Rent for expats in major UK cities varies widely and is a key part of planning your budget as expats in the UK. On average across the country, private rents tend to be around £1,300–£1,370 per month for a typical property, though this varies significantly by location. 

In London, rents are substantially higher than elsewhere, with many central one-bedroom apartments averaging well over £2,100–£2,200 per month — and even more in particularly popular areas. 

In contrast, expats in cities outside the capital such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, or Liverpool will generally encounter much lower costs. For example, one-bedroom rents in these cities often fall roughly in the £800–£1,150 range per month, depending on exact location and property type. 

Smaller cities and towns in the north of England or Wales can be even cheaper, sometimes under £700–£900 per month for a one-bedroom property. 

Because rent can consume a large part of income, expats in the UK should research specific neighbourhoods and compare job salaries to local rental levels before committing.