London has long been the beating heart of the UK’s economy, offering unrivalled career opportunities, networking potential, and a fast-paced lifestyle. But with rising costs, increasing hybrid work options, and a growing appreciation for work-life balance, more professionals are questioning whether London is still the best place to build a career. Should you be considering a move to another UK city?
Cost of living: London versus other UK cities
One of the biggest reasons to consider leaving London is the cost of living. High housing costs, transport expenses and general living costs make it an expensive place to keep up a comfortable lifestyle.
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While other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds are also experiencing rising costs, they still present more affordable options while still having a wealth of professional opportunities. The average house price in Manchester for example is around £280,000 where the average in London is closer to £600,000. Rents are also around 30% lower on average in Manchester allowing your salary to stretch further.
Career opportunities outside London (Hint: there are plenty of them)
Many industries that were once London-centric have expanded in the last decades to other UK cities.
- Finance and Business: Manchester and Edinburgh have thriving financial sectors, with big firms moving operations outside the capital.
- Tech and Digital: Leeds, Bristol, and Newcastle have booming tech scenes, often with lower competition and exciting start-up ecosystems.
- Creative Industries: Birmingham and Glasgow are known for their growing media, design, and film industries.
- Legal and Professional Services: With major law firms setting up regional offices, cities like Manchester and Bristol are becoming attractive options for legal professionals.
If your industry has a strong presence outside of London, making a move could open doors to leadership roles and greater career progression without the extreme competition of the capital.
The work-life balance question
There’s no denying London’s fast-paced lifestyle is exciting, but it can also be exhausting! Other UK cities could offer a better balance between work and home life, with shorter commutes, better access to green spaces and a more relaxed work environment away from the London pressure cooker.
Someone living in Bristol, for example, could get from home to the countryside or the coast within 30 minutes, while still enjoying the strong property market offered by the city. Leeds and Sheffield meanwhile offer easy access to the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District for lovers of the outdoors.
Salary vs. cost of living
A key concern for many considering making a move away from London is the potential reduction in salary. But while salaries in other cities can be lower, the reduced living costs can often more than balance the difference. Many companies are also boosting their regional salary offer to attract talent.
Community and lifestyle
Another major advantage of moving away from London is the stronger sense of community and access to cultural amenities. Cities like Glasgow, Liverpool, and Cardiff offer vibrant cultural scenes, great food, and exciting social opportunities without the overcrowding and stress of London life.
For families, cities like Nottingham and York offer excellent schools, safer neighbourhoods, and plenty of green space for children to grow up in.
So, is it time to make the move?
Deciding to leave London is a big step, but for many professionals, the benefits of moving to another UK city outweigh the drawbacks. Lower costs, better work-life balance, and growing job markets mean you no longer need to be in London to build a successful career.
If you’re considering making the move, start by researching cities that align with your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Speak to people who have already relocated, test the waters with a short-term move if possible, and weigh up the financial and lifestyle benefits carefully. But with so many UK cities offering exciting career prospects and a better quality of life, now could be the perfect time to explore life beyond the capital!
The Hattie 