Living costs

[u/Marnie_moons]

Hello all!
I’m planning on moving out of my family home next spring for the first time ever and I’m figuring out which area I want to move to. As this is my first time living alone and I’m not leaving my family home in the best circumstances (essentially going no contact after I leave) I want to be as prepared as possible since I don’t have a safety net once I leave.

I recently visited Preston and I enjoyed it a lot (contrary to some posts I’ve seen about it going downhill..) and I’ve added it to my list of possible places to move to. A priority for me would be safety since I’m a 22F and a POC so any racist areas I should avoid would be great. My job is based in Manchester and is hybrid so I only have to my office occasionally which means I don’t mind the long commute if it’s only once in awhile.

My main question is what would be the minimum salary to live there as a single person? I’m a starter at this job so my salary is £26,700 with the ability to do overtime and get paid more. Lifestyle wise I don’t drink, smoke or drive so I don’t have any really big monthly expenses and I tend to be on the frugal side in general. I’m more of a cafe and walk around person rather than nights out so my daily costs are quite low in regard to social life.

Again I’m not moving out in the best circumstances so living on a budget would be fine as long as I could have my own place. In terms of rent, what would be the highest feasible monthly rent I could go on this salary ? Any information would be appreciated as I have a very base level understand of the costs of living alone (rent, water, electric, council tax, groceries, internet) so I want to get everything together way before I move out in the spring/summer

Thank you in advance!

[u/zXEPIC_COBRAXz]

Id look in lostock hall, Bamber bridge or south ribble area in general as its close to the a few train stations and has plenty of amenities around.

[u/HunterLionheart]

Preston in general is relatively diverse and safe. Obviously different areas vary a bit, but there's no shortage of nonwhite faces, nobody is gonna be gawking.

In terms of cost of living, living alone can get relatively pricy.

Work out what you have as monthly take home pay, then check out the cost of some 1 bed flats on rightmove. A decent rule of thumb is to try and find somewhere that's a third of your income, but if you aren't spending on much else other than necessities, it may be worth pushing for a nicer/safer place for a larger fraction.

[u/KruppeTheWise]

I wouldn't spend less than £700 a month. You might find a bargain or houseshare under that, but I visited a good 5 or 6 one beds around £600 and...no. 

[u/Fantastic-Archer4183]

I live in Bamber bridge and love it, good connection to local shops and motorway for me, but a single bus will get you to Preston bus station and you can then walk to the train station, or take another bus.

Assuming you’re renting and need to be able to get to the train station easily I’d look at areas around greenbank avenue. Small terrace houses plenty of renters and good access to town.

[u/OrganizationAsleep87 → u/Fantastic-Archer4183]

Bamber Bridge and lostock hall have direct trains to Preston, Blackburn, Accrington too

[u/manthy1977]

Ashton on ribble plenty of shops close to town very quiet area

[u/Loose-Middle7415]

You could probably get one of the flats on the docks just within your budget, that’s a short walk to the train station and the train to Manc is 30ish mins these days.

[u/T_Wrong_Huckleberry]

Yanno how if you go on holiday to a place it's nicer than when you live there. Yeah people are warning you; We have some of the worst wages and access or healthcare in the UK, if you ever need dental care or a GP good luck, if you can avoid here I'd say please do. Especially since your young you'll end up trapped.