The UK is officially entering its coldest season, prompting people to turn on their heating and increase their utility usage until the year’s end. However, have you ever thought about how your location might be impacting the cost of your utility bills?
Online home store Wayfair UK has analysed data from Numbeo to reveal the places in the UK that are paying the most for utilities and the results are in!
| Ranking | Location | Average Property Size Meter Squared (All Property Types) | Cost of Utilities* for 85m2 Property (Monthly) | Utilities* per m2 | Average Cost of Utilities* (Monthly) |
| 1 | Liverpool | 92.00 | £292.61 | £3.44 | £316.71 |
| 2 | Glasgow | 97.00 | £263.39 | £3.10 | £300.57 |
| 3 | Edinburgh | 97.00 | £257.24 | £3.03 | £293.56 |
| 4 | Birmingham | 90.00 | £243.99 | £2.87 | £258.34 |
| 5 | Bristol | 92.00 | £238.08 | £2.80 | £257.69 |
| 6 | Nottingham | 85.00 | £245.91 | £2.89 | £245.91 |
| 7 | Manchester | 86.00 | £232.21 | £2.73 | £234.94 |
| 8 | Leeds | 86.00 | £210.21 | £2.47 | £212.68 |
| 9 | Brighton | 78.00 | £228.30 | £2.69 | £209.50 |
| 10 | London | 47.00 | £252.85 | £2.97 | £139.81 |
*Utilities including Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage
Liverpool ranks top as the area in the UK where residents pay the highest utility costs, including gas, electricity, water, and heating. With an average property size of 92 square metres and utility costs averaging £3.44 per square metre, Liverpool residents typically face utility bills of around £316.71 per month.
Globally, Liverpool residents are paying the fourth most in the world for utility bills according to Numbeo with Maastricht, Netherlands, Salzburg, Austria and Munich, Germany coming in slightly above – paying upwards of £400 a month!
Glasgow takes second place, with an average property size of 97 square metres and a cost of £3.10 per square metre. On average, Glaswegians are paying £300.57 per month to cover their utility bills.
With the average property size in London being only 47 square metres and utilities costing £2.97 per metre squared, London residents are on average paying £139.81 per month for utilities.
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How to reduce your utility bills over the next few months
With utilities undoubtedly set to rise over the next few months due to the change in weather, experts at Wayfair UK have revealed their tips on how to reduce your utility bills.
- Avoid using your utilities during peak hours
Some utility providers charge a premium during peak hours of the day as demand for electricity during this time is at its highest – typically between 8 am and 10 pm. With this in mind, consider using your high energy using appliances outside of these times.
- Switch off appliances when not in use
Devices like TVs and coffee machines, often called ‘vampire appliances,’ continue to consume energy even when on standby. Make it a habit to switch off or unplug appliances when not in use to reduce energy costs.
- Install timers
Consider using timers to control lights and appliances to help to minimise utility consumption. Installing a smart thermostat can also be a great step, as it automatically adjusts temperatures to save energy.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances
Energy-efficient appliances will not only significantly reduce your energy and utility bills in the long run but also transform your home with technology that will last longer and be more reliable.
Appliances such as fridges and ovens are definitely worth considering upgrading – when looking to upgrade your appliances, look for appliances labelled with ENERGY STAR ratings.
- Improve insulation
One of the best ways to lower the cost of your utilities is by improving the insulation of your home. By adding insulation to your loft and walls you can largely prevent heat loss, especially in colder climates.
Weatherstripping windows and doors can be equally as effective. This will prevent drafts, reducing heating and cooling loss.