10 cheapest cities for renters

• Hull and Sunderland tie as the cheapest cities for student renters, with average rents at £804 per month - 41% below the national average
• A two-bedroom flat costs an average of £1,612 nationwide, while a four-bedroom house averages £2,260 per month
• St. Albans tops the list of the most expensive places to rent at £2,359 a month on average, nearly three times more than Hull and Sunderland

As September rolls around again, thousands of students across the country are packing up their lives and heading off to start or return to university. But with rents at record levels, the cost of finding somewhere to live is likely weighing heavily on many students' minds when choosing where to study.

We've crunched the numbers across more than 50 cities in Great Britain to find out where students can get the best value for money when renting their first home away from home.

The top 3 cheapest student cities

Hull and Sunderland share the top spot as joint winners for affordability, with average rents of £804 per month. Both cities offer great value for money while still providing all the amenities students need, from vibrant nightlife to excellent transport links.

Carlisle takes third place at £828 per month. This northern city offers students the chance to study while being surrounded by some of England's most beautiful countryside, with the Lake District and Scottish borders right on the doorstep.

All three cities are significantly cheaper than the national average of £1,565 per month, meaning students could save hundreds of pounds on rental payments when compared to studying elsewhere.

Our property expert, Colleen Babcock, offers some practical guidance: "Moving to a new city or just out of the family home for the first time is an exciting experience for many students, but trying to find that first place to rent can be hard. To make it easier, deciding on your budget range first can help you narrow the options. If you're finding it difficult to find a home that ticks all your boxes, consider which areas you're willing to compromise on. For example, you could move to an area further from transport or outside a city centre to make your budget go further. Another option might be to share with friends and split the rent. Local estate agents will be in the best position to guide you on available places within your budget, that tick most of your boxes."

Even if you're looking to share accommodation, costs vary dramatically by location. The average advertised rent for a two-bedroom flat - perfect for sharing with a friend - is now £1,612 per month nationwide. For those planning to live with a larger group, a four-bedroom house averages £2,260 per month.

10 cheapest cities for student renters

Here's the full rundown of the most affordable cities for students to rent in Great Britain. All 10 cities offer significantly better value than the national average, with several offering rents under £1,000 per month.

10 most expensive cities for student renters (outside London)

At the other end of the scale, St. Albans tops the expensive list at £2,359 per month, which is nearly three times the cost of Hull or Sunderland. Oxford comes second at £2,093, followed by Brighton at £2,031. In London, average rents have reached a record £2,712 per month.

It's worth noting that even in the cheapest cities, affordability remains challenging. Eight out of the 10 lowest-priced cities have seen rents rise by over a third compared to five years ago, which is reflecting the broader rental market pressures impacting students.

If you're thinking about renting a home soon, there are things you can do to boost your chances of getting a viewing of the home you want. Start your search for a rental home here.

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