The Best UK Cities for Gen Z Workers

The flexible office and co-working space company, Workthere, conducted research that has identified the top UK working cities for Gen Z.

When determining how the cities should rank, the research took into account important variables including internet speed, median pay, average rent for studio apartments, average dining-out expenditures, number of bars, pubs, and restaurants, cultural hotspots, and population.

The percentage change in the population between the ages of 18 and 24, as determined by experts at Workthere, and salary carried the most weight in the final calculations.

And Manchester has won, which isn’t surprising given that over the past five years, its population of people between the ages of 18 and 24 has increased by 6%, whereas the majority of the other cities on the list have seen little change in that demographic.

Although London may have the highest average wage (almost £32,000) and the greatest number of bars and restaurants, its allure to Gen Z employees is diminished by its high cost of living and high housing costs.

Derby has the highest average pay outside of the capital, at £26,429. Blackpool, in contrast, pays the least, at £20,524.

Unsurprisingly, London tops the list for costliest studio apartment rent at £950 per month, while Blackpool has the lowest average rent at £294.

#1 London

Average salary: £31,766
Average rent: £950
Average meal cost: £20
Internet speed (mbps): 100
Change in 18-24 population: 0%
Restaurants & bars: 21,048

#2 Oxford

Average salary: £29,582
Average rent: £800
Average meal cost: £12.00
Internet speed (mbps): 93
Change in 18-24 population: 0%
Restaurants and bars: 534

#3 Derby

Average salary: £26,429
Average rent: £450
Average meal cost: £13.50
Internet speed (mbps): 94
Change in 18-24 population: 0%
Restaurants & bars: 488

#4 Coventry

Average salary: £25,795
Average rent: £495
Average meal cost: £10
Internet speed (mbps): 82
Change in 18-24 population: 0%
Restaurants & bars: 573

#5 Norwich

Average salary: £25,486
Average rent: £525
Average meal cost: £14
Internet speed (mbps): 64
Change in 18-24 population: 1%
Restaurants & bars: 614

#6 Birmingham

Average salary: £24,298
Average rent: £550
Average meal cost: £10.00
Internet speed (mbps): 93
Change in 18-24 population: 0%
Restaurants & bars: 2,124

#7 Manchester

Average salary: £24,293
Average rent: £600
Average meal cost: £15
Internet speed (mbps): 86
Change in 18-24 population: +6%
Restaurants & bars: 2,152

#8 Bradford

Average salary: £23,637
Average rent: £375
Average meal cost: £10
Internet speed (mbps): 73
Change in 18-24 population: 0%
Restaurants & bars: 669

#9 Kingston upon Hull

Average salary: £21,677
Average rent: £328
Average meal cost: £10.60
Internet speed (mbps): 163
Change in 18-24 population: -1%
Restaurants & bars: 540