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Moving to Preston? Full Rent Guide, Best Areas, Mosques, Madrasas & Family Living Guide

A Thirtymins Show Community Guide After Visiting Spice Hut Preston

Recently, I travelled to Preston to make a promotional food video for Spice Hut Preston, a halal food business serving the local community. During my visit, I had a friendly conversation with the chef about everyday life in Preston. One thing that really caught my attention was the rent.

He told me that a three-bedroom house in Preston can sometimes be found around £700–£800 per month, and a two-bedroom house may sometimes be around £500–£600. Coming from London, this sounded very affordable, so I decided to look deeper and prepare this guide for families, students, workers and anyone thinking about moving to Preston.

Preston is not London. The rent is lower, the city is smaller, and family life can feel more relaxed. But at the same time, rent depends heavily on the area, property condition, parking, schools, mosque access and how quickly you can secure a good property.

Is Preston Cheap for Rent?

Compared with London and many southern cities, Preston is definitely more affordable. However, the very cheapest rents are not always easy to find. A good family home in a decent area can cost more than what people hear in casual conversation.

As a realistic guide:

A one-bedroom flat may be around £500–£750 per month depending on condition and location.

A two-bedroom house or flat may be around £700–£900 per month in many normal areas, but some better or modern properties can go above £1,000.

A three-bedroom terraced house may sometimes be found from around £775–£900, especially in older areas, but many family homes are closer to £950–£1,200.

In stronger family areas such as Fulwood, Cottam, Ashton-on-Ribble or newer developments, three-bedroom homes can often go above £1,200 per month.

So, the chef’s estimate is not impossible, but anyone moving to Preston should keep a flexible budget. For a safe family plan, I would say:

Two-bedroom budget: £700–£950 per month

Three-bedroom budget: £850–£1,200 per month

Better area/newer property budget: £1,100–£1,400+ per month

Extra Monthly Costs to Remember

When people compare Preston with London, they often only compare rent. But you should also check the full monthly cost.

A family should think about:

Council tax

Gas and electricity

Water bill

Internet

Car insurance and parking

School travel

Food shopping

Furniture and moving cost

Deposit and first month’s rent

For many rentals, the deposit can be around five weeks’ rent. This means even if rent looks affordable, you still need savings before moving.

Best Areas to Live in Preston

Preston has different types of neighbourhoods. Some are better for families, some are better for students, and some are better for people who want mosque, halal food and community close by.

Fulwood

Fulwood is one of the most popular family areas in Preston. It is known for quieter residential streets, green spaces, schools, Royal Preston Hospital and good access to the motorway. This area is good for families, NHS workers, professionals and people who want a calmer lifestyle.

The rent in Fulwood is usually higher than cheaper central areas, but many families like it because it feels more settled and residential. Masjid-e-Salaam is also located in Fulwood, with prayer, madrasa and community facilities.

Best for: families, professionals, hospital workers, people wanting a quieter area
Rent level: medium to high
Good points: family feel, schools, mosque access, green areas
Things to check: rent can be higher and some areas near the hospital can be busy

Deepdale

Deepdale is one of the most important areas for the Muslim community in Preston. Many families like this area because of mosque access, madrasa options, halal food shops and community life.

Quwwatul Islam Masjid & Education Centre is based in the Deepdale area and has a strong history in Preston’s Muslim community. Preston Muslim Girls High School is also in Deepdale, which makes the area important for many Muslim families.

Deepdale can be more affordable than Fulwood, but street-by-street quality can vary. Before renting, it is important to visit the road during the day and evening, check parking, neighbours, property condition and how close it is to shops and schools.

Best for: mosque access, madrasa access, Muslim community, halal shops
Rent level: lower to medium
Good points: strong community, good location, close to facilities
Things to check: parking, property condition, street-by-street difference

Ashton-on-Ribble

Ashton-on-Ribble is a good option for families who want something residential but still not too far from the city centre. It has a mix of terraced houses, family homes and modern developments. Some parts are close to the docks and river areas, which can feel nicer and more open.

This area can be a good balance between rent, location and lifestyle. It may suit families who want a quieter place than the city centre but still need access to shops and transport.

Best for: families, workers, people wanting balance
Rent level: medium
Good points: residential feel, access to city, parks and river areas nearby
Things to check: exact street, parking and transport route

Penwortham

Penwortham is technically just outside central Preston, but many people consider it one of the best family areas nearby. It has a suburban feel, local shops, cafes, schools and green spaces. It is a good area for people who want a peaceful family lifestyle.

Rent can be slightly higher than cheaper Preston areas, but it may be worth it for families who want a calm environment.

Best for: families wanting peace and a suburban lifestyle
Rent level: medium to high
Good points: calm area, family-friendly, local shops
Things to check: travel time to mosque, work and school

Cottam

Cottam is popular for newer houses and family living. It is good for people who prefer modern homes, cleaner estate-style roads and more space. The rent is usually not the cheapest, but the area can be attractive for families who want a newer property.

