Renting in Oxford 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 | Oxford | Cambridge | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £900/mo | £900/mo | £0 |
| 1-Bed | £1,100/mo | £1,100/mo | £0 |
| 2-Bed | £1,400/mo | £1,400/mo | £0 |
| 3-Bed | £1,750/mo | £1,750/mo | £0 |
| 4-Bed | £2,200/mo | £2,150/mo | +£50 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Oxford | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 4.3% | 4.2% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Demand Level | Very High | Very High |
| Average Deposit | £1,615 | £1,615 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £2,143/yr | £2,091/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Oxford
£0/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Oxford
4.8% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Oxford
4.3% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Oxford
Cambridge
Living in Cambridge saves you approximately £5/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Oxford
Oxford mainline station with services to London Paddington. Extensive bus network including frequent services to London and airports.
Cambridge
Cambridge mainline station with fast services to London Kings Cross. Guided busway and extensive cycling infrastructure.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Oxford
Cambridge
Our Verdict
Oxford and Cambridge offer different rental experiences. Oxford is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £1,400/mo compared to £1,400/mo in Cambridge, saving renters £0 per month.
Oxford is seeing stronger rent growth at 4.8% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Oxford offers better returns for landlords at 4.3% 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.
Check a Property
Properties in Cambridge
Enter a postcode to check any rental property in Cambridge
View Cambridge Rental Guide