Chichester named among the most expensive places to 'live comfortably' in the UK
Chichester has been named among the most expensive places to ‘live comfortably’ in the UK in a new study.
The research, conducted by The Investors Centre, a UK-based investment comparison platform, analysed 59 UK cities using cost data from sources like Numbeo. It factored in rent, utilities, transport, groceries and even lifestyle spending such as eating out. ‘Comfortable’ was defined as the annual income required to cover a 50/30/20 budget, allocating 50% of earnings to necessities such as housing and utility costs, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or investments.
Chichester was ranked 17th in the study where a comfortable lifestyle requires £45,617.
London sits firmly at the top, and by a wide margin. To live comfortably in the capital, you’ll need around £81,514 a year, or £41.80 an hour. High rents remain the biggest driver, but transport, food and entertainment costs all stack up, making it far more expensive than anywhere else in the UK.
Thomas Drury, a financial expert at The Investors Centre, said: “Where you live has a huge impact on how far your salary actually goes. Two people earning the same amount can have completely different lifestyles depending on their city. In places like London, a large chunk of income disappears on rent alone, which means even higher earners can feel stretched. In smaller cities, housing is more manageable, so people can save more or spend more freely.
“What we’re seeing is a growing gap between regions. Some areas require salaries that are simply out of reach for many, while others still offer a realistic path to financial comfort. This doesn’t just affect day-to-day life, it shapes long-term decisions too. People are increasingly choosing where to live based on affordability, not just job opportunities or lifestyle preferences.”