These are the top 10 cities planning a major lifestyle change in 2026 (National)

• Liverpool is named the city with the most people planning to make significant lifestyle changes in the next year. With almost 6 in 10 (39%) planning a change.
• Manchester and Edinburgh follow behind with (35%), signalling a demand for personal change across the UK.
• The study reveals an increasing interest in the UK for wellbeing, financial stability, and long-term security. Many are planning to quit smoking or vaping, relocate to a new city, or choose to start a family.
• From quitting smoking to buying a home, Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, explains why people make big life changes. He also explains how to keep your family protected along the way.

New research finds 1 in 3 (30%) Brits will make a major lifestyle change in the next 12 months.

That’s according to new research by Confused.com life insurance, which explores the cities across the UK that are making positive lifestyle changes and the reasons behind them. The experts surveyed 2,000 participants, asking them if they plan to make a change, what type of change they intend to make, and why.

Brits are considering bigger lifestyle adjustments this year. These include quitting smoking (13%) or vaping (12%), relocating to a new city (10%), or choosing to start a family (7%). Making decisions such as starting a family or making positive health choices, including life insurance, has become an essential part of long-term security.

The city with the most people planning to make a positive lifestyle change is Liverpool (39%). With Manchester (35%) and Edinburgh (35%) following in joint second. This reflects a strong appetite for change across the nation, especially in the North West.

The top 10 cities where people are planning to make a lifestyle change in the next 12 months:

• Liverpool

Liverpool ranks highest as the UK city with people making positive lifestyle changes. These changes range from leaving a job that makes them unhappy to finally adding to a savings ISA. Over two-fifths (42%) of Liverpudlians stated they want to increase their finances. 1 in 3 (32%) admitted that their main reason for making a change is to improve their overall quality of life.

• Manchester and Edinburgh

Following in joint second are Manchester and Edinburgh. The people living in these beautifully vibrant cities are showcasing a big desire for self-improvement and lifestyle transformations.

In Manchester, many are looking to improve their overall quality of life.More than a quarter (26%) are adopting a new health or fitness routine, such as running or spinning classes.

Residents of Edinburgh revealed their most common lifestyle change is financially-focused, such as applying for a mortgage.

• Bristol

Bristol ranks third overall, with a third (33%) saying their family has been their main focus. 1 in 3 (30%) stated that their reason for making a change is to enhance their overall quality of life. Many revealed that paying off any outstanding debts and beginning to save for their future was the most important step to doing this.

People in other cities are focused on improving their finances, including Gloucester, where half of the residents (50%) cite money as the most important reason to change their lifestyle. This is followed by Cardiff and Belfast, where a third of people in both cities (33%) also claim to be steered by money.

Around 1 in 10 (10%) Brits say they plan to move to a new city within the next 12 months. Whereas, almost 3 in 10 (28%) are considering moving home this year or next. The research revealed that residents of cities like Aberystwyth (100%), Gloucester (100%), and Oxford (71%) are eager to relocate and begin a new journey in a different city.

The lifestyle changes that are most popular among Brits:

• Adopt a new health or fitness routine

Over a third (36%) of Brits reveal they will adopt a new health or fitness routine next year. Almost half (48%) of Northern Ireland residents have adopted a new health or fitness routine in the last 12 months, followed by Londoners (46%) and Scots (40%).

Overall, health and well-being are the reasons for over 1 in 5 Brits (20%) making big lifestyle changes, making it the most popular reason behind people’s life decisions. Examples include joining the gym, finding an exercise class such as pilates or yoga, and becoming part of a running club.

• Make a significant financial change

The study revealed that the most financially proactive people are in cities such as London. Last year, 2 in 5 (40%) people made the most financial changes here. This is followed by Oxford, with over 4 in 10 (43%) people making big financial changes.

Over a third reveal they will also make a significant financial change by either investing their money, paying off a debt, or beginning a personal savings account in the next year. The research also found that 1 in 6 Brits (17%) admit to making a change to increase their career opportunities. This will have an overall impact on their financial situation in the long term.

With many Brits planning to make a big change to their finances, looking into life insurance can be a valuable step toward ensuring long-term financial security. It offers some financial security and protection for loved ones in unexpected circumstances.

• Focus on eating a clean diet

With a new year imminent, it is no surprise that people are planning a health kick. Almost 3 in 10 (29%) Brits are looking to switch to a cleaner diet, reduce their processed food intake, or adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. , 1 in 3 (31%) females and 3 in 10 (30%) males said their health was the main reason behind the major switch.

The survey revealed that people over age 55 are least likely to make changes to their diet. The younger generations' attitudes steer more towards making a conscious change. Over 1 in 5 (22%) 35–44-year-olds and a fifth (20%) of 25–34-year-olds claim they have already changed their diet, such as becoming a vegetarian or a vegan. Following a cleaner diet is key to reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall BMI. These are all things that are taken into consideration when buying a life insurance policy, and a healthier mind and body could positively affect costs.

The survey found that some people are career-driven, with over 1 in 6 (17%) admitting they are making a change to increase their career opportunities. Whereas others are focused on quitting nicotine, with a quarter (25%) of Brits planning to stop smoking or vaping in the next year.

Despite the research revealing that many people are making changes, the study also found that over half (56%) of Brits are not making a lifestyle change this year. This is because they’re satisfied with their current routines. Over 1 in 6 (17%) Brits claim they don't have enough money to make a change to their lifestyle. Almost a third (28%) say they don't feel it's necessary to make any lifestyle changes.

Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, comments:

You can find more information on life insurance policies here: https://www.confused.com/life-insurance

Notes to editors

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