The Cheapest vs Most Expensive Places to Rent in the UK for Students in 2026-27

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What are the most affordable places to live in the UK for students? Here's a list to help you budget 👇

Student town in the country or seaside campus on the coast? When it comes to choosing where to study, the decision can feel a little daunting. However, if there’s one factor that’s bound to influence your choice, it's your budget. It’s no secret that some cities in the UK are more expensive than others when it comes to the cost of living.

To save you a few hours, we've done the research and found the cheapest places to live as a student in the UK. We based this research on the average weekly price of properties listed on UniHomes for 2026-27. Don’t forget, our rental prices already include utility bills, so that’s one less thing you have to sort separately when you rent through UniHomes.

Below, we’ve rounded up the results to give you a quick breakdown of the cheapest student cities compared to those on the more expensive side. Check them out!

💸 The most affordable places to live as a student

1. Stoke-on-Trent

Average weekly rent cost: £121 including utility bills 

Average monthly rent cost: £484 including utility bills

When it comes to the least expensive UK cities for students, our research puts Stoke-on-Trent in first place. Its lush green spaces, closeness to theme parks like Alton Towers, and Cultural Quarter keep this city bustling with students, and its affordable living costs also help.

In the city where Staffordshire University is based, the average cost of monthly Stoke-on-Trent student accommodation is around £484, perfect if money is tight.

2. Hull

Average weekly rent cost: £125 including utility bills

Average monthly rental cost: £500 including utility bills

Hull’s eye-catching architecture, student-centred community, buzzing nightlife and welcoming atmosphere keep this city thriving with students from across the world. The affordable Hull student accommodation and living costs don’t hurt, either.

In the city where the University of Hull is based, the average cost of monthly rent is £500, which is ideal when you’re living on a budget. In fact, the average has decreased by almost 12% since the 2023-24 move-in season.

3=. Aberdeen

Average weekly rent cost: £127 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £508 including utility bills

Aberdeen comes in joint-third place for average rental costs. With an average of £127 a week for Aberdeen accommodation, this Scottish city is a great choice for students wanting to save some cash.

Well-placed for University of Aberdeen students, Aberdeen is also close to the coast. With plenty to do, it’s perfect for history buffs and those looking for a vibrant nightlife. Add in beautiful nature and the amenities of the city centre, and it’s easy to see why this place wins the hearts of soon-to-be students.

3=. Sheffield

Average weekly rent cost: £127 including utility bills

Average monthly rental cost: £508 including utility bills

Sheffield is a favourite amongst students, not only for its affordable cost of living, but also for its fantastic green spaces, study spots, and nights out! What’s more, you’ll have great access to the Peak District, an Instagram-worthy place where you can escape your studies.

In the city where the University of Sheffield and Hallam are based, the average cost of Sheffield accommodation is around £508 per month. So, this Yorkshire stronghold could be ideal if money is tight.

As our Sheffield-based Content Ambassador Sophie puts it, "With prices generally lower, you're likely to have a bit more wiggle room with your weekly and monthly budgets, but there are still expensive outlets, options and parts of the city, so keep that in mind when selecting your city."

When it comes to budgeting in Sheffield, Sophie advises: "You'll likely be within walking distance (with the exception of Ranmoor, Endcliffe, and Broomhill) of an Aldi, Lidl, or local market, which usually offer lower prices and better deals for your weekly shop. Be sure to take advantage of free food options as well - the Sheffield Students' Union's Community Hub is a great place for some free local produce."

3=. Swansea

Average weekly rent cost: £127 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £508 including utility bills

Next on our list of the most affordable places to live for UK students is Swansea, a beautiful place situated on the south coast of Wales. Here, the average weekly rent for Swansea housing currently stands at £127, which can give you some bang for your buck.

Aside from Swansea University, you’ll find plenty of amenities here, from coffee shops and nightclubs to sports facilities.

4. Dundee

Average weekly rent cost: £128 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £512 including utility bills

Next up on our cheap UK university city list is Dundee, where the University of Dundee and Abertay University are situated. The average weekly rental cost here is only £128.

Besides the university’s reputation for hands-on facilities, Dundee also offers great access to other beloved Scottish cities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.

5. Leicester

Average weekly rent cost: £131 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £524 including utility bills

Next on our list of the most affordable areas for UK students to live is Leicester. Ideal for University of Leicester or De Montfort students, this city’s average weekly rent cost comes in at £131.

