We’re taking a look round the best areas to rent on a budget in our Central, East, North, South and West London patches, according to Foxtons Rental Reports. Here are five spots with some of the lowest average rental prices per week and plenty of homes to choose from.
Local insight makes the difference: Although the average price is lower in these areas, it still depends on what you’re looking to rent and how much of it you’ll find in the local market.
In London, for every factor you’d expect to impact the price – the number of bedrooms, new-build or traditional, near transport or with parking, a search in the busy season or with the calmer Christmas crowd – you will also need to consider what’s available in the local market. For example, you might have more luck finding a lower priced three-bed in a more family-oriented neighbourhood, like Harrow.
That being said, these neighbourhoods with comparatively low average rent prices are a good place to start.
Jump to the cheapest area in your region of London:
Central London: Whitechapel
Average price: £595pw | Browse properties to rent in Whitechapel
Lively, diverse, well-connected
Life in Whitechapel is exciting, with an abundance of culture, history and exquisite cuisine to explore. The area has some great regeneration projects on, which make the most of its urban-cool persona, central location and excellent transport links to create new rental opportunities. Whitechapel is fast becoming a sought-after area for young professionals and creatives.
Local attractions: Spitalfields Market, Whitechapel Art Gallery and Brick Lane
Transport: this Zone 2 area is the best-connected on our list and one of the best for commuters in East London, with easy links through the Overground, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Central, Circle, DLR and Elizabeth lines.
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North London: Harrow
Average price: £524pw | Browse properties to rent in Harrow
Green, peaceful, scholarly
Harrow has an exceptional reputation for education, a diverse and welcoming community and a peaceful village charm, so it’s a desirable locale for families – especially families just moving to the UK. Harrow is in the outskirts of London, yet reliable transport links can get you to the Capital quickly, so you can live in a quieter community and commute to your big city job. You’ll find big homes and well-designed new developments for busy families to move right in.
Local attractions: St George's Shopping Centre, Harrow Recreation Park and the Hive Stadium.
Transport: This Zone 5 borough is served by the Metropolitan, Piccadilly, Jubilee and Bakerloo lines.
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Photo: Croydon Boxpark by Matt Brown | CC-BY | Flickr
South London: Croydon
Average price: £433pw | Browse properties to rent in Croydon
Fast-growing, trendy, well-connected
Croydon has a fantastic mix of rental property, from converted office blocks to Victorian terraced housing. If you prefer to live in a brand-new development – maybe because of the concierge, the fantastic amenities or the chic modern interiors – start your search in here. Due to Croydon’s robust regeneration project, this area has been inundated with new homes. There are also new businesses cropping up all the time, so you’ll have your pick of restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Local attractions: Boxpark, the Museum of Croydon – located in a clocktower, or see our collaborative guide with DesignMyNight
Transport: Besides local trams and cycle routes, there are fantastic transport links into the city. From East Croydon Station, you can get to Victoria Station or London Bridge in about 15 minutes.
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East London: Woolwich
Average price: £481pw | Browse properties to rent in Woolwich
Historic, refreshed, artistic
Woolwich has a fascinating naval history but had grown rather quiet over the decades. Now, thanks to the impact of an extraordinarily successful regeneration plan, Woolwich is back on the map. (The Sunday Times even recognised Woolwich as one of the best places to live in London in 2023.) Enjoy a riverside community that’s creative and well-connected.
Local attractions: Royal Arsenal Farmer's Market, Charlton House and Gardens, or anywhere in our DesignMyNight food and drink guide.
Transport: Already well-connected by rail, DLR, bus, and riverboat, the Elizabeth line has come to Woolwich, which adds to its excellent connectivity.
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Photo: Brentford by Michael Gwyther-Jones | CC-BY | Flickr
West London: Brentford
Average price: £506pw | Browse properties to rent in Brentford
Friendly, leafy, active
Brentford is a true hidden gem for nature lovers. Kew Gardens, Syon Park and Gunnersbury Park are all nearby, and with two rivers running through it, there is a lot of new-build waterfront property to explore. It also has a lot of historic architecture, specifically Art Deco buildings. Those who dream of family homes in Richmond will find similar vibes in budget-friendly, neighbouring Brentford.
Local attractions: Brentford Football Club, Brentford Market and Syon Park.
Transport: Brentford has South West Trains and the Piccadilly line through. Nearby Gunnersbury Station brings in the Overground and District line, and the M4 starts in Brentford.
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Foxtons data: The Foxtons Rental Reports are updated daily, so you’ll always have a quick snapshot of the local market at your fingertips.
Up next: In our London Rent Guide series, we’ll delve into some of the factors that make different areas popular with London renters. In September, we’ll take a look at areas with a good selection of one-bed flats on a budget.
Speed is key to securing a rental. If you’ve got a goal, register your search on My Foxtons and our local area experts will lend a hand.
