The Cheapest Places to Rent in London 2026
When it comes to renting in London, everyone wants to know: where are the cheapest places to rent in London? Finding a rental in the city can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Some boroughs and postcodes offer more affordable options than others.
If you’re thinking about renting in the UK’s capital, be sure to check out our top 10 most affordable areas to rent in London!
Cheapest areas to rent in London
It’s no surprise that London is the most expensive place to rent in the UK, with an average monthly rent of £2,271.
By looking at data from all London boroughs, we’ve found the 10 cheapest areas based on the average monthly rent for all types of properties over the 12 months leading up to November 2025. We’ve also included the overall average rent for London.
The top 10 most affordable places to rent in London:
- Bexley
- Sutton
- Hillingdon
- Croydon
- Havering
- Bromley
- Barking and Dagenham
- Redbridge
- Waltham Forest
- Harrow
Bear in mind this just looks at rental prices. So, if you’re looking to rent in London, you’ll also need to consider the cost of living.
In London, without rent included, the average cost of living for a family of four per January 2026 is £3,845 a month. A single person is looking at around £1,093, without rent. (Numbeo)
The median monthly pay for full-time employees in London as of November 2025 is approximately £2,984.
The rental market figure varies across different boroughs, with inner London areas generally having higher median pay compared to outer London. For instance, median pay in Enfield is about £2,504, while in Wandsworth it is around £3,850
As a rule of thumb, rent is considered too high if it exceeds 30% of your gross income. With the high cost of living in London, it’s advisable to keep your rent within this limit to ensure you can afford other expenses.
Which part of London has the cheapest rent?
London’s eastern and southern regions tend to offer more affordable rental options compared to the central and western parts. Areas like Sutton, Bexley, and Hillingdon are known for their lower rental costs.
Cheapest boroughs to rent in London
Here we’re taking a closer look at some of the more affordable boroughs, with their average monthly rent and details on what it’s like to live there. Including things to do, transport links, the community, and safety.
1. Bexley – £1,521 avg. monthly rent
Bexley is known for its suburban charm and friendly community. The low crime rate makes it a desirable place to live especially for families looking for security and highly rated schools.
To get to London Waterloo it is around 40 to 50 minutes by train from Bexleyheath Station. Popular sights are Danson Park, Hall Place and Gardens with its beautiful gardens and Red House. If you’re looking to rent in Bexley, average monthly rents are around £1,215 for a one-bed, £1,510 for a two-bed, £1,845 for a three-bed, and £2,410 for a home with four or more bedrooms.
2. Sutton – £1,533 avg. monthly rent
Sutton is a popular district in South London, just 10 miles from central London. It’s often featured in the top five safest boroughs in the capital. Here, you will find many new-build houses and apartments mixed in with traditional and period homes. There is also plenty of green space to find like Nonsuch Park.
It’s also just 45 miles from the popular seaside town of Brighton. London Waterloo is around 45-55 minutes by train from Sutton Station via Clapham Junction. The average monthly rent for a one bedroom in Sutton is £1,218, while you pay an average of £1,530 rent for a two bedroom apartment.
3. Hillingdon – £1,540 avg. monthly rent
Hillingdon is home to attractions like Ruislip Lido, which features a beach and pretty forest walks. If you’re after some retail therapy, then Uxbridge Shopping Centre is a great place to explore.
In Hillingdon, average rents are roughly £1,227 for a one-bedroom, £1,555 for a two-bedroom, £1,869 for a three-bedroom. Transport to London Waterloo is accessible, with Uxbridge Station offering a 50-to-60-minute journey via Paddington. Hillingdon is generally safe, with low crime rates, and is known for its well-regarded schools, making it a family friendly place.
4. Croydon – £1,542 avg. monthly rent
Property prices are reasonably competitive in Croydon compared to some other neighbourhoods in the capital, and there are excellent transport options with services to central London in just 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re looking to rent in Croydon, the average monthly rent is around £1,232 for a one-bed home and £1,532 for a two-bed home. New-build homes dominate the housing landscape, with many shiny new high-rises offering amenities popular with home movers, like gyms and concierge services.
