Compare the main costs in each place, including rent or mortgage payments, council tax, energy, broadband, transport, food, childcare and insurance. Use local letting listings, council tax bands and household bills based on your own circumstances, rather than relying only on national averages. Check whether likely wages, commuting costs and access to services could change the overall picture, and use the official gov.uk website to check benefits or support you might qualify for. Remember that prices vary by property and household, so treat any cost of living comparison as an estimate and review current figures before deciding.