“It’s driving people out” – Salford ranked fifth most expensive in UK for people living alone

Salford has been named one of the most expensive UK cities for solo living. 

Salford has been ranked the fifth most expensive place to live in a survey for Opera Beds.

34% of households in Salford are one-person households, with the median rent for one-bedroom properties in Salford at £1,309. The average cost of utilities is currently £328.23 and the average council tax bill with the 25% single person discount is £1,980.09.

The experts gave Salford a ranking of 2.95/10.

Private rent in Salford rose to an average of £1,098 in January 2025, this was an annual increase of 10.1% from £997 in January 2024. The rise in Salford was higher than the rise in the northwest, which was 9.7%.

Lauren Sumner, a Salford resident who lives alone has noticed a significant increase in both her utility bills and council tax despite the discount. She says the rising price does not reflect the area.

“I feel particularly let down by the local council who have underfunded vital services for many years. The local precinct is a shell of its former self, and nobody seems to care. 

“There is also a lot of crime and no police presence despite being between two major police stations.”

“I work full time for the NHS and have several part-time jobs, I feel as though the lack of support for single working people and the rising cost of living – particularly when you live by yourself – will force hard-working people out of their homes.”

Levi Wolstencroft, another Salford resident, said, “I don’t feel as though the council really cares at all. We were promised 500 affordable homes in the recent election, but it doesn’t touch the sides of the housing needed in this city.”

“I’m all for improving the city I love this place but it’s driving costs for people from Salford up and forcing them to move away.

“Renting is ridiculous and buying a home here has gotten vastly more expensive the last few years as well.”

The average house price in Salford has risen to £223,000 which is a 4.5% rise from December 2023. The average price for first-time buyers was £205,000 in December 2024 which is a 4.8% rise from the previous year.

Doony Mul, a Salford resident, describes it as “gentrification at its finest”.