Skip to content

Living in Bristol

Bristol is a multicultural city with a diverse population and a creativity shown through its music and street art. The city offers an urban lifestyle with plenty of green spaces and easy access to the waterfront. It attracts a mix of students, young professionals and families who settle in the suburbs. Though Bristol offers a vibrant character and a good quality of life, many people experience challenges with traffic congestion and a relatively high cost of living. Regarding the cost of living, we see a relatively high rental cost of £1,598 average per month on our platform.

What's it like renting in Bristol?

Renting in Bristol is characterised by a challenging and high-cost market. The average rental price is currently £1,598 per month, making it one of the most expensive cities outside London, where the average rent is £3,878 at the moment. Properties in popular areas, such as Clifton or Bedminster, are in high demand and often sell quickly. This is due to the location and relatively favourable average rental prices, which are £2,051 for Clifton and £1,411 for Bedminster. Renters can choose from a wide range of property types, from central flats to larger homes in suburban districts like Horfield.

Living in Bristol
86

Districts to discover

2,608

Listings available

£1,598

Average rental price

City Centre

The City Centre is the heart of Bristol's business, retail and cultural life. It attracts many young professionals and students due to the nightlife, transport links and proximity to universities. The average rental price in the City Centre is £1,550.

View 216 properties

Horfield

Horfield is a residential suburb in north Bristol, located about 3 miles from the City Centre. The area offers good road and bus connections, making travel into central Bristol straightforward. Gloucester Road forms the main high street and can be busy, but many quieter streets branch off from it, providing a more peaceful neighbourhood environment.

View 120 properties

Fishponds

Fishponds lies in the north-east of Bristol, about 4 miles from the City Centre. Rental costs here are generally lower than in central areas of Bristol, with average rents of £1,402 per month in Fishponds compared to £1,598 city average. The main road, Fishponds Road, is home to shops, cafés, and local amenities, while quieter streets just off the main road provide a more peaceful residential feel.

View 126 properties

Bedminster

Bedminster is a district just south of Bristol City Centre, around 2 miles away. The area features a mix of housing, including Victorian terraces and modern apartments. This district has a creative, artsy vibe with local events and community projects. There are good bus connections and easy access to the City Centre, making it convenient for commuters. The local high streets offer cafés, shops, and pubs for everyday life.

View 59 properties

Brislington

Brislington is a residential district in southeast Bristol, roughly 4 miles from the City Centre. It attracts families and professionals looking for a quieter lifestyle while still being within reach of the City Centre. The area has local shops, schools, and parks, making it convenient for everyday living.

View 44 properties

Easton

Easton is an inner-city district to the east of Bristol’s centre, around 2 miles from the City Centre. The area is known for its multicultural atmosphere, with independent shops, cafés, and markets reflecting the local community. Some parts of Easton have higher crime rates than the city average, so it’s important to research specific streets when considering where to live.

View 46 properties

St Paul's

St Paul’s is an inner-city district just northeast of Bristol City Centre, approximately 1 mile from the centre. St Paul’s has a strong community feel and is known for its vibrant street art and local festivals. Also, some streets in St Paul’s have higher crime rates than the city average, so it’s important to research your street when considering where to live.

View 0 properties

Totterdown

Totterdown is a residential district in the south of Bristol, about 2 miles from the City Centre. The area is known for its colourful Victorian terraced houses and creative and artsy atmosphere. Totterdown is hilly with narrow streets, which gives the neighbourhood a distinctive character. This also makes parking and driving a little challenging.

View 39 properties

Montpelier

Montpelier is a central Bristol district, about 1 mile away from the centre of Bristol. It's known for its Victorian and Georgian terraced houses. Good bus connections link Montpelier to the City Centre, allowing for easy commuting while the neighbourhood maintains a relatively quiet atmosphere.

