Relocating to the UK as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) involves more than just passing PLAB or MRCP and getting your GMC registration. One of the most overlooked but crucial decisions is where to live and work as an IMG doctor in the UK. While London often steals the spotlight, many cities across the UK offer a much better balance of cost of living, cultural diversity, and access to NHS jobs – making them ideal for IMGs beginning their journey.
This blog breaks down some of the best cities for IMG doctors to relocate to, factoring in rental prices, community support, job availability, and overall quality of life.
Why City Choice Matters for IMG Doctors
Your first NHS job can shape your long-term career trajectory and personal well-being. Choosing the right city will affect your:
Living expenses
Commute time to work
Mental health and community integration
Opportunities for specialty training or career progression
With the UK’s regional salary structures and housing market variation, two doctors with the same job role may have vastly different experiences depending on where they live.
1. Birmingham – A Hub for IMGs in the West Midlands
Why it’s ideal:
Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, with a large South Asian and African diaspora. This city offers numerous NHS Trusts including University Hospitals Birmingham and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust—both IMG-friendly employers.
Cost of Living:
Rent is much cheaper than in London, with one-bedroom flats averaging around £700–£900 per month.
Community & Culture:
The presence of mosques, temples, ethnic supermarkets, and cultural festivals creates a sense of familiarity for many newcomers.
Bonus: Easy access to PLAB academies and support groups for UK medical exams.
2. Manchester – Career Growth with a Cosmopolitan Vibe
Why it’s ideal:
Manchester is one of the UK’s leading cities in healthcare innovation and home to multiple NHS hospitals, including Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. It’s a hotspot for postgraduate training, audits, and research.
Cost of Living:
You can expect to pay around £850–£1100 for a one-bedroom apartment, still much more affordable than London.
Diversity:
Manchester has strong multicultural roots with IMG communities from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. It also has great schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.
3. Leicester – Compact, Affordable, and Supportive
Why it’s ideal:
Leicester is one of the most affordable cities in the UK with a growing IMG doctor population. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust has an excellent reputation for recruiting and retaining IMGs.
Cost of Living:
A one-bedroom flat can be found for £650–£850 in most areas.
Diversity & Integration:
Leicester boasts a significant South Asian population and offers a welcoming environment for IMGs with free English classes, community centers, and religious sites.
Career Edge:
Less competition means more room for personal and professional development.
4. Glasgow – Scotland’s Hidden Gem for IMG Doctors
Why it’s ideal:
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and offers a unique opportunity for IMGs to work in NHS Scotland, where some recruitment and training pathways differ slightly from NHS England.
Cost of Living:
Glasgow is surprisingly affordable, with rent averaging around £600–£850 per month.
Job Opportunities:
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is the largest health board in the UK and is actively recruiting IMGs, particularly in medicine and psychiatry.
Lifestyle Perks:
Scotland offers beautiful landscapes, free prescriptions, and a slightly lower cost of living than many English cities.
5. Sheffield – A Peaceful City with Excellent NHS Access
Why it’s ideal:
Sheffield is known for its green spaces, friendly locals, and accessible NHS job market. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has multiple vacancies for junior doctors and clinical fellows.
Cost of Living:
You’ll find quality rental options for around £600–£800, making it ideal for IMGs with families or those saving for exams and visas.
Community Feel:
Smaller than Manchester or Birmingham but rich in culture and diversity, Sheffield gives you the big city resources with small town warmth.
Cities IMGs Often Overlook (But Shouldn’t)
Bradford – Very affordable and IMG-friendly Trusts
Newcastle – Great for psychiatry, mental health, and research
Nottingham – Family-friendly, good schools, excellent hospitals
Cardiff (Wales) – Offers separate NHS Wales jobs with IMG support
Leeds – Well-connected, vibrant, and supportive of junior doctors
Key Considerations Before You Choose
While selecting the best city as an IMG doctor, always consider:
Visa sponsorship availability
Job security and rota structure
Access to ethnic communities or faith-based groups
Proximity to PLAB/MRCP/MRCS resources
Public transport, schools, and long-term living plans
Your first move as an IMG in the UK doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Choosing a city where the cost of living aligns with your salary, where diversity makes you feel at home, and where IMGs are actively welcomed in the NHS can set the tone for your success.
No place is perfect, but some cities can make your transition much smoother. Whether it’s the community in Leicester, the opportunity in Manchester, or the peace of Sheffield – there’s a place that fits your dreams and budget.
Want help choosing the right city for your NHS journey?
Join our free TrewLink Community Forum, where IMG doctors from across the UK share their stories, give insider tips, and support each other every step of the way.
Your NHS career starts here, but you don’t have to do it alone.