In our previous analysis, we broke down the salary required to live a "liveable" life in London. We concluded that a gross salary of £38,000 is the minimum for a liveable life in the capital, while £100,000 is required for true financial freedom. The figure was high, but for many, the answer to a comfortable life isn't a higher salary; it's a different location. As hybrid working becomes the norm and quality of life a priority, a growing number of people are looking to the UK's other major cities for a better financial balance.

So, what does it take to live comfortably outside the capital? We've applied the same data-driven methodology to five of the UK's most dynamic cities to provide a direct comparison. Here's a breakdown of the gross annual salary needed in any main UK cities to achieve the "liveable" lifestyle: one that includes all essentials, a social life, holidays, and savings.

Manchester: The Northern Powerhouse

As the economic heart of the North, Manchester has a booming job market and a thriving cultural scene. The city offers a similar quality of life to London but at a significantly lower cost.

• Rent (Flatshare): ~£600
• Utilities & Council Tax (Shared): ~£125
• Commuting: ~£70
• Groceries: ~£200
• Social & Entertainment: ~£240
• Savings & Holidays: ~£480
• Total Monthly Expenses: £1,715

To live a liveable life in Manchester, you need a gross annual salary of approximately £26,000.

Birmingham: The Heart of England

As the UK's "second city," Birmingham is undergoing a massive transformation with significant investment in its city centre and transport links. It offers a very similar profile to Manchester, with a slightly higher cost of living.

• Rent (Flat-share): ~£500
• Utilities & Council Tax (Shared): ~£150
• Commuting: ~£60
• Groceries: ~£200
• Social & Entertainment: ~£240
• Savings & Holidays: ~£480
• Total Monthly Expenses: £1,630

To live a liveable life in Birmingham, you need a gross annual salary of approximately £25,000.

Bristol: The Western Gateway

Known for its thriving arts scene, independent businesses, and beautiful harbour-side, Bristol is a highly desirable place to live. However, as one of the UK's most popular cities, its cost of living is notably higher than many other regional hubs.

• Rent (Flat-share): ~£650
• Utilities & Council Tax (Shared): ~£150
• Commuting: ~£85
• Groceries: ~£220
• Social & Entertainment: ~£240
• Savings & Holidays: ~£480
• Total Monthly Expenses: £1,825

To live a liveable life in Bristol, you need a gross annual salary of approximately £28,000.

Leeds: A Rising Star

Leeds is a rising star in the North, with a growing financial sector and a reputation for being an incredibly student and young professional-friendly city. Its cost of living is lower than Manchester and Bristol, making it a compelling option.

• Rent (Flat-share): ~£550
• Utilities & Council Tax (Shared): ~£125
• Commuting: ~£80
• Groceries: ~£200
• Social & Entertainment: ~£240
• Savings & Holidays: ~£480
• Total Monthly Expenses: £1,675

To live a liveable life in Leeds, you need a gross annual salary of approximately £25,000.

Glasgow: The Cultural Hub

Scotland's largest city is known for its friendly residents, lively arts scene, and incredible affordability. It provides a genuine alternative to London, where a moderate salary can go a very long way.

• Rent (Flat-share): ~£450
• Utilities & Council Tax (Shared): ~£150
• Commuting: ~£60
• Groceries: ~£200
• Social & Entertainment: ~£240
• Savings & Holidays: ~£480
• Total Monthly Expenses: £1,580

To live a liveable life in Glasgow, you need a gross annual salary of approximately £24,000.

The Final Comparison: A Data-Driven Verdict

The data is clear: the path to a comfortable lifestyle is far more accessible outside of London. A salary that just covers your London rent could be enough to live a comfortable life, with a strong savings pot, in a regional city. It’s a compelling trade-off between the prestige of the capital and the financial freedom available in other parts of the country.