Whether you’re moving to the UK for the first time or looking to relocate to a more affordable area, you’ll want to make sure that you’re making the most of your hard earned cash. In this article, we’re looking at the cheapest areas to rent in the UK and where to find affordable homes in 2024.

A united – but varied – kingdom

The United Kingdom is made up of four separate countries; England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and each of these countries operate, to an extent, as separate entities. Because of this, house prices and rental prices can vary widely as can other factors such as healthcare, schools and transport. Because of this, it’s vital that you take all of these factors into consideration when thinking about where to live in the UK (additional requirements may come up if you’re an Indian expat). 

Cheapest areas to rent in the UK

For many people, buying a home is out of reach but thankfully the UK has a lot to offer to renters. Depending on the region that you choose to live in, rental options include: 

– Detached houses

– Semi-detached houses

– Terraced houses

– Flats

– Studio flats

– Single or double rooms

Some people may qualify for a council house or flat which offers government subsidised rents however, for the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on private rentals. In this section, let’s take a look at the average monthly rental prices in the UK:

The North East of England

The North East of England is made up of some fantastic places to live – from cities such as Newcastle to coastal areas of Northumberland like Blyth. As well as offering variety, great schools and universities and stunning scenery, the North East is the cheapest area to rent in the UK with the average rent standing at £695 per month. As with any region, rents vary depending on your location however most rental prices are incredibly reasonable; even within the cities. 

Northern Ireland

When we think about Northern Ireland we tend to think about Belfast but there’s so much more to this region than the big city. Northern Ireland boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Great Britain, despite its small size of just 5,459 square miles – and some of the cheapest areas to rent in the UK. The average rental price here is £795 per month with many rural areas offering accommodation at a much lower cost than this. 

Scotland

Whether you’re after rugged countryside or the bright city lights, Scotland has it all. From cultural hubs such as Edinburgh and Glasgow to peaceful villages in the lowlands, Scotland is a fantastic – and affordable – place to live. The average rent in Scotland is £793 per month with prices plummeting in areas such as The Borders. 

Yorkshire and the Humber

Yorkshire boasts some of the UK’s best universities including Leeds and Bradford and the region is made up of metropolitan towns and cities which sit alongside picturesque villages and coastal areas. When it comes to accommodation, you get a lot of bang for your buck in Yorkshire and the Humber with average rental fees sitting at £799 per month. 

The North West of England

The North West of England includes some great places to live and work and areas vary from vibrant cities like Liverpool and Manchester to tranquil counties like Cumbria – home of the famous Lake District. Accommodation in the North West of England is largely characterised by terraced houses which can be rented fairly cheaply and prices stand at £846 a month.

The Midlands

An extremely diverse region, The Midlands is home to many different communities, including thriving South East Asian communities. When it comes to life in The Midlands you can choose from an exciting cultural hub like Birmingham or a more laid back (and more affordable) life in smaller towns such as Stafford and Leamington Spa. Rents in the East Midlands will set you back, on average, £860 per month – rising to an average of £905 in the West Midlands. 

Wales

The last of our cheapest areas to rent in the UK is Wales – a country which boasts its own language and some of Great Britain’s most stunning countryside. City slickers can enjoy a new life in a dynamic city such as Cardiff whereas nature lovers can take their pick from towns such as Conwy and Llandudno. The average rental price in Wales in 2024 is £891 per month. 

To conclude

When it comes to our article about the cheapest areas to rent in the UK we’ve drawn a line after The Midlands and Wales – for one simple reason. Once you reach the south of England prices begin to rise pretty dramatically; particularly in the south east which does, of course, include London. Once you reach the south east of England, the same home that will cost you £695 a month in the North East will cost you a whopping £1325 instead. 

The good news is that rental properties are plentiful in the UK and, if you shop around, you can usually find somewhere to suit your budget, despite the country’s ongoing housing crisis. When renting accommodation, always use a reputable estate agent and, where possible, avoid going to view a property alone.