York , United Kingdom

79

York is a compact cathedral city in northern England, shaped by Roman streets, medieval walls, and a rare concentration of rail links for its size. It feels both historic and practical: a place where daily life can still unfold on foot, under stone towers and along the rivers that meet at its core.

Est. monthly cost €2,500 – €3,100
Overall score 79
Car Free Living Remote Workers Families Foodies

Livability scores

  • Walkability 18 / 20
  • Rail Connectivity 13 / 15
  • Public Transit 7 / 10
  • Affordability 9 / 15
  • Safety 7 / 10
  • Air Quality 6 / 10
  • Quality Of Life 8 / 10
  • Food Culture 4 / 5
  • Car Free Practicality 8 / 5

Food guide

York’s food culture blends historic Yorkshire comfort cooking, rich chocolate-making heritage, and a thriving pub and café scene. Visitors find classic roasts, local baking and curd tarts alongside global street food in markets like Shambles and a growing number of modern bistros and indie coffee shops.

Signature dishes

  • Yorkshire Pudding with Sunday RoastBaked batter pudding served with roast beef, potatoes and gravy, the quintessential Yorkshire Sunday meal.
  • Yorkshire Curd TartTraditional open tart made with fresh curd cheese, dried fruit and subtle spices, often served as a teatime treat.
  • Fat RascalRich, fruity scone-like bun topped with almonds and cherries, famous at Bettys Café Tea Rooms.
  • Fish and ChipsDeepu2011fried battered fish, usually cod or haddock, with thick chips, a classic Yorkshire seaside and pub staple.
  • ParkinDense oat and black treacle ginger cake, traditionally eaten in Yorkshire around Bonfire Night.
  • Toasted TeacakeLightly spiced, fruited bread roll, toasted and served with butter in York’s cafés.
  • Wensleydale CheeseCrumbly, tangy Yorkshire cheese often served on cheese boards or with fruitcake.

Where to eat

  • Bettys Café Tea Rooms Tea room and bakeryHistoric café famed for afternoon tea, Fat Rascals and classic Yorkshire baking.
  • Shambles Market Food Court Streetu2011food marketCentral outdoor market with diverse streetu2011food stalls and local produce, ideal for casual lunches.
  • Drake’s Fish & Chips Fish and chip shopOne of York’s oldest chippies, known for traditional battered fish and hearty portions of chips.
  • Shambles Kitchen Casual streetu2011food cafu00e9Popular spot on the Shambles for pulledu2011pork sandwiches and creative hot sandwiches.
  • Pearly Cow Modern restaurantSeafoodu2011focused restaurant highlighting local produce, including Yorkshire coast crab platters.
  • Thor’s Tipi (seasonal popu2011up) Popu2011up bar and streetu2011food venueSeasonal Nordicu2011style tipi bars offering drinks and rotating local streetu2011food traders.

Markets & food shopping

  • Shambles Market
  • Shambles Market Food Court
  • York Market (central openu2011air stalls around Shambles area)