Career progression in the north

Keeping this short as I need some general advice.

I'm 3YOE working remote for a UK FinTech based in London. I live in the North outside of Manchester.

I make decent money, £65k+, but obviously I would like to see that increase.

Outside of actually getting interviews and passing technicals, I'm in the process of properly hitting leetcode hard, am I shooting myself in the foot with where I am geographically and to properly kick on with my career do I need to get to London more regularly? Is the RTO drive real and am I disadvantaging myself by not being able to get into the office in London? Can I achieve the same career growth in the north?

I could obviously commute, but I can't stomach he £100-£200 per day train costs.