The ‘best’ UK cities for Generation Z, those aged 18 to 24, to work and live in have been revealed in reseach by flexible office space experts Workthere.
Looking a range of factors — including internet speed, median salary, average rent for studio flats, average costs of eating out; numbers of bars, pubs and restaurants, culture hotspots and population — cities have been given a ranking.
Factors Workthere deemed most significant (e.g percentage change in 18-24 population and salary) have carried more weight in their final calculations.
Which are the ‘best’ UK cities for Gen Z to work in?
Thanks to its mid-priced rent, quick internet speed and a vast collection of restaurants and bars, Manchester scored highest for Gen Z workers. The city is already proving popular with Gen Z, with 18-24 year olds now representing 15 per cent of the Manchester population, up six per cent in the last five years. The city’s high average salary and reputation for good nightlife also contributes to its top spot position.
Unsurprisingly, London has the most restaurants and bars (21,048) compared to any other city, and it also has the highest average salary (£31,766). However, the cost of living puts the capital in second place overall for Gen Z workers.
Outside of London, Derby ranks highest for average salary at £26,429. The city with the lowest salary is Blackpool (£20,524).
The city with the highest average rent for a studio flat is London at £950 a month. Blackpool takes the top spot for the lowest rent average, at £294.
1. Manchester
Average rent (studio flat, median): £600
Average meal cost: £15.00
Internet speed (mbps): 86
% change in 18-24 population: 6%
Average salary: £24,293
Restaurants & bars: 2,152
2. London
Average rent (studio flat, median): £950
Average meal cost: £20.00
Internet speed (mbps): 100
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £31,766
Restaurants & bars: 21,048
3. Kingston upon Hull
Average rent (studio flat, median): £328
Average meal cost: £10.60
Internet speed (mbps): 163
% change in 18-24 population: -1%
Average salary: £21,677
Restaurants & bars: 540
4. Bradford
Average rent (studio flat, median): £375
Average meal cost: £10.00
Internet speed (mbps): 73
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £23,637
Restaurants & bars: 669
5. Blackpool
Average rent (studio flat, median): £294
Average meal cost: £10.00
Internet speed (mbps): 75
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £20,524
Restaurants & bars: 571
6. Birmingham
Average rent (studio flat, median): £550
Average meal cost: £10.00
Internet speed (mbps): 93
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £24,298
Restaurants & bars: 2,124
7. Norwich
Average rent (studio flat, median): £525
Average meal cost: £14.00
Internet speed (mbps): 64
% change in 18-24 population: 1%
Average salary: £25,486
Restaurants & bars: 614
8. Derby
Average rent (studio flat, median): £450
Average meal cost: £13.50
Internet speed (mbps): 94
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £26,429
Restaurants & bars: 488
9. Coventry
Average rent (studio flat, median): £495
Average meal cost: £10.00
Internet speed (mbps): 82
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £25,795
Restaurants & bars: 573
10. Oxford
Average rent (studio flat, median): £800
Average meal cost: £12.00
Internet speed (mbps): 93
% change in 18-24 population: 0%
Average salary: £29,582
Restaurants & bars: 534
Cal Lee, Head of Workthere, said: “It’s interesting to see that London does not take the top spot for Gen Z workers, and that other UK cities are proving competitive at attracting the younger generation.”
“Cities such as Manchester, London, Birmingham and Oxford might not come as such a surprise, however it is really encouraging to see places such as Norwich, Coventry, Derby and Blackpool all make the top 10,” he added.
“The relatively small difference in average salary but much larger difference in living costs highlights the opportunity for cities like these to attract more Gen Z talent as the world of hybrid working takes hold.”
“We are already hearing of several flexible workspace requirements for Derby, Norwich and Coventry, where more flex space is required in up-and-coming cities such as these.”
