Average rent in London for all 32 boroughs

Rental rates in London have been up and down over the past few years. They dipped strongly at the height of the pandemic in mid-2020, as everyone fled for the countryside, but then they bounced back. So how do things stand now? Where’s the best place for average rent London residents can find? Equally, now that prices are winding back up, where are the most expensive rental prospects to be found?

Let us take you through the highs and lows of the London rental market. Our comprehensive list will show you exactly where the most likely hotspots are for lower rent in London, and where the big hitters are.

What is this list based on?

The following list ranks all 32 of London’s boroughs (plus the City of London) by their median monthly rental rate, from the most expensive to the least. 

The data is drawn from London.Gov’s London Rental Map. This is a great resource that is updated every quarter and its findings are published annually. The most recent update was April 2023 and covered rental data from the 2022 calendar year.

We’ve used the average rental rate for two-bedroom properties. This was by far the most common type of rental recorded in practically every borough.

Average rent London borough rankings

Okay, let’s do this. Which London boroughs offer the best average rent? Which one tops the charts for affordability, which ones are solidly reasonable, and which are eye-wateringly steep?

33: Kensington and Chelsea

Average rent: £2,817 per month

The average rent in Kensington and Chelsea is currently £2,817 per month, some £217 more than our previous update. This is hardly surprising, given that London’s most expensive street is in this ultra-desirable borough, along with many of the capital’s most exclusive homes.

Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is up there with the capital’s most affluent areas. It commands top market prices, but its residents can call some of the UK’s most beautiful buildings home. Structures here range from elegant Victorian townhouses, characterised by stepped Read more about Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

32: Westminster

Average rent: £2,770 per month

Westminster gives renters an average of £2,770 per month. This is a popular area for politicians, well-to-do lawyers, actors and other socialites to find rental pads.

Borough of Westminster

You’ll spot scenes of Westminster on most London postcards, and it’s little wonder. After all, this place hosts riverside icons like the House of Lords, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Not to mention the black taxis and scarlet phone boxes synonymous with England’s capital. Read more about Borough of Westminster

31: City of London

Average rent: £2,383 per month

The City of London has had one of the biggest yo-yo effects in rental pricing, crashing by over 12-20% in 2020, and then rocketing back up in late 2021. Currently, the ‘Square Mile’ sports a monthly rental average of £2,383. Being right in the heart of the city comes with an understandably high monthly rental bill.

30: Camden

Average rent: £2,150 per month

Camden offers a monthly rental average of £2,150. This represents a drop of about £160 from early 2022. Still, Camden is one of the coolest places in London, though sadly, coolness comes at a price.

Borough of Camden

Few places in the capital ooze cool like Camden. This popular Borough covers a large area but is more recognised for Camden Town. Its gritty, bohemian vibe has long-drawn a mesmerising mix of characters, from free spirits to punks, goths to rockers. And there Read more about Borough of Camden

29: Hammersmith and Fulham

Average rent: £1,950 per month

Hammersmith and Fulham has crept up in recent months to a rental average of £1,950. Smart, exciting, and conveniently placed, this is the borough that all the well-heeled young professionals want to be in.

Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

Hammersmith & Fulham is neighboured by posh playground Kensington & Chelsea. And while it shares its sibling’s gorgeous terraced townhouses and designer shopping, this pocket of West London is edgier and way more affordable. Read on to discover developments that are the best places to Read more about Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

28: Islington

Average rent: £1,900 per month

In Islington, you’ll find rents averaging at around £1,900 per month. This is roughly where they were in early 2022. Highly desirable due to its excellent nightlife, dining, theatre and retail offerings, Islington’s rental market is pricey yet delivers on quality.

Borough of Islington

Islington is a borough of many faces. Its mish-mash of neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality, from the urban bars and pubs of Angel to the chintzy antique stores of Camden Passage. Its properties have many guises, too – there are in-the-thick-of-it luxury Read more about Borough of Islington

27: Wandsworth

Average rent: £1,869 per month

Wandsworth also has a monthly rental average of £1,869, a slight increase since the last update. It also has a winning combination of excellent transport links, good schools and abundant green spaces, including scenic riverside spots. This makes it sought-after, and expensive.

