A recent study by Rightmove has found that St Albans, a historic commuter city in Hertfordshire, has the highest average rent outside of London, at £2,307 per month. This figure surpasses the national average by 71%.

In contrast, cities in the north of England offer the best value for renters. Carlisle ranks as the most affordable city, with average rents of £791 per month. Wrexham, Wales, also makes the top five most affordable cities, with average rents of £874 per month.

The research highlights a significant rental divide across Great Britain. Cities in the east and southeast, such as Oxford and Cambridge, dominate the top spots for highest rents, while Bristol and Edinburgh also feature among the priciest cities.

Key Findings:

– Average rent in St Albans: £2,307 per month (71% above national average)
– Most affordable city: Carlisle (£791 per month)
– National average advertised rent outside London: £1,349 per month (record high)
– Rental growth in some cities: over 40% in 5 years

“The rental divide across Great Britain is clear,” notes Tim Bannister, property expert at Rightmove. “With average differences of over £1,500 per month between the most expensive and cheapest cities, affordability will be a key consideration for students and graduates.

St Albans’ popularity with London commuters contributes to its high house prices, with properties costing 17 times more than the average annual salary of residents.

This study comes as students prepare for the new academic year, highlighting the challenges of affordable housing across the UK.