Moving to Liverpool - What You Need to Know
Liverpool is the 5th most visited city in the UK thanks to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and diverse nightlife. Although it is among the major cities in the UK, property prices remain comparatively low. The cost of living index shows that life in Liverpool is 18% lower than in London, according to Numbeo.
Based in the North West of England, Liverpool is a popular choice due to its cultural significance. Home to The Beatles and the Merseybeats music scene, the city has been named the European City of Culture twice. The Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is also a former UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Compare My Move has created this ultimate guide for those moving to Liverpool. We’ve gathered essential information on Liverpool’s housing market and what you can expect once you make the city your home.
Here are the average removal costs to keep in mind:
| Property Size | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| 1 Bed | £252 |
| 2 Bed | £669 |
| 3 Bed | £876 |
| 4-5 Bed | £948 |
Overall Average | £1,101.02 |
These costs are taken from our data and are averages from all property types
Property in Liverpool
Property prices remain fairly low in Liverpool compared to other UK cities. According to the UK House Price Index, the average property price in Liverpool was £174,327 over the last year. This is 27% cheaper than Manchester’s average of £239,930 and 67% cheaper than London’s average house price of £520,640.
Here are the average prices by property type in Liverpool, according to the UK House Price Index:
| Property Price | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Detached Houses | £349,356 |
| Semi-detached Houses | £216,711 |
| Terraced Houses | £154,381 |
| Flats and Maisonettes | £134,204 |
All costs are correct as of March 2024
For those looking to rent in Liverpool, the current average renting price is £1,160 pcm, according to Home.co.uk’s Rental Market Data.
Cost of Living in Liverpool
The average monthly cost for a family of four is £2,814.30, according to Numbeo. Single-person costs for a home in Liverpool are £853.60. These averages exclude rent and accounts for the following:
- Clothing
- Restaurants
- Sports/Leisure
- Grocery Shop
- Transportation
- Utilities
Comparatively, Manchester has an average monthly cost of £2,912.50 for a family of four while a single person pays £857.30. Conversely, London costs around £3,817.90 on average for a family of four and £1,096.20 for a single person.
Here are the average price of cost of living examples in Liverpool:
| Cost of Living Examples | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Transport Pass (Monthly) | £67.80 |
| Utility Bills (Monthly - One Person) | £319 |
| Gym Membership (Monthly) | £28.10 |
| Taxi (5 Miles) | £10.44 |
| Dinner in a Restaurant for 2 People | £60 |
| 1 Cinema Ticket | £10 |
| Beer (0.5L) | £4.83 |
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | £6.41 |
| Cappuccino | £3.18 |
These costs are taken from Numbeo
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Best Areas to Live in Liverpool
When relocating to Liverpool, you must familiarise yourself with the different neighbourhoods. Whether you plan to work, study, or move to be closer to family, this will allow you to budget for your move.
For example, living closer to the city centre will likely cost more, but you may find other costs such as transport links are less. On the other hand, properties further afield tend to cost less but you'll have to account for travelling fees.
Here are some of the best areas to live in Liverpool:
| Area | Average Property Price | Average Rent (pcm) |
|---|---|---|
Aigburth | £247,907 | £979 |
Allerton | £347,366 | £1,768 |
Childwall | £309,113 | £1,252 |
Crosby | £261,575 | £932 |
Woolton | £300,367 | £1,061 |
Data taken from Rightmove and Rentoo
These locations are known for their beautiful green spaces and for being family-friendly areas. They also boast a wide range of local amenities, making them a wonderful place to live.
1. Aigburth
Aigburth is among the safest areas in the city and is known for Sefton Park, a popular destination for locals. It is located near Otterspool Promenade which overlooks the River Mersey and Lark Lane which is home to many independent bars and shops.
2. Allerton
Allerton is near Mossley Hill and contains Calderstones Park, one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the city. In the middle of the park is Calderstones House, a Grade II listed building that provides a beautiful backdrop to the large green space. Allerton is where Paul McCartney grew up and visitors can see the blue plaque on his childhood home.
3. Childwall
Childwall has plenty of spacious homes thanks to the high number of detached and semi-detached properties. Fans of architecture and history can visit the many listed buildings found in the area. This includes Hearse House, which is located at All Saints' Church. Childwall is a short distance from John Lennon Airport, making it convenient for those moving from abroad.
4. Crosby
Crosby is a relatively new borough in Liverpool, having historically been part of Lancashire until 1974. It is ideal for those looking for a location further away from the city centre. It is a suburb that has thrived since the Victorian era thanks to the excellent railway networks to the surrounding areas. Crosby is also known for Crosby Beach, home to the iconic Another Place art installation by renowned artist Antony Gormley.
5. Woolton
Woolton, also known as Woolton Village, is known for its leafy streets as well as being the place where John Lennon grew up. There is plenty of architecture dating back to the Victorian Era including the public swimming baths and the public library.
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Best Things to Do in Liverpool
Liverpool is internationally renowned for its art, culture, and nightlife. With plenty of options for everyone, you are sure to find something to enjoy. Here are some of the biggest draws the city has to offer:
Sports
Liverpool is known for its passionate football culture. Home to Liverpool FC and Everton FC, thousands of fans flock to the city for the Merseyside Derby. Liverpool FC’s home is Anfield Stadium while Everton FC is based in Goodison Park with their new home, Everton Stadium, under construction.
The city is also home to Aintree Racecourse, which is known for hosting The Grand National. 150,000 people visit Liverpool every year during the 3-day event.
Music
There is a prominent music scene in Liverpool thanks largely in part to The Beatles and the Merseybeats Era. Liverpool has a lot of attractions for those wanting to learn more about the Scouse music scene. Many fans take a ride on the Magical Mystery Tour Bus that stops off at iconic locations such as The Cavern Club and Strawberry Fields.
Liverpool is also renowned for its world-class orchestra. Fans of classical music can view spectacular performances at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
Museums and Galleries
Those wanting to delve into history and culture can benefit from the wide range of museums and galleries dotted around the city. Boasting the largest number of museums and art galleries outside London, some of the most popular choices are:
- World Museum Liverpool
- Tate Liverpool
- Merseyside Maritime Museum
- Walker Art Gallery
Food
Liverpool’s culinary scene is extremely popular with tourists and residents alike. You can choose a traditional dish such as Scouse, Liverpool’s signature stew. There are also plenty of eclectic options meaning you are sure to find something suited to your tastes.
The Baltic Triangle is among the most favoured eateries in the city centre. It is a creative hub filled with independent food stalls and shops. Another popular restaurant is Cowshed Liverpool. Cowshed is a steakhouse based on Seel Street, which is known for its pubs and restaurants.
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Schools and Education in Liverpool
If you’re moving to Liverpool with a family, you might need to find both primary and secondary schools for your children. Compare My Move has done the research to help you with securing a new school place for your children, whether they are at primary or secondary age.
There are many outstanding Ofsted-rated primary schools in Liverpool with an age range of 2-11. There are also many outstanding and good-rated secondary schools with a variety of age ranges from 11-19.
We’ve listed 5 of the best primary and secondary schools in Liverpool using data from School Guide.
The 5 Best Primary Schools in Liverpool
Here are the top primary schools to consider:
| Primary School | Location | Age Range | Most Recent Ofsted Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
The Beacon Church of England Primary School | Liverpool | 2-11 | Outstanding |
Whitefield Primary School | Liverpool | 3-11 | Outstanding |
St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School | Liverpool | 3-11 | Outstanding |
St Nicholas Catholic Academy | Liverpool | 3-11 | Good |
St Anne's Catholic Primary School | Liverpool | 3-11 | Good |
The 5 Best Secondary Schools in Liverpool
Here are the top secondary schools to consider:
| Secondary School | Location | Age Range | Most Recent Ofsted Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Archbishop Blanch CofE High School | Liverpool | 11-18 | Outstanding |
The Belvedere Academy | Liverpool | 11-19 | Outstanding |
The Studio School Liverpool | Liverpool | 14-19 | Good |
North Liverpool Academy | Liverpool | 11-18 | Good |
Liverpool Life Sciences UTC | Liverpool | 14-19 | Good |
Higher Education
There are four universities in Liverpool. These are:
- University of Liverpool
- Liverpool Hope University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
Those are also specialist educational centres for those embarking on vocational courses. These include the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Liverpool Community College.
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Where to Work in Liverpool
The average salary in Liverpool is £29,000, according to PayScale. Liverpool was once dominated by the nautical industry and the industrial trade, but its economy is very different now.
The top employers in Liverpool are Unilever and the NHS. The most popular occupations are Accounts Assistant, Operations Manager, and Teaching Assistant.
Although the shipping industry doesn’t influence Liverpool’s industry, it remains a major contributor to the local economy. It’s predicted that a £5.5 billion redevelopment project called Liverpool Waters will lead to the expansion of this industry and will also create 1,700 jobs. This 30-year project aims to transform the docklands into a thriving community hub.
Business services are hugely important to Liverpool, as they are in most cities and economies. Every kind of business service is available in the city, from consultancy and marketing to operations and logistics.
Transport in Liverpool
Liverpool is well connected with public transport and is often the best option for those working around the city. Merseyrail runs the operation and proves to be a faster and cheaper method for those travelling to the city centre.
There are four main train stations in the city: Liverpool Lime Street, James Street, Liverpool Central and Moorfields. Each of these stations links the city centre with services running every 15 minutes from all regional stations in the city.
If you live and work in Liverpool, you can buy a Merseyrail Only Railpass which offers cheaper travel on the Northern and Wirral lines. For a monthly pass for all zones, it will cost you £128.70.
Merseytravel also runs bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas across Merseyside. This includes regular bus services to and from the Wirral and Southport.
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Finding a Removal Company
When you're ready for your move to Liverpool, make sure you get help from Compare My Move. We have a network of trusted removal companies to help care for your whole move. You can compare quotes from up to 6 removal companies and save up to 70% on your removal fees.
Our removal partners have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance in place. This ensures you receive the best service and results.
