Rent by size
| Size | Average rent | Income at 30% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | £474 a month | £18,960/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | £629 a month | £25,160/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | £821 a month | £32,840/yr |
| 4+ bedrooms | £1,359 a month | £54,360/yr |
Rent by type of home
| Type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| Flat or maisonette | £576 a month |
| Terraced house | £725 a month |
| Semi-detached house | £782 a month |
| Detached house | £1,016 a month |
This is one of Scotland's Broad Rental Market Areas, the areas ONS uses for Scottish rents.
What this means for your budget
Average rents mix older and newer homes, so a newly listed home often costs more than the average. Use this figure as a benchmark when you compare listings, and budget for deposits and fees on top. The 30% rule is a simple guide, not a lender's or landlord's requirement; many landlords use their own income checks.
Other areas in Scotland
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Scottish Borders?
The average private rent in Scottish Borders was £708 a month in August 2026, according to the ONS Price Index of Private Rents, 2.4% lower than a year earlier.
How much do I need to earn to rent in Scottish Borders?
To keep the average rent of £708 a month at 30% of gross income, a common affordability rule of thumb, you would need about £28,320 a year before tax.
How much is a 1 bedroom in Scottish Borders?
1 bedroom: £474; 2 bedrooms: £629; 3 bedrooms: £821; 4+ bedrooms: £1,359 a month, based on August 2026 data.
Source: ONS Price Index of Private Rents, published 16 September 2026. Figures for August 2026, shown as published. Rents are in British pounds. Our data.