Cheap Areas to Live in Cambridge: An Exclusive Guide

List of Cheap Areas to Live in Cambridge

Several areas in and around Cambridge offer more affordable housing options compared to the city center. If you are looking to save money, you can explore student areas in Cambridge from the following details.

1. Peterborough

It generally boasts a lower cost of living than major UK cities. For example, the average monthly rent is around £667, which makes it a very cost-effective place for students to find accommodation. Additionally, it offers affordable transportation options, including a transit system with reasonable fares and monthly passes that can provide significant savings for students. So, if you are looking for cheap housing areas in Cambridge, Peterborough is an ideal choice for you.

• Average Rent - Between INR 1.5 L and INR 2.3 L.
• Places to Visit - Peterborough Cathedral, Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, the Nene Valley Railway, and Railworld Wildlife Haven.

2. Wisbech

Wisbech is another good area that is considered a cheaper area for students because of its inexpensive housing options. It was also ranked as the second cheapest place to live in the East of England in 2021. Here, students can find cheap and safe areas to live in Cambridge along with dorms and rooms in the town center, which are close to many colleges and universities.

• Average Rent -Approximately INR 87,000 to over 2.95 L.
• Places to Visit - Wisbech & Fenland Museum and Wisbech Castle.

3. Huntingdon

Huntingdon is often cited as one of the best cheap areas to live in Cambridge for students, particularly when compared to larger UK cities like London. It is located near the University of Cambridge and the University Centre Peterborough, which makes it a suitable base for students. Moreover, here you can find excellent train connections to London, and take a short drive from several airports, including Luton and Stansted.

• Average Rent -Approximately INR 1 L to over INR 1.3 L
• Places to Visit - Houghton Mill, Hinchingbrooke Country Park, and the Cromwell Museum.

4. Ely

Ely appears to be a good option for students seeking a relatively safe and pleasant place to live, potentially at a lower cost compared to larger cities in the UK. It is also described as a historic and attractive city with a unique character, including the famous Ely Cathedral. Despite being a smaller city, Ely has various amenities, including a leisure village, shops, restaurants, and hospitals. You can find many areas in Cambridge with cheap rent compared to other larger cities.

• Average Rent -Around INR 88,100 to INR 149,100 per month.
• Places to Visit - Oliver Cromwell's House, Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, and Ely Museum.

5. Whittlesey

The student accommodation in Cambridge is generally considered more affordable than many other areas, especially when it comes to housing costs. This city is among the safer small towns in Cambridge, with a low overall crime rate. Also, it has a strong community spirit and a good range of local amenities, including a leisure center, shops, and pubs. So, if you are looking for a safe, affordable, and community-focused place to live, Whittlesey could be a good option for you.

• Average Rent -Between INR 63,270 and INR 71,194 per month.
• Places to Visit - Fenland Aquapark, Whittlesey Museum, and the Lattersey Local Nature Reserve.

6. Royston

Royston is described as a best market town in North Hertfordshire with a blend of history, natural beauty, and local charm. Compared to major cities like London, Bristol, and Liverpool, Royston is likely more affordable. Royston is well-connected, with easy access to both Cambridge and London by train and road. The overall cost of living in the UK, excluding rent, is estimated to be around £651 a month for a student. So, if you want an affordable place in Cambridge City, it's an ideal choice for you.

• Average Rent -Approximately INR 35,000 to INR 65,000 per month.
• Places to Visit - Royston Cave, Royston Museum, and Therfield Heath.

7. Bishop’s Stortford

Bishop's Stortford is described as a nice place offering a balance of urban amenities and rural charm. It boasts excellent transport links, top-rated schools, and a variety of shops. The town is family-friendly, with plenty of parks and outdoor spaces. It's a lively commuter town well-connected to London and maintaining a rural feel. Therefore, it can be one of the cheap areas to stay in Cambridge for students.

• Average Rent -Between INR 70,000 to INR 90,000 per month.
• Place to Visit - Waytemore Castle, a historic site, and the River Stort.

8. Arbury and King's Hedges

If you are looking for cheap areas to rent in Cambridge, Arbury, and King’s Hedges can be the best ones. Housing prices in this area are affordable and generally considered more budget-friendly. While living here, you can find a variety of local amenities, including shops, parks, pubs, and it is close to the Cambridge Science Park. This is also one of the safest areas with a strong community feel, particularly for students.

• Average Rent -Approximately INR 101,000 to INR 111,000 per month.
• Places to Visit - Arbury Town Park, King's Hedges Pocket Park, St Albans and Nunns Way recs, and Milton Country Park.

