Affordable UK Cities with Thriving Job Markets for Young Professionals

Living in the UK offers a variety of benefits, including free healthcare and good education systems. This can improve quality of life and make living in the country a very enjoyable experience. The UK also has a strong job market with opportunities across various sectors, which have greatly improved life for young professionals who are looking for employment in the country. However, finding the right balance and sourcing an affordable city with thriving job markets can be challenging.

Several UK cities offer a good balance of affordability and strong job markets for young professionals that rival that of Edinburgh or London. This guide will explore these and take a closer look at why they have become wonderful hubs for recent graduates and young expats with indefinite leave to remain looking for good quality job markets, but remaining affordable. Continue reading to find out more.

Affordable UK Cities with Thriving Job Markets

Aberdeen

Often highlighted for its housing affordability and a strong job market, particularly within the energy sector, Aberdeen is a wonderful place for young professionals to live as they explore the diverse jobs available in the Scottish city. It is positioning itself as a leader in decarbonisation and innovation within the energy sector, with a focus on offshore wind energy and pioneering hydrogen projects. This is a new and exciting job opportunity to explore for young professionals.

Aberdeen is also seen as a hub for digital and technology expertise. This is a key growth sector, with strengths in areas like ClimateTech, AgriTech and FinTech, alongside general software development and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Salford

As of May 2025, the average house price in Salford is around £220k. This is significantly lower than the average for England & Wales (£353,000) and makes Salford one of the more affordable cities in the UK for purchasing property. Rental costs are good too with the average one bedroom property costing around £848 per month and two bedrooms being just over £1k.

The biggest driver of Salford’s economic success is MediaCityUK. Home to major broadcasters like BBC and ITV, as well as numerous independent production companies, digital agencies and tech startups, it has created a substantial number of highly skilled jobs in the media and digital sectors. This hub continues to attract significant investment and new businesses that are the perfect place for young professionals to thrive.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s median house price to median salary ratio was 4.6 in 2024, which is considerably lower than the England and Wales ratio of 7.54. This indicates that houses are more affordable relative to local incomes. This makes it much more affordable compared to the other major cities in the UK.

Health and social care remains a dominant sector in Liverpool, providing a substantial number of jobs and projected growth, especially for young professionals who have graduated from University with a relevant degree. There’s emerging growth in technology-related fields like mobile apps and internet platforms. This indicates a move towards a more digital economy in Liverpool, perfect for the younger generation. You can also find more quirky jobs like being a tattoo artist in the city centre.

Leicester

The average rent prices in Leicester are generally low and very affordable. This is perfect for young professionals who might be searching for their place to live away from home. If they’re looking to move to Leicester and live on their own, they can rent a one bedroom apartment for around £700 a month. Economical homes are growing in popularity in Leicester and can be found in areas like Braunstone and New Parks.

Leicester has good manufacturing and textiles industries, but it is now seeing growth in a wider range of sectors. The retail and wholesale sector is now a significant employer in Leicester, which is great for young professionals to gain first-hand experience while they explore their options.

Coventry

An often overlooked city to live in, Coventry has a lower cost of living compared to the rest of the UK with the average person spending around £750 a month for rent in the area. While the city centre will offer the most in terms of opportunities, living on the outskirts will give young professionals the most affordable prices.

Coventry has an advanced manufacturing and engineering industry that can provide new opportunities to young people who decide to move to the city. It’s the home to Jaguar Land Rover’s global headquarters and engineering centre, so you can expect there to be some good automotive opportunities in the area. Due to its central location and excellent connectivity, Coventry is also a high-demand area for logistics and distribution operations.

Final Thoughts

These cities stand out as excellent examples of areas with thriving job markets that are also affordable to live in for young professionals. They offer a balance of affordability and robust employment opportunities across diverse and growing sectors. For young professionals seeking to establish themselves, these cities provide welcoming environments where they can thrive, build careers and enjoy a high quality of life.