Manchester is the best city in the UK for freelance careers, according to new research.
MoneySuperMarket have released their ranking of the top cities for freelancers, placing London fifth, behind Brighton & Hove, Edinburgh and Belfast.
Researchers analysed data from multiple sources to compile the rankings, taking into account factors including: number of start-ups, number of freelancers advertising, cost of rent, hourly rate and number of coffee shops. Each city was also given a life satisfaction score, out of a maximum of 10 points.
The report found Business Support, Design and Writing & Translation to be the most popular sectors for freelancing.
Meanwhile, 61% of freelancers surveyed described going self-employed as a good career move, with only 10% of respondents saying they regret the decision.
59.6% of survey respondents said getting to work flexible hours was a key benefit of freelance work, with inconsistent cash flow most commonly cited as a downside to freelancing.
You can read the full report here.
Here are the top 10 UK cities for freelancers:
1. Manchester
Start-ups: 21,815 / Freelancers advertising: 1,001 / Coffee shops: 225 / Cost of rent (pcm): £949 / Hourly rate: £30.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.35
2. Brighton & Hove
Start-ups: 14,765 / Freelancers advertising: 327 / Coffee shops: 172 / Cost of rent (pcm): £1,200 / Hourly rate: £26.50 / Life satisfaction score: 7.6
3. Edinburgh
Start-ups: 20,260 / Freelancers advertising: 300 / Coffee shops: 184 / Cost of rent (pcm): £995 / Hourly rate: £29.50 / Life satisfaction score: 7.59
4. Belfast
Start-ups: 10,590 / Freelancers advertising: 145 / Coffee shops: 209 / Cost of rent (pcm): £550 / Hourly rate: £20.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.65
5. London
Start-ups: 541,310 / Freelancers advertising: 6,196 / Coffee shops: 1,288 / Cost of rent (pcm): £1,876 / Hourly rate: £30.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.5
6. Leeds
Start-ups: 28,905 / Freelancers advertising: 409 / Coffee shops: 170 / Cost of rent (pcm): £845 / Hourly rate: £30.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.51
7. Glasgow
Start-ups: 20,235 / Freelancers advertising: 358 / Coffee shops: 234 / Cost of rent (pcm): £598 / Hourly rate: £25.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.46
8. Bristol
Start-ups: 6,810 / Freelancers advertising: 482 / Coffee shops: 150 / Cost of rent (pcm): £1,001 / Hourly rate: £37.50 / Life satisfaction score: 7.43
9. Nottingham
Start-ups: 9,485 / Freelancers advertising: 296 / Coffee shops: 122 / Cost of rent (pcm): £910 / Hourly rate: £25.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.36
10. Newcastle upon Tyne
Start-ups: 8,695 / Freelancers advertising: 267 / Coffee shops: 179 / Cost of rent (pcm): £789 / Hourly rate: £20.00 / Life satisfaction score: 7.29