When we told our friends we were moving to the cheapest seaside town in the UK, the responses ranged from raised eyebrows to full-blown disbelief. Why leave behind convenience, choice, and a Deliveroo radius for somewhere described as “in the middle of nowhere”? Our answer is simple: peace, space, and a much lower cost of living.
Where Is the Cheapest Seaside Town in the UK?
We now call Peterlee, in County Durham, home. Nestled near the North Sea coast, this quiet town is often overlooked for its more famous neighbours like Scarborough or Whitby. But Peterlee has something many UK seaside towns have lost: affordability.
According to recent data, Peterlee consistently ranks as the cheapest seaside town in the UK. The average house price hovers well below the national average, and even rentals are within reach for most people. For comparison, what we paid for a three-bedroom house here would barely get you a studio flat in Brighton.
What It’s Like Living Here
No, we don’t have artisan bakeries on every corner or boutique coffee shops with oat milk options. But what we do have is nature, quiet streets, and a genuine sense of community. The town centre is basic but functional. There’s a post office, a few supermarkets, takeaways, and a high street that hasn’t fully surrendered to chain stores.
More importantly, we’re minutes from the coast. The beaches may not be lined with palm trees, but they’re clean, uncrowded, and perfect for long walks. Watching the waves roll in on a blustery weekday morning beats sitting in traffic on the M25.
Why We Love It
We didn’t move here for glamour. We moved for space to breathe. Living in the cheapest seaside town in the UK means we can save money, work remotely in peace, and avoid the rat race. Life here moves slowly, but that’s exactly the point.
It’s not for everyone. If nightlife, endless restaurants, and constant buzz are essential, you might find it quiet. But if you’re after affordability, coastal living, and a simpler lifestyle, Peterlee might just surprise you.
Final Thoughts
We live in the cheapest seaside town in the UK, and while it’s far from flashy, it gives us more of what matters most: time, freedom, and calm. And that’s worth more than any city postcode.
