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UK Area Guides › Ipswich
Suffolk Postcodes: IP1

Ipswich cost of living, rent & area guide (2026/27)

Ipswich offers a tranquil village setting with a strong sense of community. It's generally considered a very safe area, appealing to those seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from urban bustle. Professional appeal is moderate, primarily attracting those who can work remotely or commute to nearby towns.

Avg 1-bed rent £850/mo City centre & suburbs
Flatshare room £550/mo Bills often included
Recommended salary £35,000/yr ~£2,361/mo take-home
Livability score 7.2 / 10 Safety: High

Housing market & rental breakdown in Ipswich

The property market in Ipswich is dominated by period cottages and family homes, with limited new builds. Rental demand is steady, driven by local families and those seeking a quieter life. Flats are scarce, with most rental properties being houses or rooms in shared accommodation.

2026/27 Affordability rule: To keep your 1-bedroom rent (£850/mo) at ~35% of net income under the 2026/27 UK PAYE tax code 1257L, a single professional in Ipswich typically needs a gross annual salary of around £35,000 (£2,361 net/month).

Public transport, commuting & connectivity

  • Trains/Metro: No direct rail service within Ipswich. Nearest station is Ipswich (East Suffolk Line, Great Eastern Main Line).
  • Buses: Local bus services are limited, typically operated by Ipswich Buses or First Eastern Counties, with routes like the 64 serving surrounding villages.

Relocation links: Nearest Airport: London Stansted (STN). Travel time: 1 hr 15 min. Estimated taxi cost: £150. Nearest Major Rail Station: Ipswich. Travel time: 30 min. Estimated taxi cost: £45.

Latest open roles in Ipswich

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IMS Document Control and Assurance Manager

CWA • Ipswich, Suffolk (IP1 3BY)

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Planning Enforcement Officers

Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council • Wherstead, Ipswich (IP1 2BX)

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KS1 Teachers

Step Teachers • Barking, Ipswich (IP6 8HX)

£41,600

Value for Money Manager

CWA • Ipswich, Suffolk (IP1 3BY)

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Investigation Officer

Hadleigh High School • Hadleigh, Ipswich (IP7 5HU)

£45,133

Night Registered Nurse

Skycare • Barking, Ipswich (IP6 8HX)

£45,760

Senior Account Executive

Gallagher • Wherstead, Ipswich (IP1 2FH)

£57,866

Teacher of Science

Ipswich Academy • Ransomes Europark, Ipswich (IP3 0SP)

£35,899

Smart Meter Technical Delivery Specialist

UK Power Networks • Ipswich, Suffolk (IP1 3BY)

£42,036

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