Whether you’re after a cosy one-bed apartment or a six-bed house ideal for larger groups, there are plenty of places to call home here.

6. Southampton

Average weekly rent cost: £138 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £552 including utility bills

The next place goes to Southampton, home to the University of Southampton and Solent University. Here, the average rent cost per month is £552 based on the current UniHomes’ data for Southampton accommodation.

So, if you’re on the lookout for the cheapest student cities, this one should definitely come into consideration. Beyond affordability, Southampton has plenty to offer in the way of student life. From shopping and dining to music, coastal spots and bars-a-plenty, the city is rich in culture and brimming with things to do.

7=. Derby

Average weekly rent cost: £139 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £556 including utility bills

Next up on our cheap UK university city list is Derby, where the University of Derby is situated. The average weekly rental cost in Derby is just under £130, according to recent UniHomes data.

Besides the university’s reputation for graduate employability, Derby also provides handy access to Nottingham, where you’ll find even more to explore.

7=. Norwich

Average weekly rent cost: £139 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £556 including utility bills

When it comes to the cheapest area to rent in the UK for students, Norwich rounds up our list. With an average rental cost of £139 a week, this Norfolk city is a great choice for students looking to save some money on accommodation whilst living in an aesthetically pleasing place.

Conveniently placed for University of East Anglia students, this city is brimming with cafés, music venues, charity shops, and nightclubs!

💸 Top 10 most expensive places to live in the UK for students

1. London

Average weekly rent cost: £370 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £1,480 including utility bills

We’ll start with the obvious one. London is renowned for its high cost of living, but don’t forget that you’ll be able to experience a bustling culture like no other. Home to some of the world’s top universities, beautiful parks, and iconic cocktail bars, the capital offers a student life that you won’t forget.

While the average weekly rent on UniHomes currently stands at £370, this has actually decreased by 13.8% since the 2025-26 move-in season. Plus, don’t forget that you can keep control of your budget with free things to do and flea markets, whilst you’ll find cheaper accommodation further out into neighbouring counties like Hertfordshire.

Sophie, our London Content Ambassador, notes that "budgeting as a student can be tricky, especially when living in the country's capital", but suggests a few handy tips for keeping costs down. She recommends ClassPass for those who like keeping active, stating that, "Depending on what you're willing to pay per month, ClassPass will issue you a fixed amount of credits each month. With those credits, you can reserve classes at some of London's most popular situation studios - Barry's Bootcamp, SoulCycle, ENMEÏ, and so much more." Another tip of Sophie's is to "go to your local minimart/world food market. Often, the prices for household staples and food items can be way more affordable. The baked goods are a treat, plus, you're introduced to food and drinks from various cultures."

2. York

Average weekly rent cost: £225 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £900 including utility bills

Putting aside the University of York’s reputation for teaching, York itself is a lovely place to live. The city is known for its history, stand-out architecture, cobbled streets, and busy Christmas markets.

Of course, it’s worth noting that York isn’t as cheap as other locations in the UK. The average rent for a York property is around £225 per week. It isn’t the cheapest, but it’s still not the priciest, and it offers plenty of transport connections to the rest of the UK.

3. Oxford

Average weekly rent cost: £200 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £800 including utility bills

Oxford is a brilliant place to study. Not only are you a short train ride from London, but you’ll get to benefit from an Instagrammable town centre steeped in history, beautiful green spaces, and a world-class education.

Property prices in Oxford are still fairly affordable, and you can expect the average rent to fall around £883 per month when you rent here. If you reside here, you can be on the doorstep of some of the best bookshops and pubs out there!

4. Edinburgh

Average weekly rent cost: £198 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £792 including utility bills

If you do have a bit more flexibility in your budget, you may want to look at Edinburgh as a potential city to study in. Home to the Fringe Festival and a thriving social scene, this place is rich in arts and culture. In short, you’ll never struggle to find something to do.

If you do plan to live near where the University of Edinburgh is based, you’ll be looking at a rental cost of around £792 per month for Edinburgh housing.

5. Bath

Average weekly rent cost: £194 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £776 including utility bills

In Bath, you’ll be surrounded by stunning historical spots that tourists from all over the country come to see. Top attractions include the Royal Crescent and Roman Baths, but there’s plenty more to explore in this Bath city guide.

Prices for property in Bath are still reasonable for what you get, and you can expect the average rent to fall around £776 per month. If you live here, you’ll also have great access to Bath’s Somerset neighbour, Bristol.