5. Havering – £1,561 avg. monthly rent
Havering offers a strong community feel, making it a popular choice for families. The borough has several green spaces like Havering Country Park and cultural spots include Queen’s Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances, and the historic Romford Market, one of the oldest in the area.
The transport links in Havering are generally speaking good. From Romford Station, it is a 45 to 55-minute journey to London Waterloo via Stratford. The local bus network is also convenient, with easy access to nearby areas. In Havering, renters can expect to pay roughly £1,211 for a one-bedroom, £1,537 for a two-bedroom, £1,836 for a three-bedroom, and around £2,496 for homes with four or more bedrooms.
6. Bromley – £1,648 avg. monthly rent
In Bromley there are plenty of things to see and do. Crystal Palace Park, is famous for its dinosaur sculptures, and is a major attraction.
In Bromley, average monthly rents are around £1,281 for a one-bed, £1,605 for a two-bed, £1,941 for a three-bed, and £2,876 for homes with four or more bedrooms. As is the Churchill Theatre, offering a variety of performances and Bromley High Street is great for shopping and dining.
From Bromley South Station you are within 30 to 40 minutes in London Waterloo. The local bus network offers easy access to surrounding areas. Bromley is known for its low crime rates and has excellent schools.
7. Barking and Dagenham – £1,673 avg. monthly rent
Barking and Dagenham is a diverse and rapidly developing area. It offers rich historical sites like the beautiful ruins of Barking Abbey. The transport links are excellent, Barking Station offers a 40 to 50-minute journey to London Waterloo.
While some areas have higher crime rates, the overall safety in the borough is improving. For those renting in Barking and Dagenham, average monthly rents sit at around £1,358 for a one-bed, £1,693 for a two-bed, £1,865 for a three-bed, and £2,489 for homes with four or more bedrooms.
8. Redbridge – £1,708 avg. monthly rent
The Redbridge borough offers a mix of cultural and outdoor attractions. In Valentines Park, you can wander through beautiful gardens and the Ilford Exchange is a popular shopping destination.
Ilford Station is offering a 35 to 45-minute journey to London Waterloo via Stratford. The borough has an extensive bus network, ensuring good connectivity across the area.
Redbridge is generally safe, with low crime rates, and is known for its excellent educational institutes. In Redbridge, average rents are around £1,350 for a one-bedroom, £1,663 for a two-bedroom, £1,953 for a three-bedroom, and £2,692 for homes with four or more bedrooms.
9. Waltham Forest – £1,737 avg. monthly rent
Waltham Forest is a popular choice for renters looking for a balance between green space and city living. Home to the expansive Walthamstow Wetlands and Epping Forest on its doorstep, it’s ideal for those who enjoy outdoor space.
The area has a strong creative and independent scene, particularly around Walthamstow Village. Transport links are reliable, with fast connections into central London via the Victoria Line, offering journeys of around 20–30 minutes to key hubs.
While some neighbourhoods experience higher crime levels, overall safety has been improving alongside continued regeneration. For Waltham Forest, renters can expect to pay roughly £1,378 for a one-bedroom, £1,697 for a two-bedroom, £1,987 for a three-bedroom, and £2,535 for a four-bed or larger home.
10. Harrow – £1,741 avg. monthly rent
Harrow appeals to renters seeking a more suburban feel while staying well connected to London. In Harrow, average rents sit at about £1,367 for a one-bed, £1,682 for a two-bed, £2,015 for a three-bed, and £2,743 for properties with four or more bedrooms.
The borough is known for its good schools, leafy streets, and community-focused neighbourhoods, as well as attractions like Harrow-on-the-Hill with its historic charm and open views. Transport links are strong, with Harrow-on-the-Hill station providing access to central London in around 30–40 minutes via the Metropolitan Line and National Rail services. Harrow is generally considered a safe borough, making it a popular option for families and professionals alike.
London rental places that just missed our top 10
These areas just missed out on our top 10 cheapest places to rent in London, but they’re still well worth a mention. While average rents are slightly higher, excellent transport links into the capital and plenty to see and do locally help make up for the extra cost.
