United Kingdom flag

Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom

Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Hero Image
Wikipedia Contributor, CC BY-SA
🌊 Coastal

Data updated Nov 13, 2026

Follows United Kingdom Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

70
FIRE
63
Retiree
73
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 73)

The economy has shifted dramatically from its fishing port origins to embrace creative industries, education, and tourism. The University of Hull's 16,000+ students inject serious money into the local economy, while the emerging film industry — dubbed 'Hullywood' after hosting The Crown and Enola Holmes 2 — is getting a £3m purpose-built studio complex by 2025. Port operations still matter, but you're more likely to find work in education, healthcare, or the growing creative sector than traditional maritime jobs.

Rent averages $750/month for a city center one-bedroom, making Hull genuinely affordable by UK standards. The Paragon Interchange connects you to major cities by rail and bus, though you'll rely on these since Hull isn't exactly a transport hub. Healthcare through the NHS works as expected. English is obviously the language, but the local accent takes adjustment. Bureaucracy is standard UK-level tedious, nothing worse than elsewhere in the country.

Winters are properly grim — cold, wet, and dark — while summers stay mild and pleasant. The 2017 City of Culture designation wasn't just marketing fluff; Hull genuinely developed a solid arts scene with decent galleries and The Deep aquarium. The Old Town offers historic charm, and there's enough going on culturally to keep you busy. The expat community is small but the student population keeps things lively. This works for people wanting affordable UK city living without London prices, especially if you're in education or creative fields.

Estimate the cost of moving to Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom

Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom. Takes 10 seconds.

How much are you shipping?

When are you moving?

Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$3,001/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Kingston upon Hull at the mid-range tier comes to about $3,001 a month for one adult, with $1,867 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $196 on groceries, $218 on dining out, $174 on entertainment and lifestyle, $462 on utilities and connectivity and $84.00 on transport.

Rent

$1,867/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$196/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$218/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$174/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$462/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$84.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$1,134/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $2197.26/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

See low-fee transfers

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Kingston upon Hull's cost of living compares with Abersoch

Be the first to report costs in Kingston upon Hull

Share

🛡️ Safety & Crime

74.81
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

25.19
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Kingston upon Hull is genuinely safe for daily life, with a Numbeo Safety Index of 80 reflecting low violent crime and a walkable city center. Most expats report feeling secure during daytime and early evening. However, like many post-industrial UK cities, Hull has pockets of deprivation; stick to central areas and well-lit routes after dark. The city's reputation as rough is outdated—it's considerably safer than its 1990s image suggests.

Petty theft and vehicle break-ins are the primary concerns rather than violent crime. Avoid displaying valuables on public transport or in parked cars. The Newland Avenue and Beverley Road areas are generally safe, but outer estates like parts of West Hull warrant caution late at night. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable in the city center; standard urban awareness applies. Scams are rare; standard UK-level vigilance suffices.

The UK has stable governance, reliable police, and no political instability affecting daily life. Hull's main challenge is economic deprivation rather than safety threats—unemployment and drug-related issues exist but don't typically affect expat residents in central neighborhoods. For Americans aged 30-65 considering relocation, Hull offers genuine safety, affordability, and community. It's a solid choice if you value security and don't require a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

🏥 Healthcare

Good
Health Care Index (higher is better)
90.97
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

See how Kingston upon Hull's healthcare compares with Abersoch

🌤️ Climate

Climate Zones
Temperate
Summer Temp
21°C
Winter Temp
2°C
Humidity
80%
Air Quality Index
38
Pollution Index (lower is better)
26.58
Climate Index (higher is better)
89.88
Annual Rainfall
965 mm

Best Months

JunJulAugSep

Climate Notes

Maritime climate with cool summers and moderate winters.

Commute & Property

Commute Time Index
36.67
Price to Income Ratio
9.36

Indices last read Nov 13, 2026.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
70 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$39/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
73/100

Community Notes

An up-and-coming destination with a rich maritime history offering ample resources for nomads.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Regus - Hull, Kingston HouseLocated in the city centre, this Regus offers a reliable and professional environment. It's a good option for those who prefer a more corporate setting with standard amenities and easy access to transportation.
C4DI (Centre for Digital Innovation)C4DI is a hub for tech and digital businesses in the Fruit Market area. It offers a modern, collaborative environment with a focus on innovation, making it ideal for digital nomads interested in networking and potential collaborations.
Spaces - Hull, Kingston HouseAlso located in Kingston House, Spaces provides a more design-focused and creative coworking environment than Regus. It's a good option for those seeking a stylish workspace with a community vibe in the city center.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Working remotely from Kingston upon Hull? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

See nomad insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

See how Kingston upon Hull's digital nomad life compares with Abersoch

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
The Avenues, Newland Park
Banks Nearby
24
ATMs Nearby
19

Expat Life Notes

Hull is an affordable port city that has seen revitalization; it offers a high degree of friendliness and maritime charm.

Pros

  • ✓ Extremely affordable for UK
  • ✓ Friendly locals
  • ✓ Unique cultural identity

Cons

  • ✗ Economic challenges
  • ✗ Gray weather
  • ✗ Isolated location

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Kingston upon Hull

Areas of Kingston upon Hull that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

City Centre

Bustling commercial and cultural hub

The heart of Hull, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, museums, and public transport. A mix of students, young professionals, and increasingly, city-dwelling retirees reside here. Can be noisy, especially on weekends, but offers convenience and a vibrant atmosphere.

The Avenues

Leafy Victorian residential charm

A desirable residential area characterized by tree-lined streets and Victorian architecture. Popular with families and professionals, it offers a quieter pace of life while remaining close to the city centre. Good walkability and bus routes make it easy to get around, though parking can be challenging.

Princes Avenue

Bohemian cafes and nightlife

Known for its diverse range of restaurants, bars, and independent shops. A popular spot for students and young professionals, it has a lively and energetic atmosphere. Offers good transport links to the city centre and surrounding areas, but can be noisy at night.

Hessle

Affluent riverside village atmosphere

Located just west of Hull, Hessle offers a more relaxed and upscale living environment. Overlooking the Humber Bridge, it features a charming village centre with independent shops and restaurants. Well-connected to Hull by road and rail, making it a good option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the city.

Page 1 of 2

Could living/working in Kingston upon Hull cut years off your work life?

With a 1-bedroom in the center at $2197/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.

Calculate My FIRE Date →

🛂 Visa Options for United Kingdom

Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.

Compare health insurance

We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

🛂

Not sure which United Kingdom visa you qualify for?

Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.

Find My Visa

More Cities to Consider instead of Kingston upon Hull

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Kingston upon Hull

Click any question to expand the answer.

Share This Guide