6. Exeter

Average weekly rent cost: £189 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £756 including utility bills

Exeter is a charming place to call home as a student, and houses one of the UK’s most reputable institutions – the University of Exeter. You can easily get to the coast from here or take a stroll in quaint shopping streets, the most well-known being Gandy Street.

As one of the more expensive places to live in the UK for students, you can expect to spend around £756 per month on rent here. If you can afford it, you’ll be far from regretting picking such a stunning and safe spot to study!

7. Bristol

Average weekly rent cost: £188 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £752 including utility bills

Bristol student life is worth a shout-out. Not only is the city beautiful and historical, but it is also home to two reputable universities, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England.

Keep an eye on rent, with the current weekly rent cost sitting at around £188. Since the 2023-24 move-in season, the average rent has actually decreased by 5.5%. So, if you go for it, you may find yourself enjoying stand-out events, such as Bristol Winestock!

Evie, our Content Ambassador living in Bristol, says that "Bristol is an expensive city; however, there are many ways to manage the costs of living, all whilst getting the most out of the city." She states, "Pres with friends at home and a pack of cards never goes wrong. However, there’s also a lot of student deals at pubs all throughout the city if you fancy a bar night. You’ll also find Bristol clubs offer a lot of club entry and club drink deals for students."

Evie also recommends walking as a way to save money. "The beautiful thing about Bristol is it’s so walkable and feels so safe even late at night in the busiest areas due to the well-lit and student-heavy centre. It’s also got so many wonderful places to explore whilst getting around on foot. Another option, of course, which is still low cost, is the bus with the £6.80 daily cap for endless trips."

8. Brighton

Average weekly rent cost: £185 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £740 including utility bills

Besides the university’s reputation for creative and practical courses, Brighton is a straight-up charming place to live. The seaside and nightlife here offer the city a unique, vibrant energy that’s hard to come by.

Of course, it’s worth noting that Brighton accommodation isn’t as cheap as in some other locations in the UK, with the average rent sitting at £185 per week. If you decide on Brighton, there are plenty of summer events to look forward to and Instagrammable spots to explore.

9. Glasgow

Average weekly rent cost: £184 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £736 including utility bills

Whether you’re off to the University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, or Glasgow Caledonian University, this Scottish city can be a great home away from home. Glasgow is known for its epic music scene, hub of museums and galleries, and cobbled streets lined with pubs, so it’s no surprise that so many students are drawn here.

You’ll be paying an average of £184 a week to live in Glasgow, with the average decreasing by 5.6% since the 2025-26 move-in season. Take a look at the best student accommodation locations to find your favourite spot.

10. Surrey

Average weekly rent cost: £179 including utility bills

Average monthly rent cost: £716 including utility bills

Surrey is a fantastic place to study, offering convenient access to the University of Surrey and even our capital city, London. You’ll get to benefit from the gorgeous Guildford, stunning green spaces, and a vibrant nightlife, so there’s plenty to get stuck into.

If you’re planning to live here, keep in mind that rental costs in Surrey sit at around £179 a week. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s a safe place and not the most expensive place to live in the UK either.

Which cities' rental prices have dropped?

While many cities have increased in price over the years, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that some student cities’ rental prices (including bills) have actually declined.

According to UniHomes’ data, Hull takes the crown for the biggest decrease, plummeting from £142 in the 2023-24 letting season to £125 in the 2026-27 letting season. Within the same period, Bristol and Nottingham’s rental costs have also declined 5.5% and 4.8% respectively.

Which cities' rental prices have increased the most?

Inflation has impacted many things in life, and rental costs have taken a hit in many cities. London’s rental price including bills has risen the most (a whopping +43.97%), while Oxford and Reading follow with a 25.8% and 22.3% increase respectively.

Take the stress out of your budget (wherever you choose to study)

That’s a wrap on the most affordable and expensive places to rent in the UK for students!

At UniHomes, we help students stick to a budget by bundling up the cost of utility bills into the monthly rent. So, when you rent through us, you won’t have to worry about unexpected costs later down the line.

Find out more about student bills or browse student accommodation in your favourite city today.

Methodology explained

UniHomes analysed average rental prices by city on their website over the past three years, for all cities where they have had at least 20 properties advertised. The 10 most affordable and expensive cities were ranked accordingly, along with the cities with the biggest rental cost increases and decreases.