Best Cities in United Kingdom to Live In 2026
3 cities ranked by Livability Score — affordability, safety, internet, democracy & climate.
Edinburgh
69/100Manchester
69/100London
58/100Compare cities in United Kingdom
❓ Living in United Kingdom — Common Questions
What is the best city to live in United Kingdom?▾
Based on our Livability Score, Edinburgh ranks #1 in United Kingdom with a score of 69/100, and city-centre rent from around $1600/month.
What is the cheapest city in United Kingdom?▾
Manchester has the most affordable city-centre rent in our United Kingdom data, at around $1548/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
What is the safest city in United Kingdom?▾
By UNODC homicide rate data, Edinburgh is the safest city in United Kingdom in our database, with a rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people.
Should I move to Edinburgh or Manchester?▾
Edinburgh scores 69/100 on our Livability Score vs 69/100 for Manchester. Rent is $1600/mo in Edinburgh vs $1548/mo in Manchester. See the full comparison at the bottom of this page.
How do I get long-term residency or a visa to live in United Kingdom?▾
United Kingdom offers the UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process). Duration: Up to 5 years. Key requirement: Employer sponsorship required + minimum salary of £26,200/yr. Route to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.. The process is complex. Check individual city pages for full details.