Rental price divide laid bare as costs surge

As university students prepare to start the next academic year, some students will have to spend a record amount on rent.

According to Rightmove, St Albans has been named Great Britain’s most expensive city to rent outside London, with costs 71% above the UK average, at £2,307 per calendar month (pcm).

The national average rent outside London has reached a record £1,349 per calendar month, marking a 5% increase from last year.

Rental divide across Great Britain is clear

Following closely, Oxford has an average rent of £2,237 pcm, while Cambridge ranks third with an average rent of £2,072.

The most expensive area contrasts with Carlisle, which has the lowest rental prices in Great Britain, with an average rent of £791 per month, 41% below the national average.

Rightmove’s property expert, Tim Bannister, said: “The rental divide across Great Britain is clear, with an average difference of just over £1,500 between the most expensive and cheapest cities.

“Many of these cities have seen rental growth of over 40% over the past five years, meaning it’s likely to be a significant consideration when students are thinking about where to study, and those who have already graduated working out if they can afford to stay in that city and find a job.”

Full list of most expensive and cheapest cities to rent

Other cities with lower rents include Hull, with an average of £804 per month, and Sunderland, where the average rent is £807.

The full list of the most expensive and cheapest cities to rent can be viewed below.

Most expensive cities to rent 

Cheapest cities to rent