Borough of Wandsworth

Welcome to Wandsworth, a leafy, south-west London borough overlooking the River Thames. It’s right opposite Fulham and, while the area has plenty in common with its affluent neighbour, living here is notably kinder on the bank balance. Read on to discover developments that are Read more about Borough of Wandsworth

26: Southwark

Average rent: £1,800 per month

Southwark currently has a monthly rental average of £1,800, an increase of £100 since the last update. It’s a borough that’s an architect’s dream. You’ve got the Shard, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and that just scratches the surface.

Borough of Southwark

Southwark is nestled on the South Bank of the Thames, and among its luxury riverside apartments and ultra-modern offices, are some of London’s biggest icons. This area is rich in culture, architecture and entertainment, charming millions of visitors (and residents) each year. For the Read more about Borough of Southwark

25: Hackney

Average rent: £1,795 per month

Hackney comes in at £1,795 per month as an area-wide average for rent, with an increase of £145 since the last update. Fast-growing, smartening up while still retaining a bit of an edge, Hackney is one of those places that is successfully catching the next set of trends. This includes smartly designed rental developments.

Borough of Hackney

Once upon a time, Hackney was topping lists of Britain’s worst places to live. But the borough has had a colossal transformation in recent years. and now, E8 is one of the capital’s most fashionable postcodes. Read on to discover developments that are the Read more about Borough of Hackney

24: Tower Hamlets

Average rent: £1,750 per month

Tower Hamlets has a monthly rental average of £1,750. You might have expected this borough to be lower down the list, but Canary Wharf and St Katherine’s Docks are desirable and expensive enough to push its average rental rate much higher. Be aware that cheaper options below this point can easily be found outside these two areas.

Borough of Tower Hamlets

Diverse, vibrant and with its finger well and truly on the pulse – that’s London’s Tower Hamlets. It’s what we like to call the Selfridges of the capital’s boroughs, in that it truly offers something for everyone. Art lover? Foodie? Or Fitness fanatic? Read Read more about Borough of Tower Hamlets

23: Lambeth

Average rent: £1,733 per month

Lambeth currently offers a monthly rental average of £1,733, a bump of more than £100 since the last update. Here, you’ve got the bright lights of Southbank, and the buzz of Brixton. This is a tailor-made borough for young professional renters looking to make the most of London living.

Borough of Lambeth

Lambeth occupies a prime South London location close to some of the capital’s biggest attractions, but not so close it’s packed with tourists. It stretches from the Thames’ South Bank and ends just beyond the residential areas of Streatham and Norwood. Read on to Read more about Borough of Lambeth

22: Richmond Upon Thames

Average rent: £1,650 per month

Richmond upon Thames offers renters an area-wide average of £1,650 per month. Tranquil riverside living, all with the convenience and bustle of the city close to hand whenever you want it. What’s not to like?

Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Consistently voted one of Britain’s happiest places to live, Richmond Upon Thames is an affluent residential district. And why wouldn’t its residents be smiling from ear to ear? This Zone 4 London borough connects to hotspots like Clapham Junction and Victoria. But, with its Read more about Borough of Richmond upon Thames

21: Haringey

Average rent: £1,580 per month

Haringey offers a rental average of £1,580 per month, which is a slight increase on last year. It’s a culture-rich North London borough that offers affordability alongside pleasant village-style community living, plenty of greenery and good commuting links into the city centre.

Borough of Haringey

Interested in moving to The London Borough of Haringey? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the area before making your decision! Located in North London, Haringey is a large borough with plenty to offer prospective home buyers. It is Read more about Borough of Haringey

20: Newham

Average rent: £1,575 per month

Newham offers a monthly rental average of just under £1,575. It’s a historic borough, combined with a retail offering that’ll suit any shopper, thanks to the likes of Westfield Stratford City. Newham is one of the few boroughs where rent has decreased slightly since the last update (£1,597).

Borough of Newham

If you are looking for a place to call home in London, the Borough of Newham is a great option. It is located in east London and has plenty to offer residents. In this guide, we will take a closer look at what makes Read more about Borough of Newham

19: Ealing

Average rent: £1,503 per month

Ealing has a monthly rental average of £1,503. Diverse, well connected and full of hidden gems, Ealing is a solid renting prospect for anyone, from a young professional to a growing family.

