Hertfordshire city named most expensive to rent in Britain outside London

A list has been compiled of the most expensive cities in Britain for renters, outside London.

After analysing advertised rents in more than 50 cities, Rightmove says St Albans topped the list.

In August 2024, the average in the Hertfordshire city, which is popular with London commuters, was £2,307 a month.

Oxford was next on the list, with an average of £2,237 a month, followed by Cambridge at £2,072.

All cities in the top ten are in the South East or East of England, apart from Edinburgh in sixth (£1,778).

The cheapest city to rent in was Carlisle, advertised at £791 a month on average, 41% below the national average.

Tim Bannister, a property expert at Rightmove, said: "The rental divide across Great Britain is clear, with an average difference of just over £1,500 (per month) 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."

In full: Top 10 most expensive British cities to rent outside London

1. St Albans, east of England, £2,307

2. Oxford, South East, £2,237

3. Cambridge, east of England, £2,072

4. Winchester, South East, £2,049

5. Brighton, South East, £2,040

6. Edinburgh, Scotland, £1,778

7. Bristol, South West, £1,758

8. Chelmsford, east of England, £1,686

9. Milton Keynes, South East, £1,590

10. Southend-on-Sea, east of England, £1,495

In full: Top 10 cheapest cities to rent in Britain outside London

1. Carlisle, North West, £791

2. Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, £804

3. Sunderland, North East, £807

4. Stoke-on-Trent, West Midlands, £863

5. Wrexham, Wales, £874

6. Bradford, Yorkshire and the Humber, £947

7. Preston, North West, £952

8. Doncaster, Yorkshire and the Humber, £974

9. Lancaster, North West, £993

10. Wakefield, Yorkshire and the Humber, £1,030

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