Countryside vs City Living: Pros, Cons and What to Consider

This guide covers the main costs, transport needs, local services and housing choices to consider when comparing city and countryside living.

When comparing countryside vs city living, think about the type of home you can afford, how you will travel and what you want within easy reach.

Countryside living may suit you if you want more space, access to nature and a less built-up setting. City living may work better if you value public transport, employment options and everyday facilities close to home.

There is considerable variation within both settings. Use this guide to identify your priorities, then compare the costs, homes, transport connections and services in the areas you are considering.

Benefits of living in the countryside

Potential for more space: Homes in some rural areas may provide more indoor or outdoor space for your budget.
Access to nature: Rural areas can make it easier to enjoy walking, cycling and other outdoor activities close to home.
A less built-up setting: You may prefer being surrounded by fields, woodland or open countryside.
Local connections: Villages and smaller communities can provide opportunities to meet neighbours through local groups, events, schools and independent businesses.
Space for hobbies: A garden, garage or outbuilding could provide room for gardening, storage, hobbies or working from home.
A different pace of life: Some people prefer the routine and surroundings offered by a less densely populated area.

Drawbacks of living in the countryside

Limited public transport: Bus and rail services may be less frequent, particularly during evenings and weekends.
Greater reliance on a car: Regular journeys may require a car, adding fuel, insurance and maintenance to your household costs.
Longer everyday journeys: Shops, schools, healthcare and other services may be spread across several villages or towns.
Fewer employers nearby: Some rural areas have a smaller range of local employment options, particularly for specialist roles.
Fewer leisure facilities: Restaurants, cinemas, gyms and larger shopping areas may require a journey to the nearest town or city.
More maintenance: A larger home or garden can take more time and money to look after.
Broadband and mobile coverage: Services can differ between individual properties, which may affect people who work from home.

Benefits of living in a city

Public transport: Many cities provide access to bus and rail services, while some also have tram or underground networks.
Employment options: Cities can place you closer to a broader range of employers and industries.
Everyday services: Shops, healthcare, childcare and other services may be available within a shorter distance.
Places to eat and socialise: Urban areas often provide a broad choice of cafés, pubs, restaurants, music venues and community spaces.
Arts and culture: Museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas and event venues may be easier to reach.
Social and professional connections: Living near more businesses, events and groups can provide more opportunities to meet people.
Less reliance on a car: You may be able to walk, cycle or use public transport for more journeys.

Drawbacks of living in a city

Housing costs: Homes in some cities can cost more than comparable properties elsewhere.
Less space: Flats and compact houses are common in densely populated areas, so consider storage, homeworking space and your future needs.
Traffic and busy public transport: Congestion can make journey times less predictable, while services may be crowded during peak periods.
Noise: Road traffic, nearby businesses, construction and nightlife can create more noise in some neighbourhoods.
Air quality: Pollution levels can differ between nearby streets, particularly around busy roads.
Competition for school places: Cities may provide a wider choice of schools, but admissions and availability depend on the area.
Limited private outdoor space: Some urban homes provide a balcony, terrace or shared garden instead of a private garden.
A busier setting: Crowded streets and busy services may not suit everyone.

What to compare before choosing

Think about an ordinary week rather than an ideal weekend. Consider where you would buy groceries, how you would travel to work and which services you would want within easy reach.

When comparing homes, look beyond the development’s postcode. Check the journeys and services you would use during a normal week, together with all property-specific costs.

The following questions can help you compare the locations and homes you are considering.

Is it cheaper to live in the countryside or a city?

There is no single answer. Housing may cost less in some rural areas, but transport, energy and maintenance costs could reduce the saving.

City housing may cost more, although living close to work and public transport could reduce the amount you spend on driving or owning a car.

Compare your expected monthly and occasional expenses rather than looking only at the property price.

Housing costs can include:

mortgage payments and rent, where relevant to the type of home or tenure
your deposit
legal fees, survey costs and applicable mortgage fees
Council Tax
energy and water bills
service charges or estate charges, where applicable
buildings and contents insurance
repairs, maintenance and gardening

Location-related costs can include:

commuting and public transport
owning, maintaining and parking a car
travelling to shops and essential services
childcare and school travel
travelling to see family and friends

Your costs will depend on the property, location, tenure and needs of your household. Review the full costs before making a financial commitment.

What type of home do you need?

Location is only one part of the decision. The types and sizes of homes available may also differ between rural and urban areas.

