Wise Logo
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a trusted money transfer service used by millions of digital nomads worldwide.

Smart money transfers worldwide.

Affiliate disclosure
Nomad Score: 63%

💰 Cost & Affordability

💸 Cost of Living
42% Weight: 150
Leeds is moderately expensive compared to smaller UK cities but cheaper than London; everyday expenses are manageable but not low-cost.
🏠 Accommodation Cost
38% Weight: 80
Rental prices are high relative to average incomes, especially for central locations favored by digital nomads.
🍎 Food & Groceries
51% Weight: 40
Supermarket prices are average for the UK; dining out can be moderately priced with many budget options.
🚌 Transportation Cost
60% Weight: 20
Public transport is affordable with good bus and train networks; no metro system but reasonable fares.
🎟️ Entertainment Cost
53% Weight: 15
A variety of entertainment options with mid-range pricing; theatre, cinemas, and events are moderately priced.
🏋️ Gym Membership Cost
65% Weight: 10
Numerous gyms with competitive pricing; budget gyms available alongside premium options.
💱 Currency Stability
87% Weight: 30
GBP is a stable currency with low volatility, providing financial predictability.

💻 Digital Nomad Essentials

🚀 Internet Speed
79% Weight: 100
Good broadband infrastructure with average speeds around 70-100 Mbps; fiber available in many areas.
👥 Coworking Spaces Availability
74% Weight: 40
Several coworking spaces in the city center catering to freelancers and startups.
☕ Cafes with WiFi
78% Weight: 30
Many cafes offer free WiFi, suitable for casual work sessions.
💻☕ Digital Nomad Friendly Cafes
69% Weight: 30
Some cafes are known for being nomad-friendly with power outlets and good seating, but not widespread.
🌟 Digital Nomad Popularity
41% Weight: 100
Leeds is not a major digital nomad hub but has a growing community.
📱 Local SIM Card Availability
85% Weight: 25
Easy to purchase prepaid SIM cards with good data plans.

🌟 Quality of Life

⚖️ Work-Life Balance
72% Weight: 30
Good balance with access to parks and cultural activities; typical UK work culture.
🌳 Environmental Quality
63% Weight: 15
Moderate air quality; urban environment with green spaces but some pollution from traffic.
🧼 Cleanliness
67% Weight: 10
Generally clean city with regular maintenance, though some busy areas can be less tidy.
🗨️ Language Barrier
98% Weight: 30
English is the primary language, no significant language barrier for English speakers.
💨 Air Quality
59% Weight: 15
Air quality is average; occasional pollution due to traffic and industrial activity.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly
70% Weight: 25
Good schools, parks, and family activities; suitable for nomads with families.

🏥 Healthcare

🏥 Healthcare Quality
85% Weight: 20
High-quality NHS healthcare services available; good hospitals and clinics.
💉 Healthcare Affordability
90% Weight: 25
Healthcare is free at point of use for residents; affordable for long-term stays.
🏥 Healthcare
87% Weight: 20
Comprehensive healthcare system with good access and quality.

🌿 Climate & Environment

☀️ Weather
23% Weight: 80
Typical UK northern climate: cool, often cloudy and rainy; not ideal for sun lovers.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Risk
96% Weight: 10
Very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes.
🏞️ Green Spaces
71% Weight: 10
Several parks and green areas within the city; good access to countryside nearby.
❄️ Air Conditioning
34% Weight: 15
Air conditioning is uncommon in homes and offices due to mild summers.
🍂 Seasonal Variety
60% Weight: 10
Distinct seasons but mild; winters are cold and summers are cool.
🔊 Noise Pollution
54% Weight: 10
City center can be noisy due to traffic and nightlife; quieter suburbs available.

🎭 Culture & Entertainment

🎭 Culture
78% Weight: 20
Rich cultural scene with museums, theatres, music venues, and festivals.
🌃 Nightlife
70% Weight: 15
Vibrant nightlife with many pubs, bars, and clubs, especially popular among students.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
68% Weight: 15
Close to Yorkshire Dales and Peak District; good for hiking and outdoor activities.
🗣️ Language Learning Opportunities
75% Weight: 10
Many language schools and community classes available.
🧭 Local Experiences & Tours
64% Weight: 10
Good variety of local tours and cultural experiences, though less touristy than larger cities.
🎳 Indoors Fun
72% Weight: 10
Museums, galleries, cinemas, and indoor sports facilities provide ample indoor activities.

