The cheapest places to live in London

If you are moving to London for a new job, school, or simply get a fresh start in life, we don’t blame you – there are many things to do here when you’re not busy with work or school! If you enjoy being outside, London Is home to numerous parks within the city limits, such as Victoria Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens. If you enjoy going to the pub for a few drinks after work, you’re in no shortage of good spots to drop in and have a pint after a long day in the office. If you enjoy cultural activities, London is the cultural hub of the UK – and for good reason. With theaters, cinemas, museums, and other activities, you can always find something to do when you move to London.

But the real question is – how can you afford what you want to do? If you want to have a few pints of Smithwick’s after work, go to the museum, or go shopping in Mayfair, London, then you may have to think of where you can live that won’t break the bank. Unfortunately, in this bustling and busy city, you will find that the cost of living is astronomically high. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is around £2,000 in a central part of London – which is typically way too much for a young professional. Instead, find a house share in one of these cheapest places to live in the city!

Havering

Havering Town Hall London – By By MRSC at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Kafuffle using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12808285

The average rent of living in Havering is around £1,145 per month – nearly £900 cheaper than living in the downtown part of the city center! Even though it is a little bit farther out than most London boroughs, if you are trying to save money – while still having close proximity to the city via the tube or buses – then this is a good choice. After all, the public transport system in London is very efficient. You can easily get from your flat in Havering into the city center in less than 30 minutes without having to worry about rush hour traffic!

Bexley

Hall Place Bexley – By Wellingwebsite at English WikipediaLater versions were uploaded by P Ingerson at en.wikipedia. – Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2148574

With an average rent price of around £1,160, living in Bexley has the charm of an old town with the proximity to London that you have always wanted. Bexley is nestled between Dartford and Greenwich, giving Londoners the perfect home base to head into the city center for work and to meet friends for drinks. The best part about Bexley is the variety of cute houses and townhomes to choose from for you and your flatmates!

Sutton

Long exposure night shot of London Cab at Sutton Surrey rail station – By Gregory Rinaldi – Sutton pace, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37967333

If you and your family are trying to move closer to London, we recommend checking out Sutton. With an average rental price of just £1,150 per month, you also get the benefits of a great school system, low crime rates, plenty of outdoor spaces, cultural attractions, and easy rail lines to the big stations in London (Victoria, London Bridge, and Clapham Junction). 

Croydon

The Old Town Hall Katherine Street Croydon – By Tadie88 from Wallington Surrey – P1490912 The Old Town Hall,Katherine Street.. Croydon.., CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37019898

Not necessarily known for being extremely luxurious or desirable in its own right, Croydon is the best option for those who want to be extremely close to London city center without having to pay a fortune. The apartment prices here are around £1,200 per month, with trains taking just 15 minutes to get to London Victoria. Even though you might not enjoy hanging out in Croydon in your free time, the walkability factor and the close proximity to other boroughs are desirable.

Barking and Dagenham

Barking Town Hall London – By MRSC at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2465879

The ideal spot to move as a young family who is looking to save a few quid, Barking and Dagenham has average monthly rental prices of around £1,220 per month. Located on the Hammersmith and City line, you can easily get to London in just 10-15 minutes without any stops. 

Bromley

High Street Bromley – By Stacey Harris, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13824243

Even though part of Bromley can be considered unsafe, the proximity of Bromley to London Victoria and the local boroughs makes it one of the best places to look for those on a budget. The lack of Underground rails makes it a bit trickier to get into the city center – but the Overground, Thameslink, and bus system makes up for the hassle.

Redbridge

Redbridge Town Hall – By Sunil060902 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4375175

The average price of rent in Redbridge still stays under £1,300 per month – which is a great value for the connections via Tfl Rail, Elizabeth Line, and the Hainault Loop.

Hillingdon

The Eastcote walled garden – By Harrison49, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15479029

The average rental price in Hillingdon comes in at just £1,300 per month – still £700 cheaper than the average London rental price. The second-largest London neighborhood, Hillingdon is arguably the best deal for the money that you are paying. 

Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest town hall – By By Emmabellechan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72826926

Another desirable option on our list is Waltham Forest, with an average rental price of £1,300 per month. With accessibility to both the Central and Victoria Lines, Waltham Forest is one of the most accessible neighborhoods outside of the city center of London.

Enfield

Enfield town March 2016 – By By Philafrenzy – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47781791

The last choice that we have for the cheapest – and the best – neighborhoods in London is Enfield. With an average rent price of still under £1,300 per month, this neighborhood is one of the most popular choices for expats and young professionals who want to have a very close location to London – without paying £2,000 or more per month! With great public transport accessibility to London – and the rest of the United Kingdom – Enfield is a financial steal.