Leeds named best big city in England to live in

Leeds beat six other major English cities including Manchester and Birmingham in MoneySuperMarket’s 2015 quality of living index.

It scored highly in a number of categories with Leeds residents enjoying an average annual salary of £22,419 compared to £19,801 in Bradford and £20,382 in Sheffield.

House price affordability in Leeds was favourable, working out at an income multiple of 6.6 compared to 7.7 in Birmingham and 9.2 in Bristol.

The unemployment rate is listed as eight per cent in Leeds compared to 10.3 per cent in Birmingham and 10.6 per cent in Liverpool.

The weekly cost of living in Leeds was found to be £377.60, compared to £445.50 in Bristol and £480.60 in London.

Leeds City Council leader Coun Judith Blake, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see Leeds recognised as the country’s best city to live and work in and that the standard of living here compares so well with other big cities across the UK. “That’s a massive endorsement for everyone who works so hard each day to make Leeds such a vibrant and successful place.

“We’ve faced some challenging times together in recent years, but something we can take pride is the fact that we’ve managed to buck the trend and continue thrive as a city, hosting world class events like the Grand Depart and the MOBO Awards, and having a strong, resilient economy against the backdrop of a tough financial climate.

“We have some incredibly exciting things to look forward to as well, like next year’s Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds, the opening of the landmark Victoria Gate development and our bid to be named European Capital of Culture 2023, so we’re confident that Leeds is going to get even better.”