The cheapest student cities for rent are…

As students across Great Britain prepare to start or resume their university journeys, new findings reveal which cities are the most budget-friendly for renting.

According to Rightmove, Hull and Sunderland have average monthly rents of £804, making them 49% more affordable than the national average of £1,565.

Carlisle follows closely, with rents averaging £828.

For many students, university marks their first foray into the PRS and rent affordability is a critical factor when selecting a study destination.

Finding a student home

Rightmove’s property expert, Colleen Babcock, said: “Moving to a new city or just out of the family home for the first time is an exciting experience for many students, but trying to find that first place to rent can be hard.”

To help, she says students should decide on a budget and consider what they will compromise on to get a property.

That includes moving to an area further from transport or outside a city centre which should be cheaper.

Students should also consider sharing and local letting agents will offer help and have properties available.

Most expensive student rents

Rightmove’s analysis of more than 50 cities highlights big regional disparities in rents and while Hull and Sunderland offer relief for cash-strapped students, other cities offer a financial challenge.

For example, St Albans is the priciest city outside London, with average rents reaching £2,359.

Oxford (£2,093) and Brighton (£2,031) also rank among the costliest.

London sets a new benchmark, with rents hitting a record £2,712, the property platform says.

Nationally, a two-bedroom flat now costs £1,612, while a four-bedroom house averages £2,260.

Rightmove notes that eight of the 10 most affordable student cities have seen rents climb by more than a third in the past five years.