Homes in Brighton and Hove cost ten times the average income, putting them out of range of many buyers.

Figures today show people in the city earn an average salary of £23,371 but homes cost an average £223,300.

Most mortgage lenders allow buyers to borrow only three-and-a-half times their wage.

The average income in West Sussex is £24,220 and in East Sussex it is £20,893.

The average price of properties in West Sussex has gone up to £208,314, while in East Sussex it is £184,898.

Pay in Sussex is better than in many other parts of the UK and it is in the top 23 areas with the highest average pay.

But it has also experienced some of the biggest rises in house prices, leaving many people struggling to meet the cost of a home.

The figures were published today after a study by the Office for National Statistics at the University of Durham for the GMB trade union.

GMB general secretary Kevin Curran said: "The wages in certain areas are driven down because companies think they can get workers on the cheap the farther they go into the regions.

"This is a disrespectful and unsustainable practice. For a successful economy, all workers need to be recognised for their value, no matter where they live."

Among those struggling to keep up with rising prices is Mark White, 22, a firefighter at Preston Circus on a salary of £19,600. He is living with his parents in Mile Oak but has been looking to buy a property.

After investigating with mortgage lenders, the biggest mortgage he can afford is £85,000.

He said: "I am getting to the age where I want to move out and build my own future. I do not want to move up North or move abroad.

"They are always talking about affordable housing but it is never affordable. There is nowhere in Brighton I can move to. I have looked and I can't even buy a bedsit."

A Brighton paramedic who earns £22,800 said high prices meant ambulance workers were reluctant to work in the city.

He said: "I work in Brighton but have to commute from Uckfield. It is cheaper that way. Other people in the service just don't want to work in Brighton for the same reason."

Jody Mullish, 23, is renting a flat in Queensbury Mews, Brighton, and works for Jo Brooks PR. She takes home about £12,000 a year. She said: "I can just about afford my rent but there is no way I could buy a property here.

"I have only been out of university for a year and this was my first job. I love it and I love Brighton.

"I know if I was doing my job in Leeds on the same wage I would get more for my money.

"But I didn't move to Brighton to make my fortune. I came here because it's a great place to be."