London is expensive and crowded - how much better is it to live up north?

If you've read our piece about leaving London earlier this year, you'll already be aware of the pitfalls associated with life in the capital - but we didn't actually highlight the advantages of living up north.

In this article we take an in-depth look at the two most popular city destinations north of the M25. We profile everything from career opportunities, average property prices and key industries - helping you to envisage how your work and lifestyle would look elsewhere.

The north / south divide

With a ￡75,000 deposit, a one-bedroom flat in Paddington, London, could be yours for just ￡3,620 per month over 25 years. The flat includes cracked bathroom tiles and an eight foot square kitchen space.

With a ￡30,000 deposit, you could buy a new build, four-bedroom detached home in Swinton, Manchester, for just ￡1,002 per month over the same period.

Still not tempted to leave London?

Well the prices above are just one of many differences between the north and south.