RENTERS are handing over record amounts to landlords, but there are still some good deals to be found.
Compared to just three years ago, the average UK renter is now paying £185 more every month.
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Property site Zoopla said landlords have been selling up because of higher mortgage rates and stricter government rules.
That’s left fewer homes to rent at a time when more and more people are looking for a place to stay.
Rents are most expensive in London, where the average monthly cost is now £1,978 – up by more than 15% in a year.
Prices have gone up everywhere in the UK but if you’re looking to move and want to keep costs down, here are the cheapest places to rent in 2023, according to Zoopla.
Aberdeen
Average monthly rent: £636
It’s possible to pay less than this but anyone hoping to live and work in a major city will find rents lowest in Aberdeen, on the east coast of Scotland.
The average salary in the city is £32,909 per year or £16.88 per hour, according to talent.com.
Entry level positions start at £25,000 a year while most experienced workers make up to £51,366 per year.
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It’s within easy reach of the Scottish Highlands for those who like the outdoors and boasts a low crime rate.
Belfast
Average monthly rent: £702
Belfast comes in second place for cheap rent in a major UK city.
Talent.com puts the average salary at £30,000 and according to Numbeo.com, living costs not including rent are around £660 a month.
Though the city has been through a lot with the Irish troubles, Moneyfarm says the capital of Northern Ireland is now a “contemporary city” with plenty of job opportunities.
Newcastle
Average monthly rent: £745
The third cheapest city to rent in is Newcastle, home to the Angel of the North and a buzzing student life.
The average salary comes in at around £35,000 and Numbeo puts the average price of a pint at £3.70.
Sheffield
Average monthly rent: £747
A typical salary is around £32,500 and the beautiful Peak District is on the doorstep.
The city also hosts various festivals, including an annual adventure film festival and another celebrating 90s music.
Liverpool
Average monthly rent: £758
The last of the major cities in the UK where it’s possible to rent for under £800 a month on average.
Home of The Beatles and Echo and the Bunnymen, the city has a rich musical history.
The typical salary is around £33,000.
Best of the rest
The cheapest areas to rent are all in Scotland and the north of England.
If you live in London or the South East, you’ll face paying up to four times the amount of rent you would in Hartlepool in the North East.
The average monthly rent in the town is £494, making it the cheapest place in the UK for renters.
Here are the ten local authority areas where it costs the least to rent.
- Hartlepool – £494
- Burnley – £507
- East Ayrshire – £522
- Pendle District – £530
- Dumfries and Galloway – £530
- County Durham – £535
- Barrow-in-Furness – £540
- Hyndburn – £544
- Allerdale – £545
- North Ayrshire – £549
If you can’t pay your rent
If you are struggling to keep up with your rent, speaking to your landlord is an important step.
It’s worth flagging in advance that you’re having problems rather than waiting until you’re in arrears.
The landlord might be able to discuss a payment plan for you, or possibly consider reducing your rent for a period.
If you’re already in arrears, they may help you come up with an affordable repayment plan to cover what you owe.
For other help with rent costs, check out our guide.
