The cheapest areas to rent in UK in 2023 during cost of living crisis

05 April 2023 , 09:57

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Views over Pendle Hill in Lancashire, which is one of the cheapest places in the UK to rent according to Zoopla (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's no secret that renting in the UK right now is costly.

London is one of the world's most expensive cities to rent, with tenants often having to hand over more than half of their salary for a room in a flat.

And as the cost of living crisis bites and bills soar, rents are creeping up further reaching record highs in some parts - the average cost of private rentals rose by 4.2% in 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics.

But venture out of the M25 bubble and there are some places where Brits can rent for just a fraction of the cost.

Rates on a pokey Clapham studio where you can touch the kitchen counter with your toes from bed could get you an entire cottage to yourself in some parts of the country.

London flat for rent for £1,400 a month with bed tucked away in kitchen cupboard

The Lancashire town of Blackburn is situated in one of the cheapest parts of the country to rent in (Getty Images)

Zoopla has named the country's cheapest locations to rent, some of which sit on the edge of the most beautiful parts of Britain.

Two spots in Cumbria were named among the most inexpensive parts of the UK to rent, where residents can enjoy the stunning Lake District scenery on their doorstep.

Meanwhile, those in Pendle, Lancashire, can enjoy the beautiful backdrop of green rolling hills and an area steeped in history and folklore for just £530 a month.

Hartlepool on the north east coast meanwhile takes the crown as Britain's cheapest place to live, where rent will set you back less than £500 a month.

Hartlepool in County Durham has been named the UK's cheapest place to rent (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Scotland also features heavily on the list, with East and North Ayrshire and Dumfries all making the cut as cost-effective places to set up home.

The Lancashire towns of Burnley and Hyndburn meanwhile sit a short train ride away from Manchester, making them the perfect location for commuters looking to save on their outgoings.

Here are the 10 cheapest areas to rent a home in the UK at the moment, along with their average prices:

• Hartlepool, County Durham - £494
• Burnley, Lancashire - £507
• East Ayrshire, Scotland - £522
• Pendle, Lancashire - £530
• Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland - £530
• County Durham - £535
• Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria - £540
• Hyndburn, Lancashire - £544
• Allerdale, Cumbria - £545
• North Ayshire, Scotland - £549

This data has been retrieved from Zoopla's Rental Index in March 2023.

Susie Beever