Cost of Living in Harlow

East of England
Town
Essex, England

Population: 87,000

Average House Price

£365.0k

+26% vs UK avg (£290k)

Median Salary

£40,870

+5% vs UK avg (£39,039)

Average Rent

£1,190/mo

-1% vs UK avg (£1,200)

Quick Facts

Council Tax£2,124Band D / yr
Energy£147/ mo
Water£35.00/ mo
Broadband£35.00/ mo
Bus Pass£74.09/ mo

House Prices in Harlow

+3.0% year-on-year
Average Property Prices
Based on Land Registry data for 2025-12-01

Average price (all types)

£365,040

Detached£545,400
Semi-detached£361,800
Terraced£302,400
Flat / Apartment£216,000

House prices in Harlow have increased by +3.0% over the past year.

Salaries in Harlow

Annual Salary
Median and mean gross annual pay
Median£40,870
Mean£46,453
Median hourly rate£19.72/hr
Salary Range
Lower and upper quartile earnings
Lower quartile (25th)£28,016
Upper quartile (75th)£55,105

vs UK National Median (£39,039)

+4.7%
£1,831 above national average

Monthly Cost of Living in Harlow

Estimated Monthly Breakdown
What it costs to live in Harlow each month, based on averages from ONS and open data sources.
CategoryItemMonthly Cost
HousingRent(Average monthly rent)£1,190
HousingCouncil Tax(Band D, paid over 12 months)£177
UtilitiesEnergy(Gas and electricity)£147
UtilitiesWater£35.00
UtilitiesBroadband£35.00
TransportTransport(Monthly commute estimate)£191
FoodGroceries(Estimated monthly shop)£286
LeisureLeisure(Gym, dining out, entertainment)£156
Estimated Total£2,218

These figures are estimates based on averages and may vary depending on your lifestyle, property type, and household size. Council tax shown at Band D; your band may differ.

Transport Costs in Harlow

Monthly Bus Pass
Standard adult monthly bus pass

£74.09

Fuel per Litre
Average petrol price per litre

£1.47

Monthly Commute
Estimated monthly commuting cost

£191

Compare Harlow with Another Location

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Harlow

What is the average house price in Harlow?
The average house price in Harlow is £365,040, based on HM Land Registry data for 2025-12-01. Detached homes average £545,400, while flats and apartments average £216,000. Prices have risen by +3.0% over the past year.
What is the average salary in Harlow?
The median annual salary in Harlow is £40,870, compared to the UK national median of £39,039. This is £1,831 above the national average, making it a higher-earning area. Salaries typically range from £28,016 (lower quartile) to £55,105 (upper quartile).
How much does it cost to rent in Harlow?
Average monthly rent in Harlow is £1,190 per month. Rents have increased by +3.8% over the past year.
Is Harlow an affordable place to live?
Harlow can be a stretch for those on median earnings. Rent accounts for approximately 35% of the median monthly income, which exceeds the 30% affordability guideline. The average monthly rent is £1,190, while the median annual salary is £40,870 (approximately £3,406 per month before tax).
How does Harlow compare to London?
The average house price in Harlow is £365,040, compared to approximately £551,000 in London. Property in Harlow costs around 66% of London prices, making it £185,960 cheaper on average. Rent is also more affordable, at £1,190 per month versus approximately £2,253 in London.
Are house prices rising or falling in Harlow?
House prices in Harlow are currently rising, with a +3.0% increase over the past year. The current average price of £365,040 reflects data from 2025-12-01. As with all property markets, past performance does not guarantee future changes.