Cost of Living in Sunderland

North East
City
Tyne and Wear, England

Population: 277,000

Average House Price

£153.4k

-47% vs UK avg (£290k)

Median Salary

£34,908

-11% vs UK avg (£39,039)

Average Rent

£736/mo

-39% vs UK avg (£1,200)

Quick Facts

Council Tax£1,950Band D / yr
Energy£143/ mo
Water£34.00/ mo
Broadband£40.00/ mo
Bus Pass£66.74/ mo

House Prices in Sunderland

+3.0% year-on-year
Average Property Prices
Based on Land Registry data for 2025-12-01

Average price (all types)

£153,450

Detached£277,140
Semi-detached£159,960
Terraced£106,950
Flat / Apartment£97,650

House prices in Sunderland have increased by +3.0% over the past year.

Salaries in Sunderland

Annual Salary
Median and mean gross annual pay
Median£34,908
Mean£39,004
Median hourly rate£16.61/hr
Salary Range
Lower and upper quartile earnings
Lower quartile (25th)£23,716
Upper quartile (75th)£45,864

vs UK National Median (£39,039)

-10.6%
£4,131 below national average

Monthly Cost of Living in Sunderland

Estimated Monthly Breakdown
What it costs to live in Sunderland each month, based on averages from ONS and open data sources.
CategoryItemMonthly Cost
HousingRent(Average monthly rent)£736
HousingCouncil Tax(Band D, paid over 12 months)£163
UtilitiesEnergy(Gas and electricity)£143
UtilitiesWater£34.00
UtilitiesBroadband£40.00
TransportTransport(Monthly commute estimate)£172
FoodGroceries(Estimated monthly shop)£233
LeisureLeisure(Gym, dining out, entertainment)£140
Estimated Total£1,662

These figures are estimates based on averages and may vary depending on your lifestyle, property type, and household size. Council tax shown at Band D; your band may differ.

Transport Costs in Sunderland

Monthly Bus Pass
Standard adult monthly bus pass

£66.74

Fuel per Litre
Average petrol price per litre

£1.33

Monthly Commute
Estimated monthly commuting cost

£172

Compare Sunderland with Another Location

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Sunderland

What is the average house price in Sunderland?
The average house price in Sunderland is £153,450, based on HM Land Registry data for 2025-12-01. Detached homes average £277,140, while flats and apartments average £97,650. Prices have risen by +3.0% over the past year.
What is the average salary in Sunderland?
The median annual salary in Sunderland is £34,908, compared to the UK national median of £39,039. This is £4,131 below the national average. Salaries typically range from £23,716 (lower quartile) to £45,864 (upper quartile).
How much does it cost to rent in Sunderland?
Average monthly rent in Sunderland is £736 per month. Rents have increased by +6.0% over the past year.
Is Sunderland an affordable place to live?
Sunderland is reasonably affordable, with rent taking up around 25% of the median monthly income. This is close to, but within, the 30% affordability threshold. The average monthly rent is £736, while the median annual salary is £34,908 (approximately £2,909 per month before tax).
How does Sunderland compare to London?
The average house price in Sunderland is £153,450, compared to approximately £551,000 in London. Property in Sunderland costs around 28% of London prices, making it £397,550 cheaper on average. Rent is also more affordable, at £736 per month versus approximately £2,253 in London.
Are house prices rising or falling in Sunderland?
House prices in Sunderland are currently rising, with a +3.0% increase over the past year. The current average price of £153,450 reflects data from 2025-12-01. As with all property markets, past performance does not guarantee future changes.