The most affordable cities to rent in Britain revealed

Keleisha Simpson
·2 min read
this aerial drone photo shows the large cathedral in carlisle, north west england the church can be found in the town center and is surrounded by a graveyard
Most affordable cities to rent in BritainRDphotos - Getty Images

For those seeking affordable homes to rent, Carlisle, Hull, and Sunderland are offering some of the lowest rental prices in the country.

New research from Rightmove analysing more than 50 cities across Great Britain, has revealed the cheapest and most expensive cities to rent outside London.

At the top of the affordability list is Carlisle in Cumbria, where the average rent sits at £791 per calendar month (pcm) – a substantial 41 per cent below the national average outside London (£1,349 pcm).

carlisle, cumbria, uk, august 2020 street view of the city of carlisle, uk
Carlisle tops the list for being the most affordable city for renterssmartin69 - Getty Images

Situated in the North West, Carlisle not only offers affordable living but also boasts a rich history, stunning scenery, and easy access to the Lake District. It’s the ideal spot for renters looking for a balance of city convenience and natural beauty without breaking the bank.

Not far behind is Hull, with average an rent of £804 pcm, making it one of Yorkshire’s most wallet-friendly locations. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and affordable housing, Hull has seen a steady influx of new residents drawn in by its lower cost of living and thriving local economy.

hull city skyline
Hull comes second on the list for the cheapest rentRob Brown - Getty Images

Sunderland, in the North East, comes in third, averaging £807 pcm. This port city in Tyne and Wear offers a combination of affordable housing, beautiful beaches, and a keen sense of community, making it an attractive option for renters.

monkwearmouth in sunderland horizontal stock photo part of stadium of light to the leftconverted from raw with minimal sharpening and taken on outstanding prime lens
Sunderland is the third most affordable city for rentingsonny2962 - Getty Images

Take a look at the top 10 cheapest cities to rent below:

  • Carlisle

  • Hull

  • Sunderland

  • Stoke-on-Trent

  • Wrexham

  • Bradford

  • Preston

  • Doncaster

  • Lancaster

  • Wakefield

At the other end of the spectrum, St. Albans leads the pack as the most expensive city to rent, with an eye-watering average of £2,307 pcm, followed closely by Oxford (£2,237 pcm) and Cambridge (£2,072 pcm).

'The rental divide across Great Britain is clear, with an average difference of just over £1,500 between the most expensive and cheapest cities,' says Tim Bannister, Rightmove's property expert.

And although Carlisle remains the cheapest, the increase is considerable with rental payments averaging £539 in the city in 2019, compared to £791 in 2024. 'Many of these cities have seen rental growth of over 40 per cent over the past five years,' Tim concludes.

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