Sometimes, it can be difficult to imagine anywhere in London being described as “affordable”. But even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, where the average monthly room for rent is more than £1,000 per month, there are pockets where you can find affordable rooms for rent within budget. Enter West London, a part of the capital that offers handy transport links, diverse communities and rental prices that won’t entirely empty your wallet.
When most people think of West London, the West End comes to mind. But this part of the capital is much bigger than that, extending as far as Heathrow Airport. From Southall to West Drayton and beyond, here are some of the most affordable rooms in West London.
Why West London?
West London appeals to tenants thanks simply because it’s known as an affluent area in the capital. While each area has its strengths and weaknesses, there’s something about saying “I live in West London” that catches people’s attention.
Okay, so most of those West London postcodes include areas around central London, Holland Park and Fulham. And yes, the areas we’re talking about here are a little further out. But even so, they offer plenty of that West London charm with open spaces and local boutiques. Then there’s the Elizabeth Line, which offers quick connections into many central areas.
Top areas for affordable rooms for rent in West London
Southall
Area spotlight
Average room rental: £400-£600 per month
Journey times:
- Paddington: 18 minutes
- Bond Street: 24 minutes
- Heathrow: 12 minutes
You’ll like Southall because of the vibrant South Asian community, lively markets and restaurants, and good transport links.
Known as ‘Little India’, Southall is a vibrant area with a large South Asian population. Room rentals here average around £500 per month with bills included, significantly less than many other areas in London.
Southall benefits from excellent transport links. Trains to Paddington take just 18 minutes, while the Elizabeth line connects Southall to Bond Street in 24 minutes. A combination of affordability and connectivity makes the area an attractive option if you’re renting on a budget
Famous for its local markets and restaurants offering authentic South Asian cuisine and products, tenants enjoy the lively cultural events and the opportunity to experience a unique part of London’s diverse culture. Be sure to check out Raunka Punjab Diyan, which captures the atmosphere of a rural Punjabi village with its decor and authentic cuisine.
West Drayton
Area spotlight
Average room rental: £700 to £900 per month with bills included
Journey times:
- Tottenham Court Road: 28 minutes
- Waterloo: 36 minutes (via Paddington)
- Heathrow: 10 minutes
You’ll like West Drayton because of the good mix of green spaces and local high streets, convenient transport links to central London and proximity to Heathrow.
West Drayton is ideal if you’re working at or near Heathrow Airport. Room rentals average £900 per month, offering good value given its location. There’s also Stockley Business Park, which attracts a high number of professionals to the area.
Transport links are, in general, a major selling point for West Drayton. It’s a mere 10-minute bus ride to Heathrow Airport, making it perfect if you’re a frequent traveller. The Elizabeth line has further improved connectivity, with journey times of just 28 minutes to Tottenham Court Road and Bond Street and 36 minutes to Waterloo via Paddington.
When it comes to the high street, there’s a good number of independent shops and cafes. Make the Rail Road Cafe your new local and enjoy one of their jacket potatoes. Or spend some time at the The Southlands Arts Centre participating in a workshop or catching a local play.
Feltham
Area spotlight
Average room rental: £600 to 850 per month
Journey times:
- Waterloo: 35 minutes
- Heathrow: 20 minutes (bus)
You’ll like Feltham because of the good parks and green spaces, close knit community and local shops.
Feltham definitely has a more suburban feel to it compared to Southall and West Drayton, which is reflected in the slightly cheaper rental price £600 per month for a room.
The area features several parks and green spaces, including Feltham Green and Hanworth Park. Local amenities include a shopping centre, leisure facilities and a range of restaurants and pubs, such as the Moon on the Square, a local favourite with a selection of craft beers and real ales.
When it comes to travel, trains from Feltham reach Waterloo in 35 minutes, providing a direct link to central London. Heathrow Airport is just a 20-minute bus ride away.
Slough
Area spotlight
Average room rental: £450 to £750 per month
Journey times:
- Paddington: 15 minutes (fast train)
- Bond Street: 32 minutes
- Heathrow: 15 minutes
You’ll like Slough because of the affordability, solid transport links and ongoing regeneration that’s providing an increasing number of amenities, such as Slough Basin, a redeveloped area with shops, cafes and community spaces.
Although technically in Berkshire, Slough’s excellent transport links make it a popular choice for London workers seeking affordable accommodation. Not to mention that room rentals here average 750 per month.
Fast trains from Slough reach Paddington in just 15 minutes, while the Elizabeth line has further improved connectivity, with Bond Street now just half-an-hour away. Connectivity makes Slough an attractive option for anyone willing to live outside London proper in exchange for lower rental costs.
Slough is also undergoing significant regeneration, with new developments bringing improved amenities and facilities to the area. The town centre offers a range of shops, restaurants and entertainment options, with Jim’s Kitchen & Bar a favourite among locals.
Hayes
Area spotlight
Average room rental: £700 to £1,050 per month
Journey times:
- Liverpool Street: 36 minutes
- Heathrow: 15 minutes
You’ll like Hayes because it’s an up-and-coming area, has solid transport links, and features ongoing development and new amenities.
Hayes is experiencing significant investment and development, which makes it an increasingly popular choice for renters. Room rentals start from around £700 per month including bills.
The area is seeing new shops, restaurants and amenities opening regularly, adding to its appeal. The regeneration of the former EMI record plant into a residential and business hub is just one example of the ongoing development in Hayes.
The Elizabeth line has been transformative for Hayes, with journey times of just 36 minutes to Liverpool Street. Improved connectivity has made Hayes more attractive to commuters working in the City and East London.
Finding your perfect room
The room rental scene in London is competitive, so you want to give yourself the best chance of securing a place. When searching for a room in West London, consider these tips.
Use trusted platforms
The key to finding the right room in West London is to start your search early, be clear about your budget and requirements and be prepared to act quickly when you find a suitable property. Using trusted platforms like Roomforrent can simplify your search, allowing you to filter options by location, price, and other criteria.
Consider house shares
Sharing with others can significantly reduce costs. Many house shares in West London include bills and council tax in the rent, providing a clear idea of monthly outgoings. So if you see a room advertised for £900 a month, double check that it includes bills. There’s every chance it will.
Look for flexible leases
In general, room rentals are more flexible than renting a property as an individual tenant because landlords may be more inclined to negotiate terms. For instance, if it’s a four-bedroom house share, the landlord is still receiving rent from the other three tenants even if one room becomes vacant. This reduces the urgency to find a replacement for the entire property and allows the landlord to be more accommodating with contract terms or notice periods.
Check transport links
While an area might seem cheap, factor in travel costs. A room near a tube or the Elizabeth line might cost more but could save money overall on transport.
Be prepared to act fast
Affordable rooms in good locations get snapped up quickly. Having all the necessary documents ready and being able to view and make a decision promptly can make a difference.
Meet potential housemates
For house shares, try to meet the people you’ll be living with, as it can help make sure there’s a good fit and a more pleasant living experience.
Consider bills
While most room rentals include bills, some don’t. Make sure to know what’s included to avoid surprises. Ask about council tax, utilities and internet costs if they’re not included in the rent.
Look beyond the obvious
Areas like Greenford, Northolt and Hanwell can offer good value but are often overlooked. These areas might require a bit more research but can yield affordable options with good transport links.
Living in West London and finding the right room for rent
West London’s combination of affordability, good transport links and diverse communities makes it an excellent choice for those looking to rent in London without breaking the bank. With a bit of research and preparation, you could soon be settling into your new West London home, enjoying all that this vibrant part of the capital has to offer.
