Where does Belfast stand? UK cities ranked for remote working
Working from home isn’t really a temporary thing anymore. For a lot of people in the UK, it’s just part of normal life now. It’s easy to see why: no commuting, more flexibility, and the option to choose your own workspace. For many, it has shifted from being a job perk to something that shapes their whole routine.
But some places support remote work better than others. A strong internet connection, comfortable cafés, coworking spaces, and things to enjoy after work all make a difference. The city you live in can really affect how productive you feel, how connected you stay, and how well you switch off at the end of the day.
A new study by Unit4 analysed 60 major UK cities to find out which are best suited for remote workers. Each city was scored on nine key factors that affect daily life, including broadband speed, cost of living, coworking options, safety and access to remote jobs. Data came from trusted sources such as Ofcom, the Office for National Statistics, LinkedIn, Coworker and Numbeo.
Each factor was given a specific weight to reflect its importance for remote work, with connectivity and workspace access carrying the most influence.
Belfast ranks 35th in the UK for remote work. Around 95.6% of premises have download speeds of 300Mbit/s or higher, while just 0.3% fall below 10Mbit/s, giving residents reliable connectivity for video calls, uploads, and collaboration.
The city has 4.91 coworking spaces per 100,000 people, offering some alternatives for those who prefer to work outside the home. Belfast is home to 963 attractions, including parks, museums, and cafés, with an average café rating of 4.47 stars, providing opportunities to relax or change your working environment. Monthly living costs are £746, making it an affordable option for remote workers balancing budget with lifestyle.
Mark Baars, spokesperson for Unit4 commented:
“Remote work has become a permanent feature of modern working life because people have realised it can be just as efficient as being in the office. Beyond saving time on commuting, it gives individuals the flexibility to structure their day in a way that suits them, whether that’s focusing on deep work in the morning or taking breaks when it benefits their concentration.”
“It’s not just about productivity. Remote work can have significant mental health benefits. Being able to spend more time at home or in local neighbourhoods allows people to exercise more, pursue hobbies, or simply rest, which helps reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. The ability to design your working environment also lets people create spaces that make them feel comfortable and energised, which can be hard to replicate in a traditional office.”
“Ultimately, remote working is changing the way we think about work-life balance. It encourages a lifestyle where people can be professional and productive without sacrificing personal time, and it has opened up opportunities for people to live in cities or towns that suit their needs rather than being tied to commuting or office locations.”
Top 20 cities for remote workers:
| Rank | Area | Remote Job Opportunities per 100 People | Premises with >=300Mbit/s Download Speeds | Premises unable to receive 10Mbit/s | Average Coffee Shop Ratings (Out of 5 Stars) | Cost of Living | Number of Attractions in the City | Coworking Spaces per 100k People | Overall Remote Work Suitability |
| 1 | Worcester | 12 | 78.40% | 0.00% | 4.63 | £857 | 218 | 8.69 | 73.01% |
| 2 | Lincoln | 12 | 85.40% | 0.30% | 4.58 | £825 | 269 | 4.89 | 71.38% |
| 3 | Gloucester | 9 | 92.10% | 0.30% | 4.39 | £927 | 229 | 9.06 | 71.22% |
| 4 | Exeter | 9 | 91% | 0.80% | 4.50 | £1,214 | 298 | 9.28 | 69.61% |
| 5 | Cambridge | 8 | 93.60% | 0.10% | 4.44 | £1,650 | 522 | 11.06 | 69.00% |
| 6 | St Albans | 11 | 90.70% | 0.30% | 4.44 | £1,729 | 166 | 6.73 | 68.02% |
| 7 | Chester | 12 | 73.60% | 0.90% | 4.49 | £1,341 | 511 | 6.75 | 66.57% |
| 8 | Norwich | 8 | 89.90% | 0.10% | 4.51 | £1,030 | 503 | 4.89 | 66.44% |
| 9 | Preston | 8 | 74.90% | 0.30% | 4.42 | £674 | 229 | 9.49 | 66.21% |
| 10 | Dundee City | 8 | 93.30% | 0.10% | 4.54 | £812 | 282 | 3.39 | 66.15% |
| 11 | Lichfield | 12 | 77.70% | 1.00% | 4.48 | £975 | 82 | 2.81 | 66.06% |
| 12 | Nottingham | 4 | 93.50% | 0.20% | 4.47 | £915 | 732 | 12.52 | 66.00% |
| 13 | Manchester | 2 | 83.10% | 0.70% | 4.43 | £1,228 | 1206 | 21.28 | 65.29% |
| 14 | Bristol | 3 | 92.70% | 0.50% | 4.58 | £1,765 | 855 | 19.53 | 64.81% |
| 15 | Derby | 5 | 95.60% | 0.10% | 4.54 | £754 | 306 | 6.89 | 64.66% |
| 16 | Oxford | 8 | 77.60% | 0.40% | 4.41 | £1,663 | 602 | 12.50 | 63.83% |
| 17 | Southampton | 5 | 93.40% | 0.40% | 4.48 | £1,142 | 484 | 8.90 | 63.74% |
| 18 | Newport | 7 | 86.60% | 0.70% | 4.51 | £765 | 161 | 4.38 | 63.41% |
| 19 | Peterborough | 6 | 89.70% | 0.40% | 4.59 | £899 | 238 | 6.47 | 63.18% |
| 20 | Lancaster | 8 | 82.40% | 0.60% | 4.54 | £703 | 205 | 1.41 | 62.84% |
| 35 | Belfast | 2 | 95.60% | 0.30% | 4.47 | £746 | 963 | 4.91 | 58.61% |