Best for: families wanting modern houses
Rent level: medium to high
Good points: newer homes, family feel, quieter surroundings
Things to check: transport, mosque distance and school catchment

City Centre and Avenham

The city centre is convenient for work, university, shopping, buses and trains. Avenham and nearby areas can be useful for people who want to be close to everything, but families should check the exact street carefully.

For students or single workers, the city centre can be very practical. For families with children, it depends on the property and road.

Best for: students, workers, people without a car
Rent level: mixed
Good points: close to transport, shops and university
Things to check: noise, parking, safety and family suitability

Best Areas for Muslim Families

For Muslim families, the best area depends on what is more important: mosque access, schools, rent, or peaceful living.

For strong Muslim community and madrasa access: Deepdale, Garstang Road, North Road, Peel Hall Street and nearby PR1 areas are worth checking.

For a quieter family lifestyle with mosque access: Fulwood can be a very good choice.

For balanced rent and family life: Ashton-on-Ribble can be a good option.

For modern family housing: Cottam and some parts of Fulwood may be better.

For lower rent: some older terraced areas may be cheaper, but always check the street and property condition properly.

Mosques in Preston

Preston has a strong Muslim community with several mosques and Islamic centres. Some of the well-known places include:

Preston City Mosque, North Road

Jamea Masjid, Clarendon Street

Quwwatul Islam Masjid & Education Centre, Deepdale

Masjid-e-Noor, Noor Street

Masjid-e-Falah, Kent Street

Masjid-e-Salaam, Fulwood

Masjid E Saliheen Preston Muslim Cultural Centre, Grafton Street

Madina Mosque, William Henry Street

Masjid Al-Huda, Avenham Road

Quwwatul Islam and Jamea Masjid are especially important in Preston’s Muslim history and community life. For families moving from London, the number of mosques and madrasas can make Preston feel welcoming and familiar.

Madrasas and Islamic Education

For parents, Islamic education is a big part of choosing an area. Preston has several options for children’s Islamic learning, Quran classes and Muslim schools.

Some important places include:

Quwwatul Islam Masjid & Education Centre

Darul Uloom Preston

Preston Muslim Girls High School

Abrar Academy

Darul Arqam Education & Tarbiyah

Madrassa Tul Madina Preston

Dar-ul-Madinah Nursery and Primary School

Masjid-e-Salaam Madrasah

Parents should always contact the school or madrasa directly before moving. Check the age group, admission process, fees, waiting list, class timing, transport and whether the teaching style matches your family’s needs.

Halal Food and Community Life

One of the best things about Preston is that the Muslim community is already established. There are halal restaurants, takeaways, grocery shops, mosques and community centres. For someone moving from London, Preston may feel smaller, but not isolated.

My visit to Spice Hut Preston showed me that halal food businesses are active and the local community supports them. For families, this matters because life is not only about rent. It is also about where you pray, where your children study, where you shop and where you feel comfortable.

Is Preston Good for London Families?

Preston can be a good option for families who want lower rent and a slower lifestyle. If you are paying very high rent in London, Preston may look attractive. But before moving, you should think carefully about work, income, school places and family support.

Preston is good for:

Families looking for cheaper rent

Students and university life

Muslim families wanting mosque and madrasa access

People who can work remotely

Workers who find local jobs in Preston, Manchester, Blackburn or nearby towns

People who want a smaller city lifestyle

Preston may not be ideal if:

Your work is fully based in London

You need big-city facilities every day

You rely heavily on London family support

You do not drive and choose an area with poor transport

You move without visiting the area first

My Practical Advice Before Renting in Preston

Do not rent only based on photos. Visit the property if possible.

Check the street during the day and evening.

Ask about damp, heating, insulation and double glazing.

Check parking carefully.

Check council tax band before signing.

Ask how close the property is to mosque, school, madrasa and halal shops.

Check bus routes if you do not drive.

Speak to local people, shop owners and families.

Compare at least five properties before making a decision.

Do not send money before confirming the landlord or agent is genuine.

Final Thought

Preston is one of those cities that many London families may not think about, but after visiting for Thirtymins Show, I can understand why some people like living there. It has lower rent than London, a strong Muslim community, halal food places, mosques, madrasas and family areas.

The chef at Spice Hut Preston was right that rent can be much cheaper than London, but families should still plan properly. A good two-bedroom home may need around £700–£950 per month, and a good three-bedroom family home may need around £850–£1,200 or more depending on the area.

For me, the best areas to check first would be Deepdale for Muslim community, Fulwood for family lifestyle, Ashton-on-Ribble for balance, and Cottam or Penwortham for a quieter suburban feel.

If you are thinking about moving to Preston, visit first, speak to locals, check the property carefully and then decide. Cheap rent is important, but the right area, good schools, mosque access and peace of mind are even more important.

Written by Thirtymins Show
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