The Cost of Traditional Renting in London

On the surface, a traditional rental in London might seem cheaper. You see the monthly rent on Rightmove or Zoopla, and it looks manageable—until you factor in everything else.

• Bills: Gas, electricity, water, and broadband can add hundreds of pounds a month.
• Council tax: Another cost that varies but rarely comes cheap in London.
• Furnishings and appliances: Many flats are let unfurnished, so the outlay on furniture can be substantial.
• Maintenance headaches: Boiler broken? That’s often days (or weeks) of chasing a landlord or agent.
• The reality is that the “headline rent” is rarely the final figure. Once you add in these extras, traditional renting can feel like death by a thousand cuts.

Co-Living in London: A Different Way to Rent 

By contrast, co-living London communities are designed to make life simpler and often better value. At Folk, we offer all bills included apartments London style, meaning one monthly payment covers rent and:

• Your own fully furnished studio apartment

• Utilities

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Council tax

• Access to shared amenities like gyms, lounges, co-working spaces and a regular resident events programme 

• A 24/7 onsite team 

This “all-in” model not only gives clarity on your monthly spend but also provides access to spaces and services you simply wouldn’t get in a typical flat share or private rental.

Lifestyle Value vs. Just Rent

The real difference lies in what you get for your money beyond just four walls.

• Community: Traditional renting can be isolating, especially in London, where neighbours may never interact. Co-living is built around connection, with regular resident events, shared spaces, and the chance to meet people across industries and backgrounds.

• Flexibility: While many private landlords insist on 12-month contracts, co-living often offers more flexible terms: perfect for London’s fast-moving lifestyles.

• Amenities: Think cinema rooms, gyms, yoga studios, games rooms, and even pet spas. In traditional rentals, you’d pay separately for memberships and services that co-living integrates into your rent.

So, Which Is Better Value? 

When you look beyond just the monthly rent figure, co-living London usually stacks up better. The simplicity of all bills included apartments London,  combined with premium amenities and a built-in community, means you’re not just paying for a place to sleep—you’re paying for a lifestyle.

Traditional renting can work if you want maximum privacy, or if you happen to find a rare bargain. But for most young professionals and creatives in the capital, co-living offers more value, less hassle, and a richer experience of city life.

If you’re weighing up co-living London vs. traditional renting, the question isn’t just “what’s cheapest?” It’s “what gives me the most for my money?” For many, that answer is co-living.

Ready to see if it’s right for you? Contact Folk today to learn more or arrange a tour.