Many people desire to live in London, given its lively vibe and diverse cultural scene. However, the high accommodation costs of the city make people think about their decision twice. But, do you know there are hidden gems, which are cheap areas to live in London, and you don't have to break your bank to find perfect housing? If you are not familiar with them, don't worry! In this blog, we will help you discover the top areas in London which offer affordable living with a blend of suburban pleasure and city vibes.
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Finding cheap areas to live in London requires thorough planning and research. It can help you find some hidden gems slightly away from central London. But in these areas, you can find your ideal housing at affordable rates. So, let's dive into the list of cheap areas to stay in London city.
Barking and Dagenham is among the areas that offer great value with the lowest rent prices. It is a developing area, with new residential and projects in planning. Above all, the area is likely to experience Crossrail, which will make travelling to central London more convenient.
Croydon is a crowded and organised area having good connectivity with central London and other parts. Additionally, it is one of the largest suburban areas of London with a range of shopping, dining, and leisure options.
It is a quieter and family-friendly area offering a suburban vibe with easy connectivity to central London. The area has various green spaces with other comforts like schools and leisure places. It is among the top affordable areas to live in London City.
Havering offers a good range of properties to rent, ideal housing. With the rising cost of living in London, this area is perfect for people looking for a living space and atmosphere with a mix of town and city living. Above all, good public transport makes it an appealing area.
Being a part of southeast London, Bexley is an area with cheap housing and strong connectivity. The area offers a relaxed living, a perfect choice for families. If you are someone who doesn't want to live a bustling life, Bexley stands out to be a perfect option. Also, it is one of the suitable areas to find student accommodation in London.
Enfield is a large suburban area in north London that boasts a good connection with central London. It is among the affordablestudent areas in London, offering a range of housing options. The area offers good value for the money provided compared to other Zones.
Hillingdon is among the peaceful and cheap housing areas in London. Here, you can find large properties at lower rents in comparison to other areas. With the affordable cost of living, there are various green spaces and shopping centres that make it an ideal place to live.
An East London area offering a mix of suburban peace and city comfort. It is a perfect family area with affordable rent and living. The strong connectivity with central London is another appealing feature of this area. It is one of the best cheap areas to live in London city.
Various green spaces and numerous excellent schools are major highlights of this area. In Harrow, you'll find peace as there are not many disturbances and it is among the cheapest and safe areas to live in London. Additionally, you can enjoy a mix of city and suburban living with value for money in terms of housing and travel.
In southeast London, Bromley is one of the largest areas that offers more living space at low rents. You can enjoy various local comforts while living in Bromley with easy access to Central London at a reasonable price. It is a highly popular area for student accommodation in UK, offering a range of housing options at affordable rent.
In London, you'll find the city is divided into nine different transport zones. However, the majority of the city area is covered in Zones 1 to 6, and Zones 7 to 9 are localised areas outside the main London. While zones 1 to 6 are major residential areas, you'll find easy connectivity throughout the city. So, let's look at the average rent comparison in these zones.
| London Zone | Average Rent (1 Bedroom) | Popular Areas |
| Zone 1 | £2,100 - £3,000 | Westminster, Soho, Covent Garden, |
| Zone 2 | £1,500 - £2,300 | Islington, Hackney, Camden |
| Zone 3 | £1,200 - £1,800 | Brixton, Walthamstow, Ealing |
| Zone 4 | £1,000 - £1,500 | Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Enfield |
| Zone 5 | £900 - £1,300 | Bromley, Croydon, Sutton, Havering |
| Zone 6 | £800 - £1,100 | Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Heathrow |
The above table indicates that Zones 4 to 6 are the cheapest areas to rent in London. However, Zones 7 to 9 offer even more cheap housing, but amenities may vary, and the standard of living is declined.
Finding areas in London with cheap rent is a complex task, given the high living expenses. However, finding an affordable area is just one step because there are various other factors. So, let's have a closer look at these factors to help finalise a perfect area.
One of the crucial factors that you must consider while finalising cheap areas to live in London is transport and accessibility. The areas chosen should have easy access to public transport that can help you connect with central London and other parts easily. Consider your commute time to work or college and potential travel costs.
There is no doubt that London is a peaceful and safe city to live. However, there are areas where crime rates may be high. So, it is crucial to consider the safety and local community before finalising the area. Further, consider visiting the areas frequently to feel the vibe and atmosphere.
Finalising an affordable area without basic amenities and comforts is not a wise decision. It is crucial to check whether the area has access to services like colleges, hospitals, or leisure activities. Additionally, your lifestyle preferences are also crucial because you can find areas with a bustling atmosphere or areas that offer a peaceful vibe.
In conclusion, finding an ideal housing in London can be expensive, yet there are various cheap areas to rent in London. With our thorough guide, you are likely to find your ideal housing without any problems. Further, to enjoy the blend of city vibes and suburban joy, look for other areas like Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Harrow. These areas will help you find housing at affordable rates while enjoying multiple amenities.
Moreover, for any assistance related to finding perfect housing, you can seek advice from our experts at graddinghomes.com. We will help you book accommodation as per your needs.
In 2025, there are various cheap areas to live in London. Areas like Bexley, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering are some of the popular affordable areas. However, the affordability also depends upon your lifestyle and preferences.
Yes, there are various cheap areas in London to live. Indeed, London as a whole is a peaceful and safe city. However, it is a good practice to check the crime rates and visit the area properly to have a better idea about safety.
In London, the average rent in cheaper parts of London ranges from £900 to £1,400 for one bedroom. This rent may increase with the amenities and comforts chosen.
Living in Zone 4 is relatively cheaper than in Zone 2. The average rental prices may range from £1,000 - £1,500 in Zone 2. However, it may be expensive in zone 4, with rents ranging from £1,500 - £2,300.
Yes, East London is generally cheaper and more affordable to live with areas like Barking and Dagenham offering a high value for money in comparison to West London, where rents are skyrocketing.
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