Finding a rental home in the UK that fits your budget has not been easy over the past few years. Rents kept rising fast, and many people struggled to afford even basic homes. But in 2026, there is finally some good news for renters.
The UK rental market is starting to calm down. Rent prices are still rising, but much more slowly than before. This change is helping renters find better options without stretching their budgets too much.
In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest places to rent in the UK in 2026, including regions, cities, and local districts. We’ll also explain why rents are changing, what this means for renters, and where you can find the best value for money this year.
Why the UK Rental Market Is Slowing Down in 2026
For several years, rent prices increased quickly because there were too many renters and not enough homes. In 2026, this gap is getting smaller.
Here’s what’s happening:
- Rental demand has dropped by around 20% compared to last year
- The number of available rental homes has increased by 15%
- Average rent growth is now just 2.2%, the slowest in four years
As of December 2025, the average UK rent is £1,320 per month, or about £18,840 per year.
What This Means for Renters
This slowdown gives renters:
- More choice
- Less competition
- Better chances to negotiate rent
- More affordable areas opening up outside big cities
Average Rent Prices Across UK Regions in 2026
Rent prices still vary a lot depending on where you live. Northern regions remain the most affordable, while southern regions and London stay expensive.
Average Monthly Rent by Region
| Region | Average Rent (pcm) | Annual Growth (%) | Annual Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North East | £760 | 4.5% | £30 |
| Northern Ireland | £854 | 11.0% | £80 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £869 | 1.8% | £20 |
| Scotland | £882 | 1.7% | £10 |
| East Midlands | £923 | 1.9% | £20 |
| Wales | £945 | 2.4% | £20 |
| North West | £955 | 3.2% | £30 |
| West Midlands | £986 | 1.7% | £20 |
| South West | £1,149 | 3.0% | £30 |
| East of England | £1,263 | 2.5% | £30 |
| South East | £1,397 | 2.1% | £30 |
| London | £2,224 | 1.6% | £40 |
Key Takeaway
The North East is the cheapest region to rent in the UK, while London remains almost twice as expensive as any other region.
10 Cheapest Cities to Rent a Home in the UK (2026)
If you’re open to moving cities, you can save a lot of money. Many affordable cities also offer good transport links, jobs, and a lower cost of living.
Cheapest Cities by Average Rent
| City | Average Rent (pcm) | Annual Growth (%) | Annual Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnley | £652 | 3.9% | £20 |
| Sunderland | £661 | 3.3% | £20 |
| Hull | £674 | 5.6% | £40 |
| Middlesbrough | £674 | -0.5% | £0 |
| Grimsby | £683 | 3.1% | £20 |
| Doncaster | £745 | 5.6% | £40 |
| Aberdeen | £746 | 2.5% | £20 |
| Barnsley | £747 | 6.1% | £40 |
| Blackpool | £752 | 2.7% | £20 |
| Huddersfield | £771 | 4.3% | £30 |
Why These Cities Are Cheaper
- Lower living costs
- Fewer people competing for homes
- Good links to larger nearby cities
- Growing interest from remote workers
Cheapest Districts to Rent by Region in 2026
Sometimes, you don’t need to move far. Choosing a cheaper local authority within your region can save hundreds of pounds per year.
1. North East – The Cheapest UK Region
The North East continues to offer the lowest rents in the country. Coastal towns and historic areas make it even more attractive.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hartlepool | £578 | 2.7% | £20 |
| County Durham | £632 | 4.7% | £30 |
| Redcar and Cleveland | £634 | 0.8% | £10 |
Why choose the North East?
Low rents, sea views, countryside, and improving job markets.
2. Scotland – Affordable but Rising
Scotland offers good value, but cheaper areas are seeing faster rent increases.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Ayrshire | £602 | 7.7% | £40 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | £615 | 6.6% | £40 |
| Angus | £670 | 3.1% | £20 |
Many renters are moving out of Glasgow, which is pushing up rents in nearby areas.
3. Yorkshire and the Humber – Great Value Cities
Hull remains one of the most affordable cities in England, with strong cultural growth.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston-upon-Hull | £674 | 5.6% | £40 |
| North East Lincolnshire | £683 | 3.1% | £20 |
| North Lincolnshire | £694 | 7.2% | £50 |
4. East Midlands – Growing and Affordable
This region is becoming popular with logistics workers and remote professionals.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Lindsey | £704 | 5.3% | £40 |
| Bassetlaw | £753 | 4.7% | £30 |
| Bolsover | £761 | 5.4% | £40 |
5. Wales – Best Value in the Valleys
Mid and South Wales offer affordable rents with beautiful landscapes.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powys | £677 | 6.0% | £40 |
| Blaenau Gwent | £696 | 3.0% | £20 |
| Merthyr Tydfil | £730 | 3.1% | £20 |
6. North West – Cheap but Rising Fast
Rents are still low, but demand is growing.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnley | £642 | 3.5% | £20 |
| Allerdale | £666 | 9.9% | £60 |
| Pendle | £668 | 4.1% | £30 |
7. West Midlands – Affordable Commuter Areas
Great for people working in Birmingham.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoke-on-Trent | £752 | 3.8% | £30 |
| Staffordshire Moorlands | £788 | 5.7% | £40 |
| East Staffordshire | £830 | 6.6% | £50 |
8. South West – Budget Coastal Options
Still expensive overall, but some areas remain affordable.
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Devon | £827 | 5.6% | £40 |
| Torridge | £829 | 4.0% | £30 |
| West Devon | £873 | 10.1% | £80 |
9. East of England – Hidden Bargains
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waveney | £811 | 2.5% | £20 |
| Great Yarmouth | £834 | 3.6% | £30 |
| Fenland | £856 | 2.0% | £20 |
10. South East – Cheapest Options Near London
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isle of Wight | £951 | 2.4% | £20 |
| Thanet | £1,021 | 2.1% | £20 |
| Dover | £1,055 | 0.0% | £0 |
11. London – Cheapest Boroughs (Relatively)
| Local Authority | Average Rent (pcm) | Growth (%) | Increase (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croydon | £1,617 | 2.1% | £30 |
| Sutton | £1,628 | 2.9% | £50 |
| Bexley | £1,638 | 4.7% | £70 |
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Rent in 2026?
Renting in the UK is still expensive, but 2026 offers more hope than recent years. Rent growth is slowing, and affordable areas are easier to find.
Best Choices in 2026
- Best overall value: North East & Yorkshire
- Best cities: Burnley, Hull, Sunderland
- Best commuter areas: Stoke-on-Trent, Thanet
- Best for coastal living: Hartlepool, Waveney, North Devon
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