Cities Outlook 2025

“The Cities Outlook 2025 report highlights Oxford’s strong performance in workplace wages, with the city ranking 9th out of 63 UK cities and towns. This reflects the success of the city’s cutting-edge industries, like biotech and AI, which contribute significantly to the local and national economy. 

“While we welcome the city’s position and higher average wages, we acknowledge there are still affordability challenges.  

“For years, we’ve been campaigning to push up pay through the Oxford Living Wage to ensure that workers can better meet their living costs in such an expensive area. However, the report finds that Oxford remains the most unaffordable city in the UK.  

“We know tackling this requires more than just higher wages. That’s why we are also building more affordable homes, addressing housing costs, and supporting an inclusive economy where everyone has access to opportunities. 

“We echo the report’s call for Government action to deliver on its economic growth ambitions through English devolution, industrial strategy, and planning reforms. 

“For Oxford, this means continued investment in affordable housing, promoting the Oxford Living Wage and creating a fairer economy where everyone benefits from our city’s success.” 

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council  

Read the full report on the Centre for Cities website.