A new study has revealed that London is the UK’s least relaxing place to live.

The research by UK CBD Brand BrownsCBD analysed key metrics that contribute towards how relaxing a place may be to live, such as:

Life Satisfaction
Anxiety levels
Median weekly pay
Price of petrol and cost of living
Gyms and health clubs per 100k people
Wellbeing levels
Average distance to parks, gardens or playing fields
 
These metrics were chosen due to their impacts on a person’s well-being and stress levels. The less relaxing an area is, the worse quality of life and the more stress people living there can expect to experience, these stresses being mental, financial or social.

1 – London
The capital city of the United Kingdom, London, is a global metropolis and one of the most influential cities in the world. Although research shows that living in London could be less desirable due to house prices averaging £525,000 and the cost of living for one person (£2,234) being just under double the national average (£1,243). London also has fewer gyms per 100,000 people (12), but residents have better access to green spaces, with an average distance of 220 meters.

2 – Sunderland
Sunderland is a coastal city known for its industrial heritage and stunning coastline. However, there are only 24 gyms and health clubs per 100,000 people and less access to green spaces, with an average of 350 meters to the closest park, garden or playing field. Sunderland has a lower average wage of £541 than the £619 national average; this means less disposable income each month. Happiness levels are also lower than in much of the UK (7.10).

3 – Colchester
Colchester is one of the oldest recorded towns in Britain. It boasts a fascinating history dating back to the Roman era. However, residents in Colchester report lower levels of happiness (6.76) which is entirely below the average of other UK cities (7.38). Residents do have less access to green spaces, with the average distance being 498 meters, and less time to use these, as the average hours worked is 33 a week, which is more than many other cities, allowing less time to travel, spend time with family and engage in hobbies.

4 – Salford
Salford is a city in Greater Manchester. Residents, on average, work longer hours than much of the UK (34.8 per week), leaving less time to spend with family and engage in activities they enjoy. There are only 29 gyms and health clubs, meaning fewer places for rejuvenation and relaxation. Anxiety is above the national average (3.35), and happiness is slightly below (7.30).

5 – Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its historic landmarks, festivals, and cultural heritage. However, like many capital cities, living costs tend to be higher, making life more stressful for many people. House prices average £323,000, and weekly wages (£656) are just above the national average (£619). There are only 12 gyms and health clubs per 100,000 people, which gives people fewer places to work out and relax.

6 – Norwich
Norwich has average house prices of £245,000, although average weekly wages are lower than average (£563). Norwich has some of the highest reported levels of anxiety and lower-than-average levels of reported happiness.

7 – Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is a coastal town in Essex, England, known for its seaside attractions and pier. Average house prices in Southend-on-Sea are £330,000, and wages are below average at £601 weekly. There are only 23 gyms and health clubs per 100,000, and green spaces are, on average, 487 meters away.

8 – Peterborough
Peterborough is a city located in Cambridgeshire, England. It has undergone significant growth and development in recent years. However, as cities grow, living costs can always rise and urbanisation. House prices in this city average at £220,000, yet weekly wages are much below the national average at £564. There are also only 25 gyms and health clubs per 100,000 people.

9 – Perth
Perth is a city in central Scotland. House prices average £244,000, and wages average £619. There are only 11 gyms and health clubs per 100,000 people, and green spaces are distanced at an average of 431 meters, which is further than the average of all UK cities (345 meters).

10 – Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the biggest cities in the UK. Cost of living in Birmingham is above average with living expenses costing over £1300 per person. There are only 18 gyms per 100,000 people which is half the national average. Residents in Birmingham are also further away than average from public green spaces such as gardens and parks.