The Cheapest Boroughs to Live in London (2026)
Where London is most affordable — the lowest average rents and house prices, borough by borough.
London is famously expensive, but the gap between its priciest and most affordable boroughs is enormous. If you're looking to rent or buy without a Zone 1 budget, the outer boroughs offer far better value — often with more space and greener surroundings. Here's where London costs least in 2026. Figures are indicative averages that vary by source and property type. To dig deeper, see our living-in London guides.
Cheapest to rent — Bexley, Sutton, Havering & Croydon
For renters, Bexley leads as London's most affordable borough at an average of around £1,485 a month, followed closely by Sutton (about £1,521), Havering (about £1,522) and Croydon (about £1,525) — all offering significant savings over inner London.
Cheapest to buy — Barking & Dagenham and Croydon
For buyers, Barking & Dagenham is the most affordable borough with an average house price around £335,500, ahead of Croydon (about £393,300), Bexley (about £400,800) and Newham (about £403,000). Explore the area in our Barking and Dagenham borough guide.
What you get for your money
These outer boroughs typically offer larger homes, more gardens and quieter streets, with the trade-off of longer commutes into central London. Improving transport links — including the Elizabeth line — have made several of them far more attractive to value-conscious buyers and renters.
Discover More with ViewMyCity
Choosing where to live is a big decision. Our living-in guides cover cost of living, transport and lifestyle across London, while our borough pages help you discover what each area is really like.
