Where are the cheapest and most expensive cities in the UK to rent?
Looking for affordable cities to rent a property? We reveal the cheapest cities to rent a home in the UK, as well as the most expensive.
It can be tricky to find an affordable place to rent, especially as rents, on average, have risen 8.6% in the 12 months to June 2024. Currently, the average rent in England is £1,310 per month.
This is driven by huge demand not being fully met by the existing supply.
While there are more properties available, the average number of enquiries each rental receives is 17, more than double compared to 2019, when there was an average of eight enquiries, according to Rightmove.
This figure isn’t even the highest the market has seen. In 2023, the average number of enquiries for a rental property stood at 26.
As with buying a home, where you rent can determine how expensive it is.
We reveal the top 10 cheapest and most expensive cities to rent in the UK in 2024, according to Rightmove.
Where are the cheapest cities in the UK to rent?
| City | Average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Carlisle | £607 |
| Hull | £638 |
| Sunderland | £648 |
| Stoke-on-Trent | £701 |
| Doncaster | £707 |
| Bradford | £714 |
| Wrexham | £754 |
| Lancaster | £764 |
| Aberdeen | £775 |
| Preston | £787 |
There could be many reasons why rents are so cheap, so it’s a good idea to do your research beforehand.
For example, if you have children or are planning to have a family, you should check out the local schools. Also, ask yourself if your desired location is good for commuting or nearby friends and family.
It’s also worth considering the local amenities and attractions, as well as how expensive the location is to live in.
Now we’ll look at the 10 most expensive cities in the UK where you can rent a home.
Where are the most expensive cities in the UK to rent?
| City | Average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| London | £2,264 |
| Oxford | £1,561 |
| Cambridge | £1,533 |
| St Albans | £1,509 |
| Brighton | £1,468 |
| Bristol | £1,336 |
| Winchester | £1,332 |
| Edinburgh | £1,310 |
| Chelmsford | £1,300 |
| Milton Keynes | £1,239 |
Unsurprisingly, London is the most expensive city to rent in, costing nearly four times more expensive than the cheapest city, Carlisle.
However, higher wages in London typically tend to offset some of the higher rental costs.
Wherever you decide to rent, it’s worth ensuring it is right for your needs.
It’s also worth thinking about whether you may eventually want to buy a property, as you can rent first to decide if a specific city or area is right for you.
Will UK rents continue to rise?
In a spot of good news for renters, UK rental inflation is at its lowest for 30 months, according to Zoopla. This is due to demand falling from a high level and affordability constraints restricting rises.
Rental inflation is expected to continue slowing to 5% this year as rental growth has been deemed ‘unsustainable’ by Zoopla.
Need help getting on the property ladder?
If you’re hoping to switch from renting to buying property, Unbiased can help by matching you with a qualified mortgage broker who can find the right deal for your circumstances.
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