9. Abbey

The cost of living in Cambridge for an international student, excluding rent, is approximately £866 per month. Being in the heart of Bath, the Abbey area offers easy access to the city’s shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues. In this area, you can also find numerous bus stops located near Bath Abbey, making it easy to travel to both the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.

• Average Rent -Around INR 75,000 to INR 81,000 per month.
• place to Visit - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill, a National Trust property with a Jacobean house.

10. Cherry Hinton

Cherry Hinton, located near Cambridge, offers a combination of city convenience and a friendly community that can be appealing to students. This area is close to many universities, which makes it easy to access classes and events. Places like Cherry Hinton Hall Park offer recreational facilities and peaceful green spaces and are known for their welcoming atmosphere. It is considered one of the cheap areas to live in Cambridge and has the availability of specific student accommodation.

• Average Rent - Between INR 63,000 to INR 89,250 per month.
• Places to Visit - Cherry Hinton Hall Park, Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits Nature Reserve, and Wandlebury Country Park.

Finally, you know about the 10 best cheap housing areas in Cambridge, along with their average rent and other benefits.

What to Consider When Choosing an Affordable Area in Cambridge?

When considering student areas in Cambridge for accommodation, it is crucial to balance your cost plan with your needs and location preferences. It also includes the amenities and commute. Here, you can find a detailed review that you must consider while looking for cheap areas.

• Define Your Budget and Needs - To live comfortably in Cambridge, you must look for areas that align with your suitable budget. For that, you should also have a substantial income. You can also consider your priorities like you want your housing near your university, access to public transport, or desired amenities.
• Explore Affordable Neighborhoods -Wellington - Harrington, Cambridge Highlands, and Riverside tend to have lower average rent prices compared to other locations in Cambridge. Besides, Strawberry Hill, Inman Square, and Huron Village are also considered budget-friendly locations to live.
• Evaluate Commute and Transportation -This city has a good public transportation system with Red Line and Green Line stops, which are comfortable for people to travel within the city. Here, you can also find biking and walking transport options, which are more economical.
• Research Amenities and Lifestyle -Cambridge is generally considered a safe city, but while travelling at night, you should be careful. Moreover, you can review the crime map for crime statistics here from the City of Cambridge, and you will be able to identify which areas you should avoid.
• Consider Alternative Housing Options -Sharing an apartment or house with others can be more affordable for your living, and can reduce heavy rental costs. If you are a student, here you can find community-focused living with shared facilities and amenities.
• Timing of Your Search -Your timing of the search is also crucial when you are looking for cheap & safe areas to live in Cambridge. For example, rent rates tend to be lower during the winter months, and there is less competition.

By carefully considering these factors and doing thorough research, you can find an affordable accommodation option in Cambridge that meets your specific needs and preferences. Finally, you have explored the cheap areas to live in Cambridge that are best for you. Now, you know very well that Cambridge is a great place for students because of many reasons, such as the academic and social scene, student support systems, and a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. If you are looking for student accommodation in UK, this city can be the best option for you for affordable deals.

FAQs

1. What Is the Cheapest Area to Live in Cambridge in 2025?

In Cambridge, the most affordable areas to live in 2025 are generally found further from the city center, with Wisbech and Peterborough being notable examples. These areas offer significantly lower house prices and rental costs compared to Cambridge itself, while still maintaining good transport links to the city.

2. Are Cheap Areas in Cambridge Safe to Live in?

Generally, Cambridge is considered a safe city, and most areas, including those with lower living costs, are not considered unsafe in terms of violent crime. While some areas might have a slightly higher crime rate than others, it's not a significant concern for most residents.

3. How Much Is the Average Rent in Cheaper Parts of Cambridge?

In the more affordable areas of Cambridge, Massachusetts, renters can expect to pay around $2,897 to $3,262 per month for an apartment. Specifically, West Cambridge is the most affordable, with an average rent of $2,897, and Peabody is at $3,028. Cambridge Highlands ($3,137), Riverside ($3,262), and Strawberry Hill ($3,601) also offer rentals below the overall average Cambridge rent of $3,801.

4. Can I Find Cheap Student Accommodation in Cambridge Near Universities?

Yes, it is possible to find affordable student accommodation in Cambridge, especially on the outskirts of the city or in areas with good transport links. While Cambridge is known for its higher cost of living, options like Cherry Hinton, Arbury, and Chesterton offer more budget-friendly choices.

5. Is Cambridge a Good City for Affordable Living?

Cambridge is a good city for living, as it provides a good quality of life. Here, you can find several affordable living options, and compared to other cities in the UK, those are cheap. While it is known for its high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing.