Moving to Leeds from London – is it Right for You?

Here, you’ll learn all about the moving costs, renting in the city, how earnings compare, what you might save each month, and the transport options. More importantly, though, you’ll get a sense of whether Leeds can offer you a better lifestyle than London (hint: quite possibly!)

The cost of moving

Hiring a removal van plus crew typically costs between £600–£1,200, depending on how much stuff you take. Add insurance, packing materials and travel for home viewings, and you might spend another £200–£400. 

You might want to factor in storage if you’re relocating in stages, and a night or two in a hotel if your move-in dates don’t quite line up. Pro tip: it’s worth comparing removal quotes early; many London-based companies offer discounts for long-distance moves during the week rather than at weekends.

Leeds vs London living

Put simply, Leeds can be far cheaper than London. Most sources put general living costs at 20–40% lower. According to Numbeo, the average individual spends about £835 per month on everyday items excluding rent. Groceries, clothes, mobile plans, streaming and eating out in Leeds cost noticeably less (though nationwide chains may narrow the gap). Your habits – like how often you dine out or take weekend breaks – will obviously make some difference.

Overall, your pound tends to stretch further here. You’ll find lower council tax bands, quality local coffee shops that rival London favourites at half the price, and affordable nights out that won’t have you checking your bank app in horror the next morning.

Renting in the city

Currently, the median rent for a one-bed flat in Leeds sits near £751, and a two-bed close to £936 (Office for National Statistics, 2025). In prime central zones, some high-end Leeds apartments reach £1,100–£1,250. Shared flats or homes further out often fall well below those figures.

If you’re after a combination of value and quality, check out UNCLE’s apartments in Leeds. Think beautifully designed spaces with sleek interiors, superfast broadband and stylish co-working spaces. This is city living without the stress – and with plenty of perks.

Many renters choose areas like Leeds Dock or the Northern Quarter for their proximity to cafes, nightlife and waterfront views. For quieter options, suburbs like Chapel Allerton or Horsforth offer leafy streets and easy commutes into the city centre.

How do salaries compare?

According to the ONS, the average UK full-time salary midpoint in 2024 was £37,430. Local data from Plumplot (2025) shows salaries in Leeds often sit slightly higher than the Yorkshire average, especially in tech and finance. Leeds won’t always match London salaries – but some local employers include a “northern uplift”, meaning a bit more than standard Leeds rates to reflect your relocation.

In practice, with less spent on rent, transport and lunches, you might find you’re able to save more and also enjoy the extras that can get sacrificed in London.

Transport in Leeds

This city runs mostly on its bus network. A monthly pass costs about £60–£70. Many commutes are a short walk, bus, or bike ride away. For trips beyond the city, you can hop on a train from Leeds station to Manchester, York or back to London. The transport system is reliable – just not as complex as in the capital.

If you prefer to drive, the city’s ring road links easily to the M1 and M62. And with car clubs and e-bike hire schemes popping up, getting around without owning a car is increasingly easy. Plus, Leeds Bradford Airport is a 25–35 minute drive from central Leeds. Direct flights from the airport include Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris.

Some of our favourite things to do

Check out our guide to fun things to do in Leeds  for the full list of our favourites things to do in Leeds, but here’s a snapshot of the city:

• Roundhay Park – One of the largest city parks in Europe, with tranquil lakes, wooded trails and beautiful hidden gardens to explore.
• Leeds Grand Theatre – A gorgeously restored venue putting on plays, musicals and comedy nights that are well worth catching.

Tropical World – Step inside this greenhouse in Roundhay and wander through rainforest, desert and aquatic zones. Here, you’ll get a fix of sunshine even if the outdoor weather’s not playing ball.

Is moving to Leeds the right choice?

If you’re after more breathing room for your money, fewer commuting headaches, and a city that buzzes without London’s crush, moving to Leeds may well be the one. Expect lower rent and more take-home pay. Sure, many salaries won’t match London’s, and public transport is less varied. But with the right role or salary uplift, you may well end up with a better lifestyle.

Leeds offers the sweet spot between opportunity and quality of life, with everything from indie bars and markets to peaceful parks and a thriving arts scene. It’s big enough to keep you entertained, yet small enough to feel like a genuine community.

Why not move into an UNCLE apartment?

Our Leeds apartments are stylish, comfortable and brilliantly thought-out, but don’t take our word for it! Take a virtual tour of our apartments in Leeds right here or contact us to arrange a viewing and start your exciting new chapter.