As the cost of living continues to soar, many are seeking more affordable places to live, especially retirees. A new study has revealed several surprising locations where pensions stretch furthest, with one city in particular topping the list - and it's also a place where "architecture plunges you into another time".

In the study, 30 major UK cities were analysed as the best places for a comfortable retirement, with general affordability, healthcare, housing and lifestyle factors all taken into account. Edinburgh was number one in the research with the highest affordability score. And not only that, the Scottish city is also renowned for being absolutely stunning. With its historical buildings and great atmosphere, this city of seven hills has much to offer as the top place where pensioners can retire most comfortably.

Key findings in the new study, carried out by Kaybridge Residential, an independent estate agency, ranks Edinburgh in the lead with 'highest affordability score', followed by Leeds and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Kaybridge Residential property experts have revealed how housing costs, healthcare access, and green space make these cities particularly attractive for secure retirement living - and for millions approaching retirement, these questions can keep them awake at night.

A total of 30 UK cities offering the best value for retirees looking to make their money go further without sacrificing quality of life were also revealed in the data.

Kevin Barzegar from Kaybridge Residential said: "People might assume London or the South East are the only places worth considering for retirement, but our research shows some brilliant alternatives. The key is finding the right balance between affordability and the things that matter most: good healthcare, safety, and quality of life."

The study examined data from 2022 - 2025, looking at pension affordability against living costs, property prices, healthcare access, crime rates, life expectancy, green space availability, and retirement housing options.

Each city received a weighted Comfortable Retirement Affordability Score out of 100, with Edinburgh taking the top spot at 63.26.

Leeds came second on the list followed by Newcastle upon Tyne in third place - and fourth in the ranking was another Scottish city, Glasgow.

Sheffield, Derby, Kingston upon Hull and Bradford were also rated as reasonably affordable in this study.

Next down the list was Devon's city of Plymouth followed by Dudley in the West Midlands, but Edinburgh took the crown with its score of 63.26, proving you don't need to sacrifice culture for affordability.

With average house prices at £288,000 and excellent healthcare access scoring 7.65 out of 10, Scotland's capital offers retirees the perfect mix of urban sophistication and financial sense.

Kevin Barzegar said: "Edinburgh's success comes down to its strong public transport links, 92% of households are within 500 meters of a stop - and fantastic green spaces. Plus, with a life expectancy of nearly 80 years, it's clearly doing something right for its residents."

The city also boasts 48.60 retirement facilities per 100,000 residents, showing it's well-equipped to support its ageing population.

Leeds secured second place with 59.83 points, offering exceptional value with average house prices of just £238,000.

The city's affordability ratio of 1.029 means the average pension more than covers living costs, while healthcare access scores an impressive 8.01 out of 10.

Barzegar said: "Leeds is a hidden gem for retirees, you've got excellent healthcare, reasonable housing costs, and 101.95 retirement facilities per 100,000 people, one of the highest rates in our study."

Newcastle in third spot with 59.49 points, combining affordability with quality living, house prices average £202,000, making it one of the most affordable cities for property buyers, while 85% of households have easy access to public transport.

The city's affordability ratio of 1.040 means pensions stretch comfortably to cover all living expenses.

Glasgow, Scotland's second success rounds out the top four with 59.08 points, at £187,000, it has the lowest average house prices in the top five, making homeownership highly accessible - and the city scores well for green space access with a rating of 73.2.

"Both Scottish cities in our top rankings benefit from lower housing costs compared to England, which really helps pension affordability." Barzegar added.