GUIDE FOR 2025: THE BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN THE UK FOR EXPATS AND FOREIGN WORKERS

Are you curious about relocating to the UK? Well! The UK is a great destination for expats and foreign workers who are willing to earn a super fortune. However, within the UK, there are multiple cities – each city having something different from the others. Whether in London or Bristol, every city in the UK has something special for the expats and the foreign workers. No matter where you settle, the best part is that you can find multiple top money transfer services in the UK, just like Speed Remit.

From bustling global hubs to quieter and affordable towns, the UK offers a range of opportunities that suit different expat preferences. And if you want to know everything, then keep reading this thoroughly without hopping here and there. In this guide, you will explore the top-desired UK cities for expats and foreign workers. Moreover, it will also discuss some of the vital facts, just like:

• Cost of living
• Job opportunities
• Diversity
• Quality of life

Let’s not take more of your time and start the journey to explore the best cities to live in the UK as an expat or a foreigner.

1. London – The Global Magnet

Best For: Career-driven expat; finance and tech professionals; culture vultures

London is still the most sought-after location for foreign workers in the UK; it is a global financial and cultural capital that provides one of the largest job markets, world-class infrastructure, and international populace.

Interesting Features:  

• Amazingly diverse expat communities
  
  
• High-paying jobs in finance, IT, and media
  
  
• Fantastic public transport (Tube, buses, overground)
  
  
• Very cosmopolitan in terms of culture and society

Things to keep in mind:

An extremely high cost of living. Rent, transport, and dining out are much higher than the national average.

2. Manchester – The Northern Powerhouse

Best For: Techies, creatives, students, and young professionals

When searching for the constantly transforming city, Manchester always stands out in the UK. It is a labor market where digital jobs, startups, and media flourish. But all this happens with much cheaper living costs than those in London.

Interesting Features:

• Digital and creative industries thriving
  
  
• Lower rent and living costs than cities to the south
  
  
• Top universities and research institutions
  
  
• Friendly atmosphere, with multicultural areas
  

The downside:

The weather, even though it makes for some interesting meteorological discussions, tends to remain depressing, while traffic congestion in some areas towards the center tends to be pretty bad.

3. Birmingham – The UK’s Second City

Best suited for: Engineer, Logistics, Medical Professionals, Family

Birmingham is a commercial and industrial city. Because of its diverse population and major infrastructural projects, this city is increasingly attractive as a place to immigrate for work.

Interesting Features:

• Growing job market in healthcare, engineering, and logistics
  
  
• House prices are lower than in London
  
  
• Major transport upgrades (HS2 coming soon)
  
  
• Large South Asian and African communities. Downside: Urban inequality still fights over districts.

Things to keep in mind:

Still battling urban inequality in some districts.

4. Glasgow- Affordable and Culturally Rich

Best suited for: artist, student, health workers, and budget traveler.

Glasgow usually gets left out when one mentions the great cities of the world that are affordable, cultural, and rich in community. Cities with a strong academic, engineering, and creative arts presence.

Interesting Features:

• Rent and cost of living are low.
  
  
• Friendly people, a good life culture.
  
  
• Growing public health and energy.
  
  
• Music, theatre, and art- the scene is alive.

Things to keep in mind: The weather is unforgivingly cold and wet, while the job market is relatively underdeveloped in comparison to southern cities.

5. Leeds- Business, Healthcare, and Innovation

Best suited for: finance professionals, engineers, and medical workers

For those looking to settle in an economically growing city in the UK, Leeds is the right answer for them. This city houses a growing financial services sector and boasts one of the largest NHS presences nationwide, alongside its many universities. Highlights:

• Second in size after London when it comes to legal and financial hubs in the UK
  
  
• Ideal living and housing options at reasonable prices
  
  
•  Extensive good rail links with both London and Manchester
  
  
• Vibrant student and international community

Things to keep in mind:

Less cultural variety compared to larger cities, but steadily improving.

6. Bristol - Environmentally Friendly and Innovative

Best for: professionals in sustainability and remote working, and engineering

Bristol remains the prominent mark for those searching for an eco-friendly, tech-oriented, and very pleasant city. It attracts expats who seek a forward-thinking environment, one that accommodates families.

Interesting Features:

• Leading in green innovation and clean energy
  
  
• Tech jobs and startup culture
  
  
• Close to the countryside and the seaside
  
  
• Progressive, creative city vibe

Things to keep in mind:

Housing in Bristol has been really expensive in the past few years.

What to Consider Before Making Your Choice Upon A Favorite UK City As An Expat?

You might consider the following before relocating:

• Job market compatibility: Does the city cater to your industry?
  
  
• Cost of living: Would your intended salary sustain rent, transportation, and necessities?
  
  
• Cultural fit: Do you favor large cities or smaller communities? A fast pace or a chill?
  
  
• Transport and Access Factors: How well is the city connected to London and other parts of the UK?

Final Words:

The UK is a collection of different living experiences: from the world city of London to the slow-paced, community-oriented city of Glasgow. In 2025, each city in the UK has much to offer expats and foreign workers like you. However, when it’s time to support or invest your hard-earned money, go for the most reliable remittance provider in the UK, like Speed Remit.

Want to pick a city that suit your preferences? Conduct a deep research, plan well and if possible, discuss with the people already living there. This will help you immensely towards making your international settlement in the UK as smooth, rich, and rewarding as possible.