Now let’s waddle down to Brighton. The hippest, most liberal city by the sea—where the beach is made of pebbles and the rent is made of tears. Buying a seaside flat here costs about the same as a small island in the Caribbean. The difference? The Caribbean gives you sun; Brighton gives you seagulls that steal your pasty.
Property prices in Brighton have gone up by 40% in a decade, which is roughly the same percentage increase in pier candy floss prices. You’ll pay London-level rent for the joy of hearing “I’m sorry, the train to London is cancelled” every weekend. And yet, people love it. Why? Because it’s the only place where you can get a vegan tattoo, a vintage jacket, and a hangover all in one afternoon.
The surprising truth? Brighton’s popularity is so fierce that even parking permits cost a fortune. You might need a second job just to park your car. But hey, at least the sea air smells like fried dough and freedom—expensive, damp freedom.
The cheapest and most expensive cities to live in | This is Money
