Bradford named best UK city for graduates to live in

As university students prepare for their final exams and head toward their dissertation deadline, many will also be thinking about what to do next.

Looking for jobs and places to live, along with choosing where you want to start the next part of your graduate journey can be a daunting feeling.

With this in mind, data by home insurance experts Compare the Market found the best 10 cities across the UK for graduates, taking into account factors such as rental prices, job opportunities, living costs, and the number of other 21–30-year-olds in the community.

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Bradford is the best UK city for graduates to live in

The experts said with average rent prices of just £463.12 a month, and around 792 graduate jobs to choose from, Bradford is named as the top to move to as a graduate.

The city also boasts low living costs in comparison to other locations in the study, with the price of a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averaging £10, a pint of beer costing £3, and a cappuccino setting you back just £2.52. 

Bradford ranked higher than the likes of Preston, Sunderland and Birmingham.

Anna McEntee at Compare the Market, said: “Starting a new job and moving to a new city can be such an exciting time, but you also need to make sure you feel comfortable where you live and find the right place to call home.

“Whether you’re looking to rent or buy a home, it’s important to ensure you have the right level of insurance to suit your needs.

“Tenants insurance, sometimes known as renters contents insurance, offers cover for your contents and personal belongings if you rent a property. Although its not a legal requirement, while your landlord will take care of buildings insurance – and any contents they provide if the property is furnished – it’s up to you to insure your own belongings against theft and damage.

“Those opting to buy a house will need to think about both buildings insurance and contents insurance policies. You can buy buildings and contents insurance as two separate policies, or you can combine them into a single policy. If you’re looking to save money on your home insurance, a combined policy from one insurance provider could work out cheaper.”

Top 10 UK cities for graduates to live in

This is the top 10 list of best UK cities for graduates to live in, as revealed by Compare the Market:

1. Bradford

2. Kingston upon Hull

=3. Preston

=3. Blackpool

4. Wolverhampton

5. Newport

6. Sunderland

7. Stoke-on-Trent

8. Coventry

9. Birmingham

10. Derby

The full study can be found online at comparethemarket.com, including the UK cities that aren’t as good for graduates to live in.