After analysing rents in over 50 cities Rightmove has named St Albans in Hertfordshire as the most expensive city to rent a home after London.

The average rent is £2,307 a month. That’s 71% above the national average, with prices rising by 33% over the the last five years.

Desirable location

St Albans is a historic city that has both a famous cathedral and a university and is a popular spot for commuters. Back in 2022 it was named amongst the best places to live in the South East of England by The Sunday Times.

In second place was another university town, Oxford, at £2,327 and its rival Cambridge was third at £2,072 a month.

The rental divide across Great Britain is clear.”

At the opposite end of the scale was Carlisle in Cumbria, where the average rent was £791 per month.

The data comes just as the new academic year is about to begin and highlights the kinds of rents students must pay in the more popular locations.

Tim Bannister of Rightmove, said: “The rental divide across Great Britain is clear, with an average difference of just over £1,500 (per month) between the most expensive and cheapest cities.

“Many of these cities have seen rental growth of over 40% over the past five years, meaning it’s likely to be a significant consideration when students are thinking about where to study, and those who have already graduated working out if they can afford to stay in that city and find a job.”