Single person, East Midlands
£21k
minimum gross salary needed to cover typical monthly costs
What salary do you need?
Assumes 5% salary sacrifice. For a different rate use our salary calculator.
Monthly costs
Minimum gross salary needed
£20,800
per year to take home £1,538/month
See if your salary covers your costs
Based on 2026/27 tax rates, standard 1257L tax code, England rates. Regional cost figures are estimates. Your actual costs may vary.
What salary do I need to live in the East Midlands in 2026?
The East Midlands is one of the most cost-effective regions in England. Cities like Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Northampton offer genuine affordability alongside reasonable employment prospects. A single person in the East Midlands typically needs a gross salary of around £21,000 to £23,000 to cover basic monthly costs, making it one of the lowest thresholds in England.
The region has a mixed economic profile combining traditional manufacturing, logistics and distribution with growing digital and professional services sectors. Nottingham and Leicester both have large universities and a strong student population, which influences the rental market and keeps rents at the lower end nationally. The region's central location and good motorway and rail connections make it attractive for distribution and logistics businesses.
For first-time earners or those starting out in their careers, the East Midlands offers excellent value. A salary of £25,000 here provides a more comfortable lifestyle than the same salary in London or the South East, with the ability to save and build financial security from the early stages of a career.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to live in Nottingham or Leicester?
A single person living alone in Nottingham or Leicester typically needs a gross salary of around £21,000 to £24,000 to cover monthly costs. One-bedroom flat rents in both cities tend to range from £750 to £1,000 per month. These cities are among the more affordable in England for young professionals and first-time renters.
Is the East Midlands cheap to live in?
The East Midlands is one of the most affordable regions in England. Living costs for a single person are typically around £1,500 to £1,600 per month, requiring a gross salary of approximately £21,000 to £22,000 to break even. This compares very favourably to London where similar costs would require a gross salary of over £44,000.
What salary is a good wage in the East Midlands?
In the East Midlands, a salary of £28,000 to £35,000 provides a comfortable standard of living for a single person with money left over for savings and leisure. The regional median full-time salary is approximately £35,500, so earnings at this level or above put you in a strong financial position. A salary of £40,000 is very good in the East Midlands and would place you above around 60% of full-time earners in the region.