The least affordable district in the region was Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, where the average private tenant spent 36.6% of their income on rent.
At 19.6%, Fenland in Cambridgeshire and East Suffolk were the region’s most affordable districts.
Mr Gallop, who runs the lettings team at Essex and Suffolk-based Palmer and Partners, said: “A lot of people are still spending a third of their gross salary on rent.
“If they’re not, it’s because they’re renting something that’s too small. If I list a property at 17:00, by 09:00 the following morning I’ll have 30 to 40 inquiries.”
Many landlords had recently sold their properties, he added.