Renting in London vs Cambridge
Side-by-side comparison of rental costs, market conditions, and living expenses to help you decide where to rent.
Rent Comparison by Property Size
| Property Type | London | Cambridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £1,350/mo | £900/mo | +£450 |
| 1-Bed | £1,600/mo | £1,100/mo | +£500 |
| 2-Bed | £2,000/mo | £1,400/mo | +£600 |
| 3-Bed | £2,500/mo | £1,750/mo | +£750 |
| 4-Bed | £3,200/mo | £2,150/mo | +£1,050 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | London | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 5.8% | 4.5% |
| Demand Level | Very High | Very High |
| Average Deposit | £2,308 | £1,615 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,927/yr | £2,091/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Cambridge
£600/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
London
5.8% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
London
4.2% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
London
Cambridge
Living in Cambridge saves you approximately £587/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
London
Extensive Underground, Overground, Elizabeth Line, bus network, and national rail connections across all zones.
Cambridge
Cambridge mainline station with fast services to London Kings Cross. Guided busway and extensive cycling infrastructure.
Popular Neighbourhoods
London
Cambridge
Our Verdict
London and Cambridge offer different rental experiences. Cambridge is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £1,400/mo compared to £2,000/mo in London, saving renters £600 per month.
London is seeing stronger rent growth at 5.8% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. London offers better returns for landlords at 4.2% average yield.
Both cities have significant student populations, which drives demand for house shares and smaller properties. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your work location, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
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Properties in Cambridge
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View Cambridge Rental Guide