🍎 Food & Fitness

🍽️ Food Scene
71% Weight: 25
Diverse food options including traditional British and international cuisines.
🧠 Yoga Studios
66% Weight: 10
Several yoga studios and wellness centers available.
🏋️ Fitness Facilities
70% Weight: 15
Good range of gyms, sports clubs, and fitness classes.
🥗 Healthy Food Options
73% Weight: 15
Many health-conscious cafes and organic food stores.

💼 Work Environment

🕰️ Time Zone Favorability
75% Weight: 20
GMT timezone is convenient for European and some American clients.
🤝 Networking Opportunities
68% Weight: 25
Active startup and tech communities with regular meetups and events.
💻 Remote Job Opportunities
65% Weight: 20
Growing remote work culture but fewer opportunities than London.
🆓 Freelance Ecosystem
67% Weight: 20
Moderate freelance market with coworking spaces supporting freelancers.
🏢 Coworking Quality
73% Weight: 30
Modern coworking spaces with good amenities and community events.

📈 Business & Economy

🚀 Startup Scene
69% Weight: 15
Emerging startup ecosystem with support from local accelerators.
💳 Local Payment Services
80% Weight: 10
Widely accepted digital payments and banking apps; contactless payments common.
🔗 Blockchain & Crypto Adoption
55% Weight: 15
Moderate interest and adoption; some local meetups but not a major hub.

🚆 Transportation

✈️ Airport Connectivity
67% Weight: 30
Leeds Bradford Airport offers domestic and some European flights; good rail links to major airports.
🚇 Public Transit
68% Weight: 20
Reliable bus services and train connections; no metro but good coverage.
🚶 Walkability
74% Weight: 20
City center is compact and walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets.
🚗 Ride-sharing Services
71% Weight: 15
Uber and local ride-hailing services widely available.
🚲 Cycling
62% Weight: 10
Growing cycling infrastructure but still developing; some bike lanes and rental options.
🚄 Intercity Travel Options
75% Weight: 15
Good train connections to London, Manchester, and other cities.
🛵 Scooter/Bike Rental Availability
58% Weight: 10
Limited e-scooter schemes; bike rentals available but not widespread.

📡 Connectivity

📱 Mobile Network Coverage
83% Weight: 20
Strong 4G and increasing 5G coverage throughout the city.
🔒 VPN Reliability
87% Weight: 20
Reliable internet infrastructure supports stable VPN connections.
⚡ Power Grid Reliability
91% Weight: 15
Stable and reliable electricity supply with minimal outages.
📶 Public WiFi Availability
69% Weight: 10
Public WiFi available in many cafes and some public areas but not ubiquitous.

⚖️ Legal & Administrative

🛂 Visa Ease
40% Weight: 40
UK visa process is strict and can be costly; no specific digital nomad visa.
📊 Tax Friendliness
45% Weight: 30
Relatively high taxes compared to many countries; complex tax system for freelancers.
🗣️ Freedom of Speech
94% Weight: 15
Strong protections for freedom of speech and expression.
🏛️ Political Stability
88% Weight: 20
Stable political environment with well-established institutions.
🏦 Ease of Opening Bank Account
57% Weight: 15
Can be challenging for non-residents; requires proof of address and documentation.
📄 Ease of Business Registration
70% Weight: 10
Relatively straightforward process for registering a business online.
📄✈️ Digital Nomad Visa Availability
0% Weight: 35
No dedicated digital nomad visa available in the UK.

🌍 Digital Nomad Community

🌍 Nomad Friendly
55% Weight: 50
Moderately friendly with good infrastructure but limited visa options and higher costs.
🤝 Nomad Events & Meetups
59% Weight: 25
Some meetups and networking events but not a major hub for nomad gatherings.
🌐👥 Online Community Presence
63% Weight: 20
Active online groups for freelancers and remote workers in Leeds.

🛡️ Safety & Tolerance

🛡️ Safety
76% Weight: 100
Generally safe city with low violent crime rates; usual urban precautions advised.
♀️ Female Friendly
78% Weight: 50
Safe and inclusive environment with good support networks for women.
✊ Racial Tolerance
72% Weight: 50
Diverse population with generally tolerant attitudes; occasional issues like any urban area.

Feedback Thank You!

Thank you!

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.