City Comparison · 2026

Swansea vs Blackpool 2026

Wales

Swansea

Median Salary £29,500

Cost of Living 63/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £700/mo

Real Take-Home £23,200/yr

Job Growth ↑ 3.5%

Unemployment 5%

Lancashire

Blackpool

Median Salary £25,500

Cost of Living 58/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £550/mo

Real Take-Home £20,900/yr

Job Growth ↑ 2.5%

Unemployment 7.5%

Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary

Swansea

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

Best for Affordability

Blackpool

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

Highest Headline Salary

Swansea

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

Lowest Rent

Blackpool

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

Best for Career Growth

Swansea

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

Best Overall Value

Swansea

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

Top Salaries: Swansea vs Blackpool

Swansea

Swansea is Wales's second city with a growing technology sector driven by Swansea University and major digital employers.

Full Swansea Guide →

Blackpool

Blackpool is a major seaside resort with the most affordable living costs of any UK city but faces significant economic challenges.

Full Blackpool Guide →

Live Jobs

Jobs in Swansea

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Live Jobs

Jobs in Blackpool

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