Finding affordable places to rent in London can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Prices in central areas are high, space is small, and every month seems to cost more. But if you look carefully, some outer boroughs still offer great value. These are the cheapest areas to rent in London, where you can get more space for less money without giving up access to the city.
If you’re wondering where to start, boroughs like Bexley, Sutton, and Havering regularly top the list for low rent. They offer a mix of flats and houses, quiet streets, and easy commutes, which makes them smart choices for families, young professionals, or anyone who wants to live in London without paying a fortune.
Stick around, and we’ll break down the full list, show the numbers, and even give tips on how to save more on rent while living smart in the city.
Key Takeaways
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Before we talk about the cheapest spots, let’s see the bigger picture. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Piccadilly Estates (July 2025), the average rent in London is around £2,252 per month.
That means some areas are much cheaper, especially the outer boroughs. These are perfect if you want lower rent and don’t mind a bit of travel time into central London.
If you are looking for cheap flats to rent in London, the outer boroughs are your best bet.
Here’s the list of London’s most budget-friendly boroughs based on average monthly rent. These areas show where you can find the cheapest house rent in London.
| Rank | Borough | Average Monthly Rent (£) |
| 1 | Bexley | £1,485 |
| 2 | Sutton | £1,521 |
| 3 | Havering | £1,522 |
| 4 | Croydon | £1,525 |
| 5 | Hillingdon | £1,536 |
| 6 | Barking & Dagenham | £1,633 |
| 7 | Bromley | £1,634 |
| 8 | Redbridge | £1,682 |
| 9 | Harrow | £1,717 |
| 10 | Enfield | £1,724 |
These numbers come from Piccadilly Estates’ 2025 rent summary, backed by ONS data.
Here’s a quick visual look at the top 10 cheapest boroughs in London.
As you can see, rents are lowest in outer boroughs like Bexley, Sutton, and Havering. These areas give you more space for your money. Ideal for families or anyone tired of paying central London prices.
Let’s be real. Rent in London depends a lot on location and transport.
Still, many of these boroughs have great transport links, like fast trains, Overground, and even Elizabeth Line access in some areas. That’s why even if you want affordable places to rent in London, you can live comfortably and commute easily.
Here’s a quick idea of what your rent can get you:
| Borough | What You Can Expect | Commute to Central London |
| Bexley | 1-bed flat or small house | 35–45 mins by train |
| Sutton | 1-bed or 2-bed flat | 35–50 mins |
| Havering | 2-bed house | 30–40 mins (Elizabeth Line) |
| Croydon | Modern flats | 20–35 mins |
| Hillingdon | Studio or 1-bed flat | 40–50 mins |
These boroughs are perfect for people who work in central London but want quieter, greener neighbourhoods after work. They’re also why some people call them among the cheapest cities to live in the UK if you consider London boroughs.
Planning your move to one of these areas? Check out how much house relocation costs so you can budget for your move easily.
If you want to save even more on rent, there are simple tricks that really work. A little planning can make a big difference to your monthly costs.
Renting a flat with friends or flatmates can cut your costs almost in half. You get the space you need, but split the rent, bills, and even the internet.
Living just one stop away from popular areas can make a big difference. Rent drops quickly the further you go from the city centre, but you still get an easy commute.
Don’t be afraid to ask the landlord for a lower rent. Many landlords are happy to reduce rent for tenants who plan to stay long-term.
Sometimes, living in outer zones is cheaper overall if you include travel costs. Look for season tickets or travel cards cause they can save you money each month.
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Living in London doesn’t have to break your bank. If you pick wisely, you can enjoy a good balance between rent, commute, and lifestyle. Areas like Bexley, Sutton, and Havering are proof that affordable places to rent in London still exist. You just have to look beyond the city centre. You can easily find cheap flats or the cheapest house rent in London in these boroughs.
Want a smooth move? Follow our moving home checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
Yes, you can. Many landlords in outer boroughs offer furnished flats. It saves you money on buying furniture and makes moving easier.
Mostly yes. Boroughs like Bexley, Sutton, and Havering have quiet streets and family-friendly neighbourhoods. Always check local crime stats before deciding.
It usually takes 30 to 50 minutes by train or tube. Some areas even have fast connections like the Elizabeth Line.
Yes, many outer boroughs have houses for rent. You often get more space and sometimes a small garden for a similar price as a flat.
Bills are often lower because flats are smaller or houses have modern heating. You also pay less council tax than in central London.
Yes, you can find short-term lets and temporary flats, especially in Croydon and Hillingdon. It’s good if you are trying out the area first.
Yes, many outer boroughs have good primary and secondary schools. Bexley and Sutton are known for quality local schools.
