Rent costs are becoming even more unaffordable amid the cost of living crisis, especially in Manchester. In what is now described as the most 'competitive rental market ever' by Rightmove, any tenant looking to rent a standard home or apartment in and around the city can expect to pay an average price of £1,067 a month.
This price has soared by 19 per cent since this time last year, when the average cost to rent was £894. But for those who are looking to source a cheap rental home in the region, it is a good idea to look further afield away from the city centre, where there are some bargains up for grabs.
In Greater Manchester's least expensive boroughs of Bolton, Oldham, Wigan and Tameside, there are a fair few one and two bed apartments and studios that are available to rent for less than £500 per month - which sounds much more reasonable in comparison to the £1,067 average rent price.
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Here we take a look inside the region's cheapest rental homes to find out exactly what you can get on the more affordable end of the market.
Bury Road, Bolton
£303 pcm
This studio flat in Bolton costs £303 per month to rent and is one of the cheapest rental homes in the region.
Estate agents say the 'compact' part-furnished flat offers self-contained accommodation perfect as a base for an out of area worker or a tenant 'on a budget and wanting low overheads'.
It is made up of an open plan living, sleeping and kitchen area with cooking facilities, a washing machine, fridge and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
It also comes with a sofa bed in the living area, which can be opened out to sleep on and put away during the day to save space.
Bury Road, Bolton
£347 pcm
On the same complex is this one-bed apartment which is available to rent for a slightly higher price of £347 a month.
Also part-furnished, this studio flat is a similarly small in size but as well its living, kitchen area and bathroom, it also benefits from a loft room which is accessed by ladders and provides an additional space with storage.
The newly modernised self-contained flat is the 'perfect budget home' which comes complete with kitchen units, a washing machine, cooker, fridge/freezer, a sofa bed and en suite shower room.
Bromwich Street, Bolton
£380 pcm
Also in the Bolton borough is this one-bed unfurnished flat which is listed by estate agents as 'ready to move into'.
Available to rent for a cheap price of £380 per month, the accommodation is self contained and situated within walking distance of Bolton town centre and its amenities.
Inside the flat briefly comprises one bedroom, a bathroom, lounge and a kitchenette. Joseph’s Estate Agents say the flat would ideally suit 'single working people or students' and is available without any application fee.
Lily Lane, Wigan
£425 pcm
A ground floor flat in Platt Bridge, Greater Manchester's cheapest area to live, is on the market for £425 per month.
The rental home comes unfurnished but boasts a fitted kitchen with an oven, hob and extractor, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a shower.
Robin Park Letting Agents also say the house comes with a rear parking space, is situated on a major bus route and is owned by Wigan's first accredited landlord.
Chapel Street, Wigan
£450 pcm
In Leigh, this two-bed flat is up for rent at a bargain price of £450 per month. The unfurnished accommodation is a few minutes walk from the town centre and within walking distance of the Manchester bus route a
Inside the flat is neutrally decorated with grey carpets throughout to provide a clean slate for the tenant to put their own stamp on it.
Internally there is a large living space with patio doors leading out onto a communal terrace and a fitted kitchen with an integrated oven, hob and extractor fan.
There is also two large bedrooms and a modern white three-piece bathroom suite with a shower above the bath.
Peel Street, Tameside
£460 pcm
For £460 a month you can rent this ground floor flat in Dukinfield. The one-bed home sits close to shops and transport links in and around the Tameside area.
Estate agents Taylor & Wood say the flat is well presented and includes an entrance hall, lounge with feature fireplace, kitchen, bathroom with a shower, one bedroom.
Despite being unfurnished, the rental home benefits from enclosed garden to the rear.
Scholes Street, Oldham
£475 pcm
Available to rent in Oldham for £475 per month is a studio apartment which comes fully furnished. Situated close to the town centre, estate agents say the flat offers a great space for professionals working in the area.
Inside there is an fairly large open-plan kitchen, living, dining and sleeping space with a separate bathroom. Tenants will benefit from access to a 24 hour concierge.
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