Birmingham is geographically and economically central to the UK and consistently priced as if it weren't. The window in which it stays this cheap is closing — HS2 will eventually do to it what better trains did to Manchester — but for now, it's the best value city of its size in England.
Rent, briefly
A one-bed in central Birmingham (Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth) is £750–950/month. The same flat in central Manchester is £200 more; in central London, £1,500 more. Selly Oak and Stirchley are the best value for students and first jobs.
The food
- The Balti Triangle (Sparkbrook / Balsall Heath) is the original. Adil's and Shababs are the heritage spots; £10 buys a balti that feeds two.
- Digbeth Dining Club — Friday-night street food market, plates from £6.
- Bonehead for fried chicken. Original Patty Men for burgers. Both under £15pp.
Trains — the cheapest hub in England
Birmingham New Street is the most central station in the UK rail network, and Avanti / West Midlands Trains advance fares are absurdly cheap if booked early.
- Birmingham → Manchester: from £8 single
- Birmingham → London: from £15 single
- Birmingham → Cardiff / Bristol: from £12
Use Trainline's "Split Save" — Birmingham routes are routinely 30% cheaper split than as a single ticket.
Free things
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery — free, home to the Staffordshire Hoard.
- The Library of Birmingham — free, the best modern public library in the UK.
- Cannon Hill Park — 250 acres, free outdoor gym, free playgrounds.
- Custard Factory in Digbeth — free to wander, paid events optional.
Canals
Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice — actually true, often repeated. The Brindleyplace → Cambrian Wharf → Gas Street Basin loop is two hours of free entertainment with cafés on the towpath.
A note on the "second city" status
Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK by population and, oddly, gets less London-press coverage than Manchester does. The locals don't seem to mind. The food, the rents, and the trains all benefit from this.