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 April 2026. We’ve also included the overall average rent for London.

The top 10 most affordable places to rent in London:

1. Bexley
2. Sutton
3. Hillingdon
4. Croydon
5. Havering
6. Bromley
7. Barking and Dagenham
8. Redbridge
9. Waltham Forest
10. 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 £3,910 a month. A single person is looking at around £1,109, without rent. (Numbeo)

The median monthly pay for employees in the UK was approximately £2,627 in April 2026.

The rental market figures vary across boroughs, with inner London areas generally having higher median pay compared to outer London. For instance, median pay in Enfield is about £2,601, while in Wandsworth it is around £4,004. (Office for National Statistics)

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 – £1,525 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 £1,219 for a one-bed, £1,515 for a two-bed, £1,851 for a three-bed, and £2,411 for a home with four or more bedrooms.

2. Sutton – £1,547 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 £1,231, while you pay an average of £1,545 rent for a two-bedroom apartment.

3. Hillingdon – £1,553 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 £1,238 for a one-bedroom, £1,569 for a two-bedroom, and £1,889 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 – £1,565 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 £1,251 for a one-bed home and £1,556 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 – £1,565 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 £1,216 for a one-bedroom, £1,542 for a two-bedroom, £1,845 for a three-bedroom, and around £2,501 for homes with four or more bedrooms.

6. Bromley – £1,673 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 £1,302 for a one-bed, £1,630 for a two-bed, £1,975 for a three-bed, and £2,913 for homes with four or more bedrooms. The Churchill Theatre, offering a variety of performances, and Bromley High Street are great for shopping and dining.

From Bromley South Station, you are within 30 to 40 minutes of 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 – £1,688 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 £1,370 for a one-bed, £1,710 for a two-bed, £1,884 for a three-bed, and £2,506 for homes with four or more bedrooms.

8. Redbridge – £1,724 avg. monthly rent

The Redbridge borough offers a mix of cultural and outdoor attractions. In Valentine’s 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 institutions. In Redbridge, average rents are around £1,364 for a one-bedroom, £1,679 for a two-bedroom, £1,975 for a three-bedroom, and £2,716 for homes with four or more bedrooms.

9. Waltham Forest – £1,758 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 £1,396 for a one-bedroom, £1,718 for a two-bedroom, £2,014 for a three-bedroom, and £2,561 for a four-bed or larger home.

10. Harrow – £1,755 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 £1,376 for a one-bed, £1,695 for a two-bed, £2,035 for a three-bed, and £2,762 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 – £1,775 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. Kingston upon Thames – £1,799 avg. monthly rent

Kingston upon Thames offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with rental prices averaging £1,370 per month for one-bedroom properties. While families can expect to pay £2,137 for three bedrooms or £2,824 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.

13. Lewisham – £1,816 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.

14. Newham – £1,918 avg. monthly rent

Newham represents excellent value for money considering its proximity to central London, with average rental prices of £1,918 per month. One-bedroom flats start at £1,622, two-bedroom properties at £1,983, and larger family homes reach £2,658 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 – £1,922 avg. monthly rent

Hounslow offers competitive rental prices, with one-bedroom properties from £1,558, and two bedrooms at £1,918. 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 the London living rent, you can enjoy living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities without breaking the bank.

Last Updated: June 3rd, 2026