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Rent prices are continuing their upward trend across the UK — and Greater Manchester is no exception. The average private rent in the UK reached £1,332 per month in March 2025, marking a yearly increase of £96.

Unsurprisingly, London continues to top the chart, with Kensington and Chelsea standing as the most expensive area in England and Wales, demanding an eye-watering average of £3,639 per month in rent.

But what’s happening closer to home here in Greater Manchester?

There’s a striking contrast in rental prices — from the highest at over £1,300 a month to the lowest just under £700. Let’s take a closer look at how each borough compares and how prices have shifted over the past year.

Trafford – Most Expensive & Fastest Growing

Average Rent: £1,322/month
Annual Increase: +14.9%

Trafford takes the lead as the priciest place to rent in Greater Manchester, and it's also seen the steepest price hike this year. With nearly a 15% increase, affordability here is becoming more of a challenge for renters.

Manchester – Central & Costly

Average Rent: £1,310/month
Annual Increase: +9.5%

As one of the region's urban cores, Manchester remains one of the most expensive boroughs. While not topping the list, it’s only £12 short of Trafford and continues to rise steadily.

Salford – High Demand, High Rent

Average Rent: £1,109/month
Annual Increase: +8.6%

Salford has grown in popularity thanks to developments like MediaCity and easy city access, and that’s reflected in its rent prices. With rents now over £1,100, the area continues to climb the affordability ladder.

Stockport – Sharpest Climb

Average Rent: £1,039/month
Annual Increase: +12.2%

Stockport may not be at the top for cost, but it's close — and its rent increases show no sign of slowing down. A jump of over 12% makes it one of the boroughs to watch.

Bury – Steady Growth

Average Rent: £914/month
Annual Increase: +10.9%

Bury's rental market has seen solid growth, rising by nearly 11% this year. While still under £1,000, it’s edging closer to the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Tameside – Fast Climber

Average Rent: £851/month
Annual Increase: +11.5%

Tameside might be a more affordable option for now, but with an 11.5% increase over the past year, it’s quickly catching up to more expensive boroughs.

Oldham – Most Modest Increase

Average Rent: £814/month
Annual Increase: +7.1%

Oldham offers some of the most stable rent prices in the region, with the lowest percentage rise year-on-year. Still, prices are inching up, and renters may want to take advantage while they can.

Bolton – Competitive Market

Average Rent: £798/month
Annual Increase: +9.7%

Bolton remains a mid-range option, balancing affordability with a decent rental return for landlords. Its nearly 10% increase signals strong market activity.

Rochdale – Budget-Friendly

Average Rent: £751/month
Annual Increase: +8.8%

Rochdale continues to be one of the more budget-conscious areas for renters. While prices are rising, they remain well below the Greater Manchester average.

Wigan – Cheapest Option

Average Rent: £682/month
Annual Increase: +8.4%

Looking for the most affordable place to rent in Greater Manchester? Wigan takes the crown, with an average monthly rent of £682. However, prices are still on the rise, with an 8.4% increase over the past year.

Final Thoughts

Rising rents are becoming a widespread challenge across Greater Manchester, with every borough seeing an increase over the past year. Whether you're a renter trying to find an affordable area or a landlord eyeing growth potential, these figures highlight just how dynamic the local housing market has become.

As prices continue to climb, it’s more important than ever for renters to stay informed — and for policymakers to consider how to balance growth with accessibility.