Each year, over 800,000 students graduate in the UK and begin searching for the right place to start their careers, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. With thousands of monthly searches for graduate and entry-level roles but some employers cutting back on hiring, choosing the right city can make a big difference when it comes to salary, job opportunities, and cost of living.
To find out which city is top for graduates looking to kick off their career, we ranked 29 UK cities based on key financial and lifestyle factors, including average salaries, number of graduate roles, rent, utilities, and even the cost of a meal out. We’ve also put together a checklist for those looking to relocate, to ensure the relocation goes as smoothly as possible.
The top cities to kickstart a graduate career
While graduate jobs remain available, particularly in larger cities, recent data suggests a decline in opportunities. In one 2024 survey, more than half of employers said they planned on reducing graduate hires, which may be due to a more difficult economic climate in the UK.
As a result, new graduates may face increased competition for a smaller pool of vacancies. So to help them navigate this landscape, we’ve pulled together this research to help inform their decision-making about where in the UK they might want to begin their career journey.
Rank | City | No. of grad jobs | Av. grad salary | Av. monthly cost of one bed apartment (outside city centre) | Cost of utilities | Av. cost of a meal | Av. cost of a beer | Quality of life score (out of 100) |
1 | Coventry | 270 | £29,000 | £756 | £114 | £15 | £4.50 | 94 |
2 | Dundee | 44 | £28,000 | £477 | £104 | £15 | £4.20 | 89 |
3 | Bradford | 174 | £28,000 | £558 | £131 | £14 | £4.07 | 90 |
4 | Sheffield | 77 | £26,000 | £715 | £93 | £14 | £4.07 | 90 |
5 | Derby | 123 | £28,000 | £625 | £139 | £16 | £3.60 | 91 |
6 | Aberdeen | 47 | £29,000 | £564 | £115 | £16 | £4 | 85 |
7 | Leicester | 165 | £27,000 | £767 | £123 | £15 | £4 | 90 |
8 | Luton | 39 | £27,000 | £800 | £167 | £10 | £4 | 93 |
9 | London | 1,031 | £37,000 | £1,629 | £129 | £20 | £6 | 99 |
10 | Leeds | 174 | £28,000 | £720 | £130 | £15 | £4.81 | 94 |
11 | Stoke-on-Trent | 77 | £27,000 | £400 | £154 | £15 | £4.25 | 89 |
12 | Wolverhampton | 193 | £27,000 | £650 | £144 | £15 | £4.50 | 91 |
13 | Birmingham | 220 | £28,000 | £793 | £144 | £15 | £5 | 94 |
14 | Sunderland | 120 | £27,000 | £450 | £131 | £15 | £5 | 86 |
15 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 111 | £27,000 | £643 | £124 | £15 | £5 | 89 |
*Please note this table only shows the top 15 results.
Coventry
Coventry ranks as the top UK city for a graduate career, according to our research. With approximately 270 graduate job openings at the time of research, it offers strong opportunities across multiple sectors, from HR positions to construction roles.
The city also boasts one of the highest average graduate salaries at £29,000, paired with a relatively affordable cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre averages £756 per month, while utilities come in at around £114. Combined with a high quality of life score of 94 out of 100, Coventry offers both financial and lifestyle appeal for graduates starting out.
In recent years, Coventry has evolved into a student-friendly city with a strong focus on employability. Home to two universities, the University of Warwick and Coventry University, and with a decent number of graduate jobs on offer, our research shows the city is a great springboard for graduates ready to kickstart their career.
Dundee
Next up is Dundee, a smaller city that excels when it comes to graduate appeal. While it offers fewer graduate job openings (44 at the time of research), the average starting salary sits at £28,000, not far behind Coventry.
But what really sets Dundee apart is its affordability. Renting a one-bedroom flat outside the city centre costs an average of £477 per month, and utilities are around £104, which is significantly lower than in many other UK cities. This means that, despite fewer job openings, graduates in Dundee may enjoy more disposable income and a lower cost of living, helping their salaries go further.Dundee also boasts a great quality of life score of 89 out of 100.
Known for its vibrant tech and creative sectors, two universities (the University of Dundee and Abertay University), and striking waterfront regeneration, Dundee is a strong contender for graduates looking to build a future without breaking the bank.
Bradford
Taking the third spot is Bradford. With 174 graduate job openings at the time of research, it offers solid opportunities across various sectors.
The average graduate salary in Bradford is £28,000, matching Dundee and only slightly below Coventry. A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre comes in at around £558 per month, and utilities average £131. While not quite as cheap as the Scottish city, it’s still a budget-friendly option compared to many UK cities, giving graduates a chance to save some extra money.
With a quality of life score of 90 out of 100, Bradford holds its own when it comes to liveability too. It’s a culturally diverse city with a growing business scene, good transport links, and access to the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, making it a well-rounded option for graduates.
The locations with the top career prospects
Rank | City | No. of graduate jobs | Average graduate salary |
1 | London | 1,031 | £37,000 |
2 | Cambridge | 99 | £31,000 |
3 | Coventry | 270 | £29,000 |
4 | Bristol | 116 | £30,000 |
5 | Portsmouth | 100 | £30,000 |
6 | Manchester | 371 | £27,000 |
7 | Birmingham | 220 | £28,000 |
8 | Southampton | 115 | £29,000 |
9 | Bradford | 174 | £28,000 |
10 | Leeds | 174 | £28,000 |
*Please note this table only shows the top 10 results.
