What is the most expensive place to run a home in England?

As of June 2026, Liverpool is the most expensive included authority at about £5,134 a year (energy £1,862 + water £598 + Band D council tax £2,674). Its Gera Cost-of-Living-at-Home Index is 105, where 100 is the national average.

Why is it more expensive to run a home there?

Energy is the same national figure everywhere, so the difference is driven by council tax (the Band D bill varies widely between authorities) and the water company's average bill. Liverpool combines higher council tax with the United Utilities bill (£598/yr).

Can I lower these costs?

You can't switch water company, but you can reduce energy use, claim any council tax discount (single adults get 25% off), check social tariffs, and switch broadband. GeraHome connects you with local energy-efficiency and maintenance pros.

Most expensive places to run a home in England

Top 15 by highest annual total · June 2026

What are the most expensive places to run a home in England?

As of June 2026, the most expensive English local authority to run a home (energy + water + council tax) is Liverpool at about £5,134 a year — a Gera Cost-of-Living-at-Home Index of 105, against a £4,897 national average. The next dearest are Pendle, Gateshead, Stockport. Sources: Ofgem, Water UK/Ofwat, MHCLG.

Source:Ofgem energy price cap, Water UK / Ofwat water bills, MHCLG council tax (joined by Gera)·as of June 2026updated quarterly (last: 19 June 2026)

Most expensive English local authorities to run a home (June 2026)
Rank	Area	Water company	Total /yr	GCLHI
66	Liverpool	United Utilities	£5,134	105
65	Pendle	United Utilities	£5,100	104
64	Gateshead	Northumbrian Water	£5,084	104
63	Stockport	United Utilities	£5,079	104
62	Oldham	United Utilities	£5,062	103
61	Rochdale	United Utilities	£5,061	103
60	Salford	United Utilities	£5,054	103
59	Walsall	Severn Trent Water	£5,045	103
58	Sefton	United Utilities	£5,043	103
57	Preston	United Utilities	£5,036	103
56	Bury	United Utilities	£5,015	102
55	Burnley	United Utilities	£5,009	102
54	North Yorkshire	Yorkshire Water	£5,008	102
53	Durham	Northumbrian Water	£4,990	102
52	Rossendale	United Utilities	£4,980	102

Tap an area for its full breakdown, or compare against the cheapest places to run a home. See how each total is built on the methodology page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most expensive place to run a home in England?: As of June 2026, Liverpool is the most expensive included authority at about £5,134 a year (energy £1,862 + water £598 + Band D council tax £2,674). Its Gera Cost-of-Living-at-Home Index is 105, where 100 is the national average.
Why is it more expensive to run a home there?: Energy is the same national figure everywhere, so the difference is driven by council tax (the Band D bill varies widely between authorities) and the water company's average bill. Liverpool combines higher council tax with the United Utilities bill (£598/yr).
Can I lower these costs?: You can't switch water company, but you can reduce energy use, claim any council tax discount (single adults get 25% off), check social tariffs, and switch broadband. GeraHome connects you with local energy-efficiency and maintenance pros.

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Even in the priciest areas, a GeraHome pro can cut your energy and maintenance bills.

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Contains public sector information published by Ofgem · Water UK / Ofwat · MHCLG and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: Ofgem energy price cap, Water UK / Ofwat water bills, MHCLG council tax (joined by Gera) (June 2026).