Islington vs Dalston
A side-by-side comparison of rent, transport, lifestyle and overall liveability.
Our recommendation
Islington scores higher overall, though it comes at a rent premium over Dalston.
Rent comparison
Islington
IslingtonDalstonwinner
HackneyIslington is £250/month cheaper on a 1-bed flat.
Lifestyle comparison
Lively
Green space
Nightlife
Café density
Gym density
Walkability
Food scene
Young professionals
Safety
Transport
Islington
Polished, professional, and well-fed. Upper Street has more restaurants than most postcodes have houses.
- ✓Strong restaurant and bar scene
- ✓Two fast tube lines to the City
- ✓Lots of young professionals
- ✓Walkable street grid
- →Expensive
- →Limited green space within the postcode itself
Dalston
Late nights, Turkish grills, and Ridley Road Market. Loud, young, and not especially restful.
- ✓Best-in-class nightlife
- ✓Diverse food (especially Turkish)
- ✓Overground to most of London
- →Noisy
- →Limited green space
- →Can feel oversaturated
Frequently asked questions
Is Islington or Dalston better to live in?
Islington scores higher overall, though it comes at a rent premium over Dalston.
Is Islington cheaper than Dalston?
Dalston is cheaper — average 1-bed rent is £1,750 vs £2,000 in Islington, a saving of £250/month.
Which has better transport — Islington or Dalston?
Islington scores higher for transport (9/10 vs 7/10). Islington is served by Angel and Highbury & Islington. Dalston is served by Dalston Junction andDalston Kingsland.
Compare Islington with similar areas
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