Borough of Ealing

Ealing, or ‘The Queen of the Suburbs’ as it’s fondly known, is a happy balance between city and countryside living. Train and tube stations offer fantastic connections to the heart of the capital, as well as this it has retained a rural, characterful look Read more about Borough of Ealing

18: Merton

Average rent: £1,500 per month

In Merton, you can expect to find a monthly rental rate of £1,500 on average. Accommodating to a fault, Merton serves up a good mix of quiet and lively areas that you can’t help but fall in love with.

17: Barnet

Average rent: £1,450 per month

Barnet is another borough that offers renters an average rate of £1,450. If you want green spaces within walking distance from home, Barnet has 200 parks and 32,000 trees. Food for thought, and space for roaming!

Borough of Barnet

London is a city of contrasts, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the boroughs. The borough of Barnet has a suburban feel with its leafy streets lined with houses and gardens. You’ll find many parks and green spaces in the area, along Read more about Borough of Barnet

16: Brent

Average rent: £1,420 per month

Brent also has an area-wide monthly rental average of £1,420. Another up and comer, Brent is a good rental prospect due to its latest stage of comprehensive urban regeneration projects. One to watch.

Borough of Brent

Looking to buy a home in London? Then you should definitely consider Brent – one of the most vibrant and diverse boroughs in the city. Situated in northwest London, Brent is well-connected to all other parts of the city and offers plenty of great Read more about Borough of Brent

15: Greenwich

Average rent: £1,400 per month

Greenwich currently offers a monthly rental average of £1,400. You’d think that Greenwich would be more expensive to rent in, given its excellent location, tons of history and even the presence of a Unesco World Heritage Site. However, it turns out that there are plenty of reasonable rental options to be found here.

Borough of Greenwich

It may be just a few miles from Central London; but emerald-hued Greenwich can feel a world away from the buzz of the capital. This south-east slice sits close to the River Thames looking out towards Canary Wharf, and is blanketed in green. A Read more about Borough of Greenwich

14: Hounslow

Average rent: £1,400 per month

Hounslow also offers renters an area average of £1,400 per month. It is one of the best-connected boroughs in London. Chiswick also provides excellent options for local shopping and dining out.

13: Kingston Upon Thames

Average rent: £1,400 per month

Kingston upon Thames is tied with the other boroughs at £1,400 per month for its area-wide average rental rate. It’s another historic riverside borough with plenty to offer. It gives renters plenty of space but without the high prices of nearby Twickenham or Richmond.

Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Kingston upon Thames is a vibrant and dynamic town that has something to offer for everyone. It boasts an incredible range of shops, restaurants and pubs in its historic town centre. Meanwhile, the many parks and green spaces provide the perfect backdrop to Kingston’s Read more about Borough of Kingston upon Thames

12: Lewisham

Average rent: £1,400 per month

Lewisham also has an area-wide rental average of £1,400. It’s a 10-minute ride into central London and has plenty on its doorstep. Lewisham already has a big renter community, which keeps prices competitive.

Borough of Lewisham

Lewisham lies just a few miles south-east of Central London. A borough given a little more than just a fresh coat of paint in recent years. In fact, this area has seen plenty in the way of renovation. Including, a transformation of the town Read more about Borough of Lewisham

11: Waltham Forest

Average rent: £1,400 per month

Waltham Forest is the fifth of the boroughs on our list with a £1,400 per month rental average. It’s gone from a favourite hunting lodge of Queen Elizabeth I, to a high-flying borough with a booming town centre.

Borough of Waltham Forest

If you’re considering purchasing a home in The London Borough of Waltham Forest, you’ll want to read this guide first! We’ll cover everything from the area’s demographics to the top schools in the borough. Waltham Forest is located in northeast London and is one Read more about Borough of Waltham Forest

10: Bromley

Average rent: £1,350 per month

Bromley is a hair cheaper at an area average rental rate of £1,350. With a revitalised town centre, good schools, Bakerloo extension plans, and Crystal Palace Park, Bromley has plenty to commend itself.

Borough of Bromley

Bromley is the largest of the 32 London boroughs, stretching from Crystal Palace and Mottingham in the north right down to Biggin Hill in the south. It’s also a borough that transitions dramatically from suburban to rural, with farmland making up around 30% of Read more about Borough of Bromley

9: Enfield

Average rent: £1,350 per month

Enfield offers a monthly rental average of £1,350. A magnet for first-time buyers as well as renters, renting in Enfield is a great way to get an authentic North London experience while preparing to get your feet on the property ladder.