11. Enfield – £1,744 avg. monthly rent
Enfield is perfect for outdoor activities and offers a strong sense of community in North and East London. Historically this borough is also appealing with Forty Hall Estate. Transport links are good, with Enfield Town Station offering a 45–55-minute journey to London Waterloo. Enfield is generally safe, with low crime rates, and offers a good selection of schools.
12. Lewisham – £1,803 avg. monthly rent
The last spot on our cheapest places to rent in London list is for Lewisham, a vibrant and culturally diverse borough in South East London. Greenwich Park, with its stunning views and historical sites, is a major highlight, alongside the bustling Lewisham Shopping Centre.
Good transport is efficient, with Lewisham Station providing a 20–30-minute journey to London Waterloo. The DLR also offers additional transport options. While some areas of Lewisham have higher crime rates, the overall safety is improving.
13. Kingston upon Thames – £1,830 avg. monthly rent
Kingston upon Thames offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with rental prices averaging £1,392 per month for one-bedroom properties. While families can expect to pay £2,169 for three bedrooms or £2,880 for four or more. The town center is a major draw, featuring the ancient Coronation Stone, the Rose Theatre, and excellent shopping at the Bentall Centre and historic Market Place.
The riverside location provides pleasant walks along the Thames, whilst nearby Bushy Park and Richmond Park offer expansive green spaces. Kingston is well-connected to central London via South Western Railway from Kingston station, reaching London Waterloo in approximately 25-30 minutes, making it an attractive option.
14. Newham – £1,892 avg. monthly rent
Newham represents excellent value for money considering its proximity to central London, with average rental prices of £1,892 per month. One-bedroom flats start at £1,601, two-bedroom properties at £1,956, and larger family homes reach £2,623 for four or more bedrooms.
The borough has been transformed in recent years, particularly around Stratford, which boasts the vast Westfield shopping center and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with its sporting venues, parklands, and cultural attractions. The ExCeL London exhibition center in the Royal Docks hosts major events throughout the year, whilst the emerging East Bank cultural quarter promises world-class arts venues.
Transport connections are outstanding. Stratford station serves as a major hub with the Central and Jubilee lines, Elizabeth line, DLR, and Overground services reaching Liverpool Street in just 10 minutes and central London locations typically within 15-20 minutes.
15. Hounslow – £1,896 avg. monthly rent
Hounslow offers competitive rental prices, with one-bedroom properties from £1,537, and two bedrooms at £1,891. The area provides a multicultural atmosphere with diverse dining options and shopping at the Treaty Centre. Green spaces include Hounslow Heath and the nearby Osterley Park, a magnificent National Trust estate with an 18th-century mansion and landscaped gardens.
Transport into central London is straightforward via the Piccadilly line from Hounslow East, Hounslow Central, or Hounslow West stations, taking approximately 40-45 minutes to reach the West End and central locations. The area’s proximity to Heathrow Airport can be advantageous for frequent travelers, though some may find aircraft noise a consideration.
How to get an affordable apartment in London?
There are different ways and strategies to approach searching for an affordable apartment in London.
First, you can use online property portals and local letting agents to help find a place to rent.
To keep the cost down you can consider things HMOs, and co-living. Another tip would be to look out for any new developments as they sometimes offer discounts or incentives for early tenants. Finally, look as well into Build to Rent developments, they’re booming, and they often come fully furnished with amenities like a gym, community or workspaces.
Where are Londoners moving to escape high rents?
It is generally cheaper to rent outside London. Many Londoners are moving to nearby commuter towns and cities to escape high rents. Popular choices include Luton, Slough and Basildon.
Outside of London, cities like Hull, Bradford, and Stoke-on-Trent are some of the cheapest places to live in the UK, offering significantly lower rents compared to the capital.
Affordable places to rent in london
Finding an affordable place to live in London is possible with careful research and a willingness to explore different boroughs. By focusing on the more budget-friendly areas and understanding London living rent, you can enjoy living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities without breaking the bank.
Last Updated: January 15th, 2026
