UK Answers

Cost of Living in Sunderland: Rent, House Prices, Council Tax and Pay

Renting the average home and paying Band D council tax uses about 39% of the take-home pay on the median full-time salary (£890 of £2,258 a month).

Official data: HM Land Registry, ONS and the council tax releases · checked 8 October 2026

CostSunderlandMore detail
Average house price£147,114House prices
Median full-time salary£32,744Salary
Take-home pay a month on the median£2,258
Average private rent a month£707Rent
Council tax, Band D, a month (12 payments)£183Council tax
Mortgage on the average home a month (10% deposit)£786at 5.15% over 25 years

What the numbers add up to

  • Renting the average home and paying Band D council tax uses about 39% of the take-home pay on the median full-time salary (£890 of £2,258 a month).
  • A mortgage on the average home with a 10% deposit would cost £786 a month, 43% of take-home pay once council tax is added. The house price is 4.5 times the median full-time salary.

These are averages and medians for the whole area, so your own costs will differ. The comparison of rent with pay is illustrative: the rent figure covers all tenancies, and the median is for full-time employees.

Work out your own budget

Sources: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, ONS Price Index of Private Rents, ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and the official 2026-27 council tax releases. Each page above gives the date and licence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Sunderland?

In Sunderland the average house price is £147,114, the average rent is £707 a month and Band D council tax is £183 a month, against a median full-time salary of £32,744.

How much of a typical salary goes on rent in Sunderland?

Average rent of £707 a month is 31% of the take-home pay (£2,258 a month) on the median full-time salary.

Is it better to rent or buy in Sunderland?

Rent averages £707 a month, against about £786 a month for a mortgage on the average home (before upkeep). The right choice depends on how long you will stay. Try the rent or buy calculator.

← Cost of living by area