.

The median salary in Blaenau Gwent is £553.60 per week.

5. Neath Port Talbot

With a rich blend of rural and coastal landscapes, Neath Port Talbot is the fifth most affordable place to live.

Holding a score of 97 on our Cost of Living Index, the average private rent in the area is £843 per month, while the average house price is £142,000.

The median salary in Neath Port Talbot is 601.90 per week.

1. Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea took top spot at the most expensive place to live in the UK.

With a Cost of Living score of 0, the average house price in this area totals £1,345,813 – five times the UK average house price of £265,497.

The average private rent in Kensington and Chelsea is £3,663, while the median weekly salary stands at £703.70.

2. Westminster

Steeped in history and home to historical landmarks including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster is the second most expensive area to live, according to our Cost of Living Index.

Holding a score of 18, average house prices in this area stand at £947,000, over three times the national average house price of £265,497.

The average monthly private rent in the area is £3,258, while the median monthly pay is £877.30 per week.

3. Camden

Renowned for its vibrant market and captivating canal views, Camden is the third most expensive place to live on our Cost of Living Index.

With a score of 26, the average house price in Camden is £781,376. The average monthly private rent is £2,836, while the median weekly pay is £850.

4. Hammersmith and Fulham

Holding a Cost of Living score of 26, Hammersmith and Fulham is the fourth most expensive place to live on our index.

The average house price in the area is £752,104 and the average monthly private rent is £2,749 per month.

The total median weekly pay in Hammersmith and Fulham is £768.60.

5. Richmond upon Thames

Home to historical landmarks and a national nature reserve, Richmond upon Thames is the fifth most expensive place to live in the UK.

With a Cost of Living score of 27, the average house price in the area is £790,042, while private renters can expect to pay £2,184 per month.

The median weekly pay for the area is £652.40.

In addition to affordability, the best place to buy a home in the UK depends on what you value most in your local community.

For instance, if you’re looking to start a family, living in an area with well-rated schools might be an important factor to consider.

Similarly, if you’re a nature-lover, choosing an area with access to local parks, nature reserves or coastal walks is key. Making a list of the most important attributes can help you narrow down the best places to suit your lifestyle and aspirations.

Getting onto the property ladder is a huge financial milestone and starting to save as early as possible can put you on the right track to securing a home.

It’s important to set a realistic savings goal that you can commit to each month. Cutting back on non-essentials can also help boost your house deposit savings.

It’s worth considering whether a Lifetime ISA could help you earn an additional £1,000 per year on your house deposit savings too.

For more tips, check out our guide on how to save for a house deposit.

A cost of living crisis occurs when the price of everyday essentials like food and energy rise much faster than the average worker’s wages. 

The UK’s cost of living crisis began to take hold in 2021 amid economic pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine. 

By October 2022, the rate of inflation in the UK reached a staggering 11.1% the highest it’s been for 41 years. 

According to government estimates, consumer prices in the UK increased by 20.8% between May 2021 and May 2024. 

Although the rate of inflation has fallen, the effect of these record-high price rises means that some households are still feeling the impact.