Top 5 Cheapest places to live in London with the Best quality of life – 2023

• Average 1-bed flat rent: £1,490
• Average property buying cost: £346,000

Barking and Dagenham is a borough located in East London, just 9 miles east of Central London. It is placed along the River Thames to the south, offering beautiful views across the city. It features parks like Parsloes Park, and nature reserves such as the Chase Nature Reserve, providing residents with opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Barking and Dagenham offer convenient access facilitated by excellent public transport networks, particularly along key strategic routes connecting the east and west sides to central London and Essex.

This enhances its appeal as a great place to live and work within the Greater London area. 

The average rent for a 1-bed flat is £1,490, and the average property price is £346,000 as of December 2023.

Ibbd.gov.uk (Dec 2023),Right Move (Dec 2023) & Gov.uk (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed flat rent: £1,550
• Average property buying cost: £396,000

Bexley is a suburban borough in the southeast of Greater London, known for its mix of green spaces and residential areas, offering a quiet atmosphere. Residents now not only enjoy the benefits of leisurely walks through over 100 charming parks, but also have access to a range of health programs and services designed to support their physical and mental well-being to live better. 

Residents have easy access to a diverse range of amenities, including great shops, coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, making it an ideal choice for young professionals in London. As of December 2023, the average property price is £396,000 and 1-bed flats are renting for around £1,550.

Bexley.gov.uk (Dec 2023), Right Move (Dec 2023) & Gov.uk (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed flat rent: £1,800
• Average property buying cost: £415,000

Newham, East London, is a dynamic borough known for hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics. Home to iconic landmarks like the London Aquatics Centre and Olympic Stadium and Queen Elizabeth’s Park, it offers to its residents a lively environment with diverse markets, green spaces, and cultural events.

It is one of London’s youngest boroughs, with a growing economy and a majority of residents employed in professional occupations. The town of Stratford is considered as a hotspot in East London, with employment opportunities in public administration. It is also considered affordable to live here, as of December 2023, the average property price is £415,000 and a 1-bed flat is renting for around £1,800.

Newham.gov.uk (Dec 2023), Right Move (Dec 2023) & Gov.uk (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed flat rent: £2,000
• Average property buying cost: £431,000

Croydon is a borough located in South London that offers a mix of modern amenities and historical charm. Its residents enjoy big shopping centers nearby, such as the Centrale Shopping Centre, and various cultural venues like Stanley Arts. Additionally, it hosts numerous cultural events that celebrate its diverse community and rich heritage, which is one of the reasons why in 2023 it has been named the London Borough of Culture.

Croydon features both skyscrapers and historic architecture, mixed with green spaces like Lloyd Park, providing residents with a serene atmosphere. As of December 2023, the average property price is approximately £431,000, with a 1-bedroom flat renting for around £2,000.

Croydon.gov.uk (Dec 2023), Right Move (Dec 2023) & Gov.uk (Dec 2023)

• Average 1-bed flat rent: £1,940
• Average property buying cost: £438,000

Sutton is the ideal borough for young people looking for a mix of urban and suburban living. Residents enjoy in the heart of the town two shopping centers: Times Square and the Saint Nicholas Shopping Centre, with different amenities like groceries, restaurants, cafés nearby, as well as different schools for kids and people of all ages. Sutton also offers plenty of green spaces like Beddington Park, with beautiful grounds and lake ideal for families to spare time.

Commuting around Sutton and neighboring towns is easy thanks to its convenient transportation options. There are 54 buses for an easy commute, and the Sutton Station is connected to three major South-East London stations by train. Living in Sutton is also budget-friendly. As of December 2023, the average property price is £438,000, and the cost of renting a 1-bed flat is around £1,940.

Enjoy Sutton (Dec 2023), Right Move (Dec 2023) & Gov.uk (Dec 2023)