City Comparison · 2026

Leeds vs York 2026

West Yorkshire

Leeds

Median Salary £34,800

Cost of Living 70/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £850/mo

Real Take-Home £25,600/yr

Job Growth ↑ 4.7%

Unemployment 4.3%

North Yorkshire

York

Median Salary £31,000

Cost of Living 70/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £900/mo

Real Take-Home £23,400/yr

Job Growth ↑ 3.8%

Unemployment 3.5%

Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary

Leeds

Best take-home pay after accounting for rent and cost of living.

Best for Affordability

Leeds

Lower cost of living index means your money goes further every day.

Highest Headline Salary

Leeds

Higher median salary before cost of living is taken into account.

Lowest Rent

Leeds

More affordable average rents leave more of your salary in your pocket.

Best for Career Growth

Leeds

Higher job growth rate and more active job market for ambitious professionals.

Best Overall Value

Leeds

When salary, cost of living and rent are all considered together.

Top Salaries: Leeds vs York

Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and a major financial centre with a rapidly growing digital and creative economy.

Full Leeds Guide →

York

York is a historic city with a strong professional services and financial sector alongside significant tourism and chocolate manufacturing heritage.

Full York Guide →

Live Jobs

Jobs in Leeds

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Jobs in York

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£52,800 vs £34,800

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£36,500 vs £34,800

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Birmingham vs Leeds

£33,200 vs £34,800

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Birmingham vs York

£33,200 vs £31,000

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