When it comes to starting a graduate career, some cities stand out more than others for their job opportunities and salaries. We looked at the top cities with the strongest career prospects based on graduate job availability and average starting salary.
Unsurprisingly, London tops the list by a wide margin. With over 1,000 graduate job listings and the highest average starting salary of £37,000, the capital offers opportunities across almost every sector, from finance and law to tech, media, and the arts.
That said, with around 40 universities in the city and a huge number of graduates entering the job market each year, competition is fierce. In this context, 1,031 graduate roles might not stretch as far as you might think at first glance. It’s also important to consider the high living costs: with London consistently ranking as one of the most expensive cities in the UK, even a higher starting salary may not be worth as much in real terms as that of other cities.
Cambridge takes second place for career prospects. But despite its impressive average graduate salary of £31,000, there were only 99 graduate jobs available at the time of research. This limited job market may make it more competitive for recent graduates seeking employment.
Coventry takes third place thanks to its mix of graduate job opportunities and average starting salary of £29,000. With 270 jobs available, it outperforms both Cambridge and other major cities like Birmingham and Leeds in terms of openings.
The most affordable cities for your post-uni career
Rank | City | Average graduate salary | Average monthly cost of (one-bed apartment) | Cost of utilities |
1 | Belfast | £27,000 | £702 | £68 |
2 | Dundee | £28,000 | £477 | £104 |
3 | Aberdeen | £29,000 | £564 | £115 |
4 | Coventry | £29,000 | £756 | £114 |
5 | Sheffield | £26,000 | £715 | £93 |
6 | Bradford | £28,000 | £558 | £131 |
7 | Sunderland | £27,000 | £450 | £131 |
8 | London | £37,000 | £1,629 | £129 |
9 | Newcastle upon Tyne | £27,000 | £643 | £124 |
10 | Leeds | £28,000 | £720 | £130 |
*Please note this table only shows the top 10 results.
Belfast takes the top spot for the most affordable city for graduates. With an average graduate salary of £27,000 and some of the lowest living costs in the UK, a month’s salary could stretch further here than in other larger cities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre averages £702 per month, and utilities are only £68. That’s a huge plus when you’re trying to save or get ahead financially early on in your career.
Dundee might be smaller, but it offers value for money too. The average graduate salary is £28,000 and rent is among the cheapest at £477 per month for a one-bed outside the city centre. Even with slightly higher utility costs (£104), graduates living here may likely have more disposable income than their peers in pricier locations.
Aberdeen rounds out the top three, offering the highest average graduate salary in this list at £29,000. Combine that with moderate rent (£564) and utility costs (£115), and graduates have a strong case for launching their career in this Scottish city. Aberdeen is known as a scientific hotspot, thanks to the University of Aberdeen – some 16% of graduates here go into the professional, scientific and tech industries, according to research.
Re-location checklist
You might have landed the perfect job, or figured out exactly which city you want to live in, but what else do you need to think about before you make the big move?
Do your research
Even once you’ve narrowed your decision down to which city you want to live in, choosing where exactly in the city you want to live can be just as tricky. Do some research on crime stats, amenities, local activities and where might be best to live in relation to your commute.
Get organised
A big move can be very overwhelming but planning ahead can really ease your moving day. Start packing early and make a to-do list, so it’s not all left to the last minute. Make sure you factor in any van bookings, key pickups and deliveries ahead of time too.
Sort out admin tasks such as getting insurance
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. Your landlord should take care of buildings insurance but 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 and contents insurance policies. You can buy buildings and contents insurance as two separate policies, or 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, depending on your requirements.
Other things to consider are, registering with your local doctor and informing your bank and service providers of your change of address.
Explore your new home
Whether you’re moving on your own or with friends, once you’re in your new home, make sure you get out and explore your local area. Go out and find your new favourite bar or coffee shop and see if you can find local sports teams or classes you can get involved with to give you a chance to meet some new people near you.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
It's completely normal to feel nervous before a big move. Change can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Settling into a new place takes time, and everyone’s graduate experience will be different. Try not to compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on what feels right for you.
Sources and methodology
To find out the top cities to kickstart a graduate career, we ranked a seedlist of 29 UK cities based on the following metrics:
The number of graduate jobs – LinkedIn - For each city, “Graduate” was searched, and the number of results was recorded - Job figures are a snapshot in time and subject to change daily.
The average graduate salary – Glassdoor
Average cost of accommodation, average cost of a meal, average cost of utilities, average cost of a beer – Numbeo
Quality of life score – Livingcost.org
All data was gathered on 06/03/2025.
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As well as writing for Churchill and Privilege insurance websites, Karen’s CV includes working with M&S, Debenhams, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis. With over 20 years of editorial experience for big household names she leads a talented content team with a focus on simplifying personal finance for everybody.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Helen’s our resident home insurance expert, as the former Head of Home Insurance at Compare the Market. She's also experienced with car insurance and pet insurance from her previous roles across commercial, partnerships and as a freelance consultant, working with more than 100 insurers across a variety of insurance products.
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