Average rent in Highland and Islands
The average private rent in Highland and Islands was £736 a month in September 2026, +3.3% on a year earlier. A two-bedroom home costs £710, 45% below the UK average of £1,287 and 22% below the average for Scotland. It is the 7th cheapest of 18 areas in Scotland. Over the past year, 1 bed homes rose fastest (+4.1%).
Rent by number of bedrooms
Average monthly private rent (pcm).
Salary needed to rent in Highland and Islands
Two common tests: rent at no more than 30% of gross income, and the letting-agent referencing check of an annual income at least 30× the monthly rent.
| Home | Rent (pcm) | Salary for 30% rule | Agent check (30× rent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | £536 | £21,440 | £16,080 |
| 2 bedrooms | £710 | £28,400 | £21,300 |
How rents in Highland and Islands have changed
Average rent is +32.1% since 2016.
| Year | Average rent | 2 bed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | £736 | £710 |
| 2025 | £712 | £689 |
| 2024 | £678 | £656 |
| 2023 | £656 | £638 |
| 2022 | £634 | £614 |
| 2021 | £616 | £598 |
| 2020 | £603 | £586 |
| 2019 | £596 | £580 |
| 2018 | £582 | £564 |
| 2017 | £570 | £557 |
| 2016 | £557 | £546 |
Areas with similar rents
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Highland and Islands?
The average private rent in Highland and Islands was £736 a month in September 2026, up 3.3% on a year earlier. A one-bedroom averaged £536 and a two-bedroom £710 (ONS Price Index of Private Rents).
What salary do you need to rent in Highland and Islands?
To keep a £536 one-bedroom rent within 30% of gross income you need about £21,440 a year. Letting agents usually ask for an annual income of 30 times the monthly rent, which is £16,080.
Is Highland and Islands expensive to rent compared with the rest of the UK?
A two-bedroom in Highland and Islands costs £710 a month, 45% below the UK average of £1,287. It ranks 42 of 282 larger UK areas from cheapest to most expensive.
Rents: ONS Price Index of Private Rents (September 2026), average of new and existing private tenancies — official statistics in development. House prices: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index. Pay: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, median gross pay of full-time employees by place of residence. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. See our methodology.