With household budgets feeling the strain, many Britons are looking closer to home for affordable summer getaways. New research has identified the UK’s top budget-friendly cities for a day out, offering inspiration for those planning a staycation without overspending.The study, conducted by financial technology company SumUp, considered regional costs including public transport fares, cheap meals, beauty treatments, and accommodation to determine where visitors can enjoy the best value.Cities in the north and middle of England were the clear winners, with Bradford coming out top. This was followed by Derby, Wolverhampton and Manchester. Bradford topped the list, offering cultural attractions at low prices | GETTY10 cheapest UK cities (affordability score)Bradford – 81.2Derby – 73.01Wolverhampton – 70.97Manchester – 68.95Leeds – 68.15Luton – 66.44Stoke-on-Trent – 66.34Liverpool – 62.62Newcastle upon Tyne – 62.6Cardiff – 62.11Recently crowned the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, Bradford offers cultural attractions at low prices. According to the research, local transport tickets cost as little as £2, cocktails average £8, and an overnight hotel stay costs around £88.Derby takes second place, with a vibrant city centre and some of the lowest wellness and beauty treatment prices in the country. Hotel stays average £96 per night, while treatments such as manicures, massages, and facials can be found at particularly competitive rates.Wolverhampton completes the top three, with low-priced cocktails, affordable brunch options, and some of the cheapest wellness treatments among the cities analysed.Visitors can expect to find massages from as little as £6 and manicures or pedicures from around £7. The research highlighted a clear trend, with northern and Midlands cities dominating the rankings. Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle upon Tyne all feature in the top 10, underlining the value available outside the South East.Manchester is a popular staycation city, ranking fourth on the affordability list | GETTYNewcastle is known for its vibrant nightlife and low prices | PEXELSLuton is the only southern city to make the list, while Cardiff represents Wales. For travellers hoping to make the most of the summer without the expense of overseas travel, the research suggests that a UK city break could offer a cost-effective alternative.Head of PR and communications at SumUp, Gabriel Destremaut, said: “The cost of living has impacted everyone across the UK, leaving many people hesitant to indulge in days out with friends and family. “However, people should be able to take time for themselves, which is why we wanted to highlight the areas around the UK where going out for the day or indulging in beauty treatments is the most affordable. “Whether you want a delicious meal, a fruity cocktail, a weekend away, or a spa treatment, there are several low-cost options across the country, and these cities are a great place to start.”