8: Harrow

Average rent: £1,350 per month

Harrow has a monthly rental average of £1,350. Harrow is a good rental prospect for those looking to get a quieter London lifestyle but with plenty of excitement not too far away. Rents have been stable in the past year as well.

Harrow

Chances are, if you’ve never been to Harrow before you’ll have only heard of its famous occupant Harrow School. And you’d be forgiven. With ex-pupils including Winston Churchill, Richard Curtis and Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s easy to see why the establishment’s been given more column Read more about Harrow

7: Redbridge

Average rent: £1,300 per month

Redbridge has a monthly rental rate average of £1,300. Though it’s a sleepier, more sedate borough than most, Redbridge has its charms and makes for an easy 20-minute journey into central London.

Borough of Redbridge

If you’re thinking of buying a home in London, Redbridge is a borough you should consider. With excellent schools, plenty of green space and good transport links, it’s perfect for families and commuters alike. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what Read more about Borough of Redbridge

6: Barking and Dagenham

Average rent: £1,295 per month

Barking and Dagenham offers renters a monthly rent of £1,295 on average, remaining stable in the past year. The borough is experiencing a lot of private and public investment, which is bringing it up in many key areas. It’s lively, multicultural and increasingly confident in its future.

Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Situated on the eastern edge of the city, Barking and Dagenham is one of the most populous boroughs in all of London. With plenty to offer in terms of amenities and attractions, as well as great transport links into central London, Barking and Dagenham Read more about Borough of Barking and Dagenham

5: Hillingdon

Average rent: £1,295 per month

Hillingdon also offers a £1,295 per month rental average for the area. Prices in the area have increased by one of the highest rates in the capital though, since the last update. It’s a good rental prospect to secure now, ideally before the Crossrail Project begins to drive prices up further.

Hillingdon

If you are looking to buy a home in London, the Borough of Hillingdon may be the perfect place for you. Located in west London, Hillingdon is a large borough that encompasses urban, suburban and rural areas. There are plenty of things to do Read more about Hillingdon

4: Bexley

Average rent: £1,250 per month

The average rent in Bexley has risen slightly to £1,250. This pushes it down from second to fourth place. Sitting quietly on the border of Kent, Bexley gets the country/city lifestyle mix just right, giving excellent access to green spaces, good schools, access to the River Thames and a direct route into the heart of the capital.

3: Croydon

Average rent: £1,250 per month

Croydon has an area average rental rate of £1,250 as well. It is ideal for commuters and is constantly reinventing itself. Today, Croydon is cool, inviting and uniquely artsy.

Croydon

There are two great reasons to live in Croydon, these go hand in hand to make it a compelling choice; its relatively cheap property prices and its excellent transport links into Central London. On top of that, numerous initiatives are transforming Croydon and helping Read more about Croydon

2: Havering

Average rent: £1,225 per month

Havering has a monthly rental rate average of £1,225, recovering slightly from the last update after plummeting from the highs of around £1,400 in 2021. This makes it the cheapest London borough in which to rent. It’s a tranquil, green and open borough that straddles the urban and rural parts of North East London. Firmly competitive with lots to recommend itself, this is a must-see borough for renters looking for a great deal!

Borough of Havering

Are you thinking of buying a home in London? If so, you may be wondering if Havering is the right borough for you. Located in east London, Havering is one of the most affordable boroughs in the city. It covers a large area, including Read more about Borough of Havering

1: Sutton

Average rent: £1,200 per month

Sutton was placed second in our last update, but returns to the top spot after it’s rental rates dropped by £25 in the latest data. Sutton is one of the safest boroughs in London, which makes it a haven for families and a magnet for new investment in high-quality homes and a growing range of independent stores. There’s also a good range of green spaces – a hangover from Sutton’s history as being part of Surrey before officially joining London in 1934. Now, with its cosmopolitan vibe, increased confidence and increasingly smart yet affordable housing developments, Sutton has really found its feet…without charging an arm and a leg!

Borough of Sutton

Sutton is a hugely popular commuter spot for young families seeking more space outside central London areas. Excellent schools add to its appeal, alongside plenty of open green spaces and good value homes. The town of Sutton offers a great selection of family homes, Read more about Borough of Sutton

We hope that this full list of the average rent London boroughs typically offer will be useful in your hunt for the ideal rental property. If you want to refine your search in a borough or wider London area, be sure to take a look at our specific area guides.

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