Top universities in the most affordable UK cities

Located in the East Midlands within the county of Derbyshire, Derby is currently the cheapest city to live in the UK based on the annual cost of living. On top of the lower cost of living, students in Derby also benefit from proximity to the natural beauty of the Peak District National Park. 

Living in Derby could approximately cost around US $10,220 per year. Compared to the cost of living in London which is the most expensive student city in the UK, living in Derby is 64 percent cheaper in terms of costs. 

The main university in the city is the University of Derby, which is featured in the QS World University Rankings.  

Located in East Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, usually known as ‘Hull’, is the second cheapest city to live in the UK. 

Having once been a major centre for fishing and trade, Hull has now transformed into a modern city with plenty to explore, including captivating museums, a thriving arts scene, and the Deep Aquarium with an underwater viewing tunnel. 

The cost of living in Hull would approximately be USD $10,940 per annum.  

One of the major universities in this student city is the University of Hull, which is an institution recognised for its research in areas such as environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and social justice.

Stoke-on-Trent, or Stoke, is a vibrant city in Central England, also known by the nickname ‘The Potteries’, due to the city’s longstanding historical association with the pottery industry.  

Local attractions like pottery museums, art galleries and even tours to pottery and ceramic factories are abundantly available in Stoke. 

Made up of six towns, Stoke offers a wide range of outdoor activities and green spaces, providing plenty of recreational options for both residents and visitors, living up to its reputation as a city that loves to have fun. 

The cost of living in Stoke would approximately be around USD $11,280 per annum, with rent costs noticeably lower than other UK cities. 

One of the major universities based in Stoke is the University of Staffordshire, which is a public research university that has four other campuses within the UK.  

Based in the Southwest of England, Plymouth is a port city in Devon that is also known as ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ owing to its history, location and its modern maritime assets. 

Plymouth is abundant with beautiful beaches, coastal pathways, and parks like the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the Dartmoor National Park, making it an ideal city for outdoor enthusiasts.  

On top of attractions like these, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities from water sports and fishing to scenic hikes and cycling. 

Living in Plymouth would approximately cost around USD $11,420 per year. The biggest expense in Plymouth would typically be spent on rent while costs on food are lower than other UK cities. 

The University of Plymouth is one of the major universities in this city and is also known as one of the largest universities in the country. 

Located in West Yorkshire, Bradford is a vibrant, culturally diverse city which is known for its rich industrial heritage and stunning Victorian architecture.  

The city has a thriving arts scene and a significant history and reputation for contributions to the film industry, which is reflective of the city's distinction as a UNESCO City of Film.  

With major cities like Manchester and Leeds nearby, Bradford offers best of both worlds to its residents, easy access to city life alongside plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and cycling in the Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley Moor, and Lister Park. 

Living in Bradford would approximately cost around USD $11,630 per year.  

For those looking to live and study in Bradford, the University of Bradford is a reputable and well-ranked option in the city. 

Northampton is one of the largest towns in England, located in the East Midlands region of the country. Thanks to its well-connected transport network, Northampton offers easy commutes to major cities like London and Birmingham within or under an hour. 

Historically renowned for its shoemaking industry, the city still celebrates this heritage through local museums and events.  

Northampton also has a strong sports culture, particularly in football and rugby, with Northampton Saints and Northampton Town FC providing exciting local sporting events. 

The cost of living in Northampton would approximately be around USD $12,280 per annum to cover essential expenses. 

For students looking to live and study in Northampton, the University of Northampton is a public institution that is known for its modern campus and commitment to social impact, based within the city.  

Dundee, affectionately known as Scotland’s sunniest city, is a vibrant coastal city based on the east coast of Scotland. This city is known for its friendly community and for being a compact and easy-to-navigate destination, making it an ideal location for visitors and new movers into the city.  

This city offers its residents and visitors a mix of modern amenities, museums, and outdoor activities, with easy access to nearby cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen.  

Dundee is also well regarded for its strong biomedical and tech industries, specifically the video game industry, making it an attractive destination for students and professionals in these sectors. 

With a relatively low cost of living compared to larger UK cities, Dundee provides a budget-friendly environment for students. The annual cost of living in Dundee would approximately be around USD $12,260.If you’re a student looking to study in Dundee, the University of Dundee is an excellent option to consider. 

York is a city in Northern England, and it’s not only known for its considerably low cost of living but also for being one of the safest and best places in the UK to live. The city is filled with beautiful period buildings and is surrounded by the infamous historic city walls. 

Thanks to its geographical location and well-connected public transport, York offers easy access to iconic cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. 

Living in York could approximately cost around USD $12,570 per year.  

The University of York is a well-ranked university based within the city, which is also a member of the Russell Group of universities in the UK.

Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast is well known for its maritime history and is also known as the birthplace of the Royal Mail Steamer (R.M.S.) Titanic.  

Living in Belfast could approximately cost around USD $12,580 per year. Compared to the cost of living in London, which is the most expensive student city in the UK, living in Belfast is 56 percent cheaper. 

The city is quite well known for its rich culture, amazing architecture and vibrant nightlife. People in Belfast are also known to be very friendly and helpful, making it an enjoyable experience living here.  

Both Queen’s University Belfast, which is another Russell Group university, and the Belfast campus of Ulster University are located in the city, offering students access to top-quality education and the vibrant culture of this destination.