Want to live somewhere nice? Be ready to work longer

Posted by Teresa Schlueter, LSE and SERC Everyone knows that both wages and the cost of living vary a great deal across the UK. There’s a lively debate about this, not least rows about benefit cuts and the 'bedroom tax'. Many commentators think workers on low or moderate incomes living in high price areas face an affordability problem. Others argue that these areas are more desirable places to live, workers might face lower real wages - but get better amenities in return.