Islington vs Notting Hill

A side-by-side comparison of rent, transport, lifestyle and overall liveability.

Our recommendation

Islington offers better value — similar or better scores at a lower rent.

Rent comparison

Islingtonwinner

Islington
1-bed flat£2,000/mo
2-bed flat£2,700/mo
Zone(s)2

Notting Hill

Kensington & Chelsea
1-bed flat£2,200/mo
2-bed flat£2,900/mo
Zone(s)1, 2

Notting Hill is £200/month cheaper on a 1-bed flat.

Lifestyle comparison

Lively

Islington
7
Notting Hill
8

Green space

Islington
5
Notting Hill
7

Nightlife

Islington
7
Notting Hill
8

Café density

Islington
9
Notting Hill
10

Gym density

Islington
8
Notting Hill
9

Walkability

Islington
9
Notting Hill
9

Food scene

Islington
9
Notting Hill
9

Young professionals

Islington
9
Notting Hill
7

Safety

Islington
7
Notting Hill
8

Transport

Islington
9
Notting Hill
9

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

Notting Hill

Iconic west London with pastel streets, Portobello Road, strong food, and very high prices.

  • Central/Circle/District line access
  • Excellent cafes, restaurants, and markets
  • Walkable to Hyde Park and Holland Park
  • Very expensive
  • Tourist crowds
  • Limited value for space

Frequently asked questions

Is Islington or Notting Hill better to live in?

Islington offers better value — similar or better scores at a lower rent.

Is Islington cheaper than Notting Hill?

Islington is cheaper — average 1-bed rent is £2,000 vs £2,200 in Notting Hill, a saving of £200/month.

Which has better transport — Islington or Notting Hill?

Islington and Notting Hill score equally on transport (9/10). Islington is served by Angel and Highbury & Islington. Notting Hill is served by Notting Hill Gate.

Compare Islington with similar areas

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