Achieving a work-life balance hinges on more than just earning a good salary – it is also about having the time and resources to enjoy personal life as well. Cities where shorter commutes and greater access to recreational spaces align with fair working hours tend to offer a more satisfying lifestyle.
Where in the UK do people enjoy the best work-life balance?
A recent study by Eskimoz has determined the best UK cities for work-life balance, focusing on four key factors: commute time, weekly earnings, working hours, and recreational amenities. Each city was scored on these metrics, with lower commute times and working hours earning higher scores. Recreational areas were calculated by measuring the density of parks, restaurants, bars, and other lifestyle amenities per square kilometre. The cities were then ranked based on a weighted composite score.
Manchester takes the top spot for work-life balance in 2025, with the shortest commute time (19.65 minutes) and a high density of recreational amenities.
The leading outcomes are:
| City | One way commute times in minutes | Gross Weekly Earnings | Average Working Hours | Recreational Areas per km2 | Score |
| Manchester | 19.65 | 706.7£ | 35.75 | 28.47 | 100.0 |
| Leeds | 21.65 | 665.1£ | 35.02 | 23.01 | 84.7 |
| Milton Keynes | 14.05 | 778.7£ | 35.99 | 9.85 | 84.0 |
| Norwich | 20.00 | 639.6£ | 35.94 | 25.28 | 78.6 |
| Reading | 21.10 | 783.8£ | 37.52 | 17.88 | 75.9 |
| Coventry | 19.70 | 797.9£ | 36.25 | 8.50 | 74.8 |
| Southampton | 18.70 | 703.9£ | 35.60 | 13.93 | 73.8 |
| Bristol | 21.60 | 709.1£ | 36.82 | 20.53 | 72.2 |
| Derby | 20.35 | 756.3£ | 36.20 | 10.17 | 68.5 |
| Nottingham | 22.90 | 591.7£ | 36.26 | 27.59 | 66.4 |
As indicated above, Manchester ranks first with a score of 100, driven by its short average commute (19.65 minutes) and high recreational density of 28.47 amenities per square kilometre. Although weekly earnings are relatively average, Manchester’s combination of work convenience and leisure opportunities make it the top pick for work-life balance.
Leeds ranks second with a score of 84.7, thanks to its solid recreational options and competitive work hours (35.02 hours). The city’s commute time of 21.65 minutes is a bit longer, and weekly earnings of £665.10 are lower than in some other cities, but Leeds still offers a favorable balance of work and life.
Milton Keynes ranks third with a score of 84, largely due to its high gross weekly earnings of £778.70. While its recreational amenities per square kilometre are lower than other cities on the list, Milton Keynes benefits from the shortest commute time and manageable weekly work hours.
Norwich ranks fourth with a score of 78.6, offering an average commute time of 20 minutes and an above-average density of recreational spaces. Although weekly earnings of £639.6 lag behind the top contenders, Norwich offers a reasonable workweek and a strong lifestyle score, making it a good option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Reading ranks fifth with a score of 75.9, offering the highest weekly earnings of £783.8. Despite having one of the longest average working hours at 37.5, its 21.1-minute commute time and decent recreational amenities density help position it in the middle of the rankings.
Coventry ranks sixth with a score of 74.8, with the second-highest weekly earnings at £797.9. Despite a reasonable commute time and moderate working hours (36.25), Coventry’s limited number of recreational spaces hold it back from climbing higher in the rankings.
Southampton ranks seventh with a score of 73.8. Its 18.70-minute commute and good earnings (£703.90) are balanced out by slightly higher working hours (35.6) and fewer recreational amenities. Southampton offers a solid work-life balance but is outpaced by cities with a stronger mix of work flexibility and leisure.
Bristol ranks eighth with a score of 72.2, with a longer commute time (21.6 minutes) and a higher average workweek (36.82 hours). While its recreational score is decent and weekly earnings are competitive, the city’s longer commutes and higher work hours keep it from being a top contender.
Derby ranks ninth with a score of 68.5, with good weekly earnings (£756.30) but a sparse offering of recreational amenities. A 20.35-minute commute and moderate working hours (36.20) make it a solid option, though it doesn’t match the work-life balance seen in the higher-ranked cities.
Nottingham ranks tenth with a score of 66.4, marked by the longest commute time (22.90 minutes) and the lowest weekly earnings (£591.70). Despite a strong density of recreational spaces (27.59 per km2), Nottingham’s high commute and work hours (36.26) push it to the bottom of the rankings.
