When it comes to career opportunities, no city in the UK can realistically compete with London. More than eight million people call the capital their home, and the average salary in the city is £60,000 – which is well above the UK-wide average of around £45,000. If you want to get your career kick-started, in other words, it’s a wonderful place to be.
With that said, there are downsides to life in the capital – and the most obvious of these stems from the higher costs of living. In the age of hybrid and remote work, many professionals are electing to live outside of London and to make the journey in only occasionally. But is this the best approach? Let’s take stock of a few of the advantages, and drawbacks, of living in the city.
Financial Implications: Cost of Living vs. Commuting Expenses
The costs of living in London take many different forms. In Central London, the average rent is around £2,600 per month. If you want to live in a high-demand area like Kensington or Westminster, then the costs are even higher. By contrast, you can find a place to live in Reading or St. Albans for around half that.
On the other hand, you might find that you end up spending considerably more on travel if you have to spend hours on the train every day. And that’s before you consider the cost of the travel itself.
Of course, the nature of your work might give you greater flexibility, and allow you to slash costs by commuting only on certain days of the week. For hybrid workers, in other words, living outside the city might be more viable.
Lifestyle Considerations
Once you’ve worked out the financial implications of your decision, you can think about your preferences when it comes to lifestyle. For many, life outside the capital might be a chance to escape the oppressive urban landscape, and enjoy a slower pace of life. Others might find themselves drawn back into the city at the weekend – which suggests that it might be better to simply remain in London to begin with.
Housing Market Trends: Availability and Affordability
Recent forecasts from Rightmove suggest that property prices in the UK are about to surge, thanks to a cut in interest rates. Thus, if you’re thinking about making a move, it might be better to do so sooner rather than later.
Developers are responding to increasing demand for housing in smaller towns by building new-build properties in these areas. Analysts have suggested that during 2025, the UK might be a ‘buyer’s market’ for housing.
Environmental Impact: Carbon Footprint of Commuting vs. City Living
If you’re concerned about sustainability and the state of the natural world, then you might devote some consideration to the impact of your commute when it comes to emissions. The further you’re travelling each day, the more you’ll be contributing to climate change and local pollution. On the other hand, if you’re travelling via rail, then your per-mile emissions may well be negligible.