London is a lively city with a colourful history, diverse culture,vibrant economy,characterised by expensive accommodations that are a nightmare for many!. However, not all boroughs are that steep!
This guide will take you through London cheap areas to live or rent neighbourhoods, which offer excellent transport links, green spaces, and community life.
So with the latest rental data in hand, we’ve put together this guide of London neighbourhoods from least expensive rentals to most. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or a family, you’re sure to find your preferred neighbourhood without killing your budget.
Top 10 London Cheap Areas To Live
1- Sutton – Reasonably Priced & Family Oriented
Average Rent: $1250 Rent a Month
Sutton is one of the cheapest places to live in London. With many excellent schools, a very low crime rate, and lots of green space, it makes a great choice for families. There are also direct trains to London Victoria & London Bridge making commuting very easy.
Why Live Here?
- Degenerate for families with excellent schools
- Affordable to rent two-bedroom houses
- Large parks and a very community feel
- Its one of London cheap areas to live.
Best for: Families & commuters
2. Croydon – Best for Young Professionals
The average renting cost would be £1,250 per month, and the area is Croydon, where there have been huge regenerations made that transformed it into a modern and affordable renting area.
The place has good fast trains to London Victoria, taking only 15 minutes, as its one of the cheapest places to live in London for young professionals. Boxpark also occupies the area, a very lively food and entertainment hub.
Why Live Here?
- New property developments along with Rapid regeneration
- Great transport networks towards central London
- Booming tech and business hub
- Its one of London cheap areas to live.
Best For: Young Professionals & City Workers
3-Barking & Dagenham – Cheap Borough of East London
Average Rent of: £1,250 pcm Barking and Dagenham has been one of the cheapest areas in London for quite a long time. The Elizabeth link at Chadwell Heath, which makes such good commuting easier, is complemented by the active renewal projects currently taking place in the borough.
Why would you live here?
- Renting is affordable
- Good transport within central London
- Its one of London cheap areas to live.
- Investment and regeneration happening in the area
Best For: First-time renters & commuters
4-Havering: For Best Green Spaces & Suburban Atmosphere
Average Rent: £1,250 pcm
Havering maintains good rental prices west to East London along with a suburban feel. The borough has a low population density and, hence, is spacious and green. The main town is Romford and has good shopping and entertainment options.
Why Live Here?
- Quiet and family-friendly
- Its one of London cheap areas to live.
- Good support with transport facilities, such as Overground and District Line
- Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) facilitating easy commuting
Best For: Families and nature lovers
5-Bexley: Affordable Yet with a Good Transport Link System
Average Rent: £1,250 pcm
After all, this hidden jewel in South East London offers excellent schools, green spaces, and rentals that you can manage. The Abbey Wood Crossrail station means faster connections into Central London.
Why Live Here?
- Affordable rents with good properties
- Easy access into London on Crossrail
- Nice quiet suburban living with essential local amenities
Best For: Families and those on a tight budget.
6-Hillingdon – The airport access and green living!
Average Rent: £1,300 pcm
This West London borough is placed near Heathrow Airport. So, it is an ideal place for those who travel fairly often. Large parks, Brunel University, and suburban beauty surround it.
Why Live Here?
- Great for professionals working at Heathrow
- Green parks & family-friendly places
- Strong transportation links
- Its one of the cheapest place to live in London for students.
Best For: Frequent travellers & students
7-Redbridge – Best for Schools & Community Life
Average Rent: £1,343 pcm
Redbridge is a North East London borough marked by reasonably priced rentals, excellent schools, and a warm community feel. Ilford is linked to the Elizabeth Line, so transport becomes quite easy.
Why Live Here?
- Highly rated schools & family-friendly
- Good rental value for North London
- Easy commutes via Elizabeth Line
Best For: Families & commuters
8-Harrow: Quite, Affordable Living
Average Rent: £1,350 per calendar month
Living in Harrow is for someone with a tranquil lifestyle yet yearning for London convenience. With good schools and parks, families can enjoy Harrow well enough, while the Metropolitan Line delivers access directly into the city.
Why Live There?
- Low crime rates, very peaceful neighbourhoods.
- Transport is good to central London.
- Big houses at low prices.
Best for: Families & working professionals.
9-Enfield: The Value Choice in North London
Average Rent: £1,350 per calendar month
Great value on rent in Enfield, with parks, shopping, and transport links. With regeneration happening in the area, new jobs are being introduced too.
Why Live There?
- Connection through Overground & National Rail.
- Regeneration improves housing and amenities.
- Plenty of parks and historic places.
Best for: First-time renters and families.
10-Bromley – One Place for Space & Green Scenery
Average Rent: £1,350 pcm
As the biggest London borough, Bromley is one of the cheap places to live London with trees aplenty. It lacks an Underground Station but has Overground, Thameslink, and Southeastern rail.
Why Live Here?
- Right for those families looking for suburban life
- Great public transport into central London
- Big properties at lower rents
Best For: Families and anyone looking for some extra space
Concluding Thoughts – Where to Find the Cheap Areas To Live in London?
Across the city, areas that offer the best value in terms of rent are generally in Outer London, where prices remain relatively low, yet transport links to the centre are adequately provided.
Top picks are Sutton, Croydon, and Barking & Dagenham for affordable living with all necessities nearby.
Looking for Eco-friendly homes in London?
FAQ’s
With average rents hovering around £1,250 per month, Sutton, Croydon, and Barking & Dagenham are the best bet for finding the cheapest rentals in London.
Barking & Dagenham and Croydon have good transport connections to central London and are also cheap
Sutton, Bexley, and Havering are very family-friendly, with good schools, parks, and cheaper housing options.
Check out our listings for the best options available in outer boroughs of London, such as Sutton, Croydon, and Havering!
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