Think about whether you need:

a house or a flat
private or shared outdoor space, such as a garden, terrace or balcony
allocated or on-street parking
space to work from home
additional bedrooms or storage
step-free access
space for children, pets or hobbies

Check the property’s tenure and ask what you will be expected to pay for or maintain. Your solicitor or conveyancer can explain the legal documents and obligations for the individual home.

Do you need a car in the countryside?

A car may be necessary in some rural locations. Before moving, check:

weekday, evening and weekend bus timetables
the distance to the nearest railway station
the time of the last service home
safe walking and cycling routes
taxi and community transport services
school and healthcare transport
typical journey times during commuting hours

Do not rely on distance alone. A short journey can still be difficult without a suitable footpath, road or public transport service.

Consider whether the location would continue to work if you could no longer drive or your travel needs changed.

How could location affect your employment options?

Cities often provide access to more employers, while rural living may work well for people with local, remote or flexible jobs. The right location depends on your occupation, commuting needs and working arrangements.

If you work remotely or on a hybrid basis, check the cost and practicality of travelling to your workplace when required. Check broadband and mobile coverage at the individual property address too.

If you expect to change jobs, consider whether the location provides access to several employment centres rather than relying on one employer.

Which setting may suit you?

Countryside living may suit you if:

you value indoor or outdoor space
you want easier access to nature
you are comfortable travelling further for some services and activities
your work arrangements support the move
you can manage the upkeep of a larger home or garden

City living may suit you if:

you want public transport and everyday services close to home
you value access to a broad range of employers
you regularly visit restaurants, events or cultural venues
you want to reduce your reliance on a car
you are prepared to balance location, space and housing costs

The choice does not have to be between a remote rural property and a major city centre. A village near a town, a suburb beside open countryside or a smaller city with good access to green spaces may give you elements of both.

Focus on what you can reach from the property rather than how the location is described.

Checks to make before moving

Once you have shortlisted an area, carry out practical checks before reserving a home or making an offer.

Visit more than once: Explore the area during the day, in the evening and at the weekend.
Test your regular journeys: Try the commute and other important routes at the times you expect to travel.
Check public transport: Review current routes, timetables, costs and the last service home.
Review local services: Identify nearby shops, healthcare, childcare and other services you regularly use.
Research schools: Where relevant, check admissions information, travel arrangements and Ofsted inspection reports.
Check broadband and mobile coverage: Use the Ofcom broadband and mobile coverage checker to review the services available in the area. Confirm availability and expected performance for the individual property with your intended provider before proceeding.
Consider accessibility: Look at step-free transport, walking routes, healthcare access and community transport where relevant.
Check parking: Confirm whether the home has allocated parking, on-street restrictions, permit costs or electric vehicle charging facilities.
Check flood risk: Use the government’s long-term flood-risk service and ask your solicitor or conveyancer about the searches and information provided for the individual property.
Review planned development: Use the government service to search the register of planning decisions and review the relevant local authority planning register.
Check the surrounding area: Consider road and rail noise and other local factors that could affect the property.
Review the property costs: Ask about service charges, estate charges, parking costs and maintenance responsibilities.
Consider future needs: Think about possible changes to your work, household, mobility and travel arrangements.

The government’s long-term flood-risk service provides area-level information and does not confirm whether an individual property will flood. Ofcom’s checker provides predicted availability and coverage information, while actual services and speeds at a property can differ. Ofsted’s service covers inspection reports for schools, colleges and registered childcare in England. Proposed developments that need planning permission are made public through the relevant council’s planning register.

These initial checks do not replace legal advice or a property survey.

Our guide to what to consider before moving to a new area covers further checks you can make.

Final thoughts on countryside vs city living

The right choice depends on the home you need and how you want your daily routine to work. Compare the full costs, test your regular journeys and check the services available from each property.

You may find that a well-connected village, suburb or smaller city gives you the balance of space, convenience and access to nature you are looking for.

Find a home in a location that works for you

From transport connections and local services to space and access to nature, the right location depends on what matters to you.

Explore current Guinness Homes developments and compare locations, transport connections and available homes.

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Shared Ownership is subject to eligibility, an affordability assessment and availability. The share you can buy and the costs you will pay will depend on the property and your circumstances. Check the full costs and terms before proceeding.

Reviewed by the Guinness Homes content team
Last reviewed: 25 August 2026