Cities are notoriously more expensive places in which to live than other, more rural areas, due to a variety of factors. As many people want to live in cities, due to conveniences such as work and education, demand for housing tends to be higher, thus creating increased expenses.
Visiting, as well as living in, these locations can be costly once you take into account transport, food, and accommodation. Before taking out a credit card to cover these expenses, it’s a good idea to take a look at your finances so that you can budget properly.
However, overall costs can vary greatly depending on the actual location. We’ll take a look at the most expensive cities in the UK.
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London
It’s no secret that London comes out top of the list. In fact, research from 2021 showed that London was the 17th most expensive city to live in the world. With costs such as rent, restaurants, bars, and transport being higher in the capital than elsewhere in England, living or visiting London will cost you more than anywhere else in the country. Add to this the cost-of-living crisis and the expenses increase even further.
House prices in the capital are at an average of £524,000, making this location increasingly out of reach for first-time buyers.
Winchester
As of 2021, Winchester had an average house price of a huge £630,432, making it the most expensive city to buy a home. The desirable location of this Hampshire city could be the reason for its popularity. It’s just over two hours by train to London, making it ideal for commuters who prefer to live outside of the capital, and the nearby south coast and South Downs National Park also add to the attraction.
Oxford
This popular university city is also one of the most expensive in the UK. Visitors and residents are drawn in by the historical architecture, parks, culture, and array of attractions.
With stunning countryside close by and within easy reach of other cities such as London and Birmingham, it’s not hard to see the appeal.
Brighton
While not the highest on the list of expensive cities, Brighton is a costly seaside location, both for residents and visitors. Considered a popular escape for those in the capital, Brighton is easily reached and offers plenty of attractions including a stunning coastline, a variety of entertainment throughout the year, and a bustling scene of independent shops, cars, cafes, and boutiques.
*This is a collaborative post