View 31 properties

Rental prices in Bristol

Average: £369 per week

District Average rentalprice per week Amount of properties available Percentage difference with city average rental price
City Centre £358 per week 216 -2.97%
Redcliffe £423 per week 180 14.57%
Fishponds £324 per week 126 -12.27%
Northville £404 per week 121 9.44%
Horfield £467 per week 120 26.65%
Clifton £474 per week 100 28.40%
Ashley Down £375 per week 74 1.73%
St Paul's £305 per week 67 -17.18%
Southmead £356 per week 65 -3.50%
Bedminster £326 per week 59 -11.71%

Room Kemperleye Way in Bristol

BS328EB Bristol
£650 pcm £150 pw
  • Furnished
Published 28 minutes ago

Flat Brampton Way in Bristol

BS206YN Bristol (The Vale)
£995 pcm £230 pw
  • 1 bedroom
  • 1 bathroom
Published 1 hour ago

Room Southmead Road in Bristol

BS347QT Bristol
£600 pcm £138 pw
Published 2 hours ago

Room Hawkins Lane in Bristol

BS16LH Bristol (Finzels Reach)
£945 pcm £218 pw
Published 3 hours ago

Room Bantry Road in Bristol

BS41JU Bristol (Knowle West)
£550 pcm £127 pw
  • Furnished
Published 6 hours ago

Total properties: 2608

Range of rentalprice Amount of properties available Percentage of total properties
£0 - £1,000 960 36.81%
£1,000 - £2,000 996 38.19%
£2,000 - £3,000 400 15.34%
£3,000 - £4,000 159 6.10%
£4,000 - £5,000 63 2.42%
£5,000 - £6,000 13 0.50%
£6,000 - £7,000 4 0.15%
£7,000 - £8,000 5 0.19%
£8,000 - £9,000 0 0.00%
£9,000 - £10,000 2 0.08%
Document with scam written on it

How to Avoid Rental Scams?

In the fast-paced world of rental housing, staying vigilant against rental scams is crucial. With the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure a safe...

Person calculating the budget

How to Budget for Your First Apartment?

Embarking on the journey of moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone. However, it comes with its own set of financial challenges and ...

Room Kemperleye Way in Bristol

BS328EB Bristol
£650 pcm £150 pw
  • Furnished
Published 28 minutes ago

Flat Brampton Way in Bristol

BS206YN Bristol (The Vale)
£995 pcm £230 pw
  • 1 bedroom
  • 1 bathroom
Published 1 hour ago

Flat Limerick Road in Bristol

BS67DX Bristol
£1,400 pcm £323 pw
  • 1 bedroom
  • 1 bathroom
  • Furnished
Published 1 hour ago

Room Southmead Road in Bristol

BS347QT Bristol
£600 pcm £138 pw
Published 2 hours ago

Room Hawkins Lane in Bristol

BS16LH Bristol (Finzels Reach)
£945 pcm £218 pw
Published 3 hours ago
  • Bristol is one of the more expensive cities in the UK outside London. On average, we see a £1,598 rental price for Bristol compared to a £3,878 average for London on data retrieved from our platform. Rent for apartments in Bristol, which is £1,699, and houses, £1,598 on average, is above the UK average for apartments (£1,554) and houses (£1,554). Planning a budget can be important for anyone moving here. Some districts like Almondsbury or Bishopsworth offer slightly more affordable options with an average rent of £2,018 in Almondsbury and £887 in Bishopsworth. However, central areas tend to be pricier.
  • Bristol’s public transport system is limited. The city does not have a metro or tram network, and buses are the main form of public transport, though services can be infrequent. There are train connections, but the network is not very extensive within the city. As a result, many residents rely on cars, bicycles, or walking to get around efficiently.
  • The city is built on hills, so commuting on foot can be physically demanding in certain areas. Some neighbourhoods are steeper than others, which may be a consideration when choosing where to live. Despite this, the hills provide scenic views and add character to the city’s landscape.
  • Bristol has a strong cultural identity shaped by street art, music, food, and local festivals. The city hosts annual events such as the Bristol Balloon Fiesta and Harbour Festival. There are plenty of galleries, theatres, and live music venues. The city is also famously home to Banksy, and his work can still be spotted around town.
  • While Bristol is walkable in many parts, next to that, traffic can be a challenge, especially during rush hours or near the City Centre. Narrow streets and busy junctions often cause delays. Some residents choose to use alternative routes, cycling, or public transport to avoid delays. Planning travel time is important for commuting to your destinations.

What’s it like to live in Bristol?

Living in Bristol combines city life with easy access to parks and the waterfront. Many people describe Bristol as having its own atmosphere, with its street art, music scene, and wide variety of great food options. Despite its appeal, Bristol comes with challenges such as traffic congestion and higher-than-average rental costs. The rental costs in Bristol are one of the highest in the UK, with £1,598 on average per month.

What is the average rent in Bristol?

The average monthly private rent in Bristol is £1,598 based on data retrieved from our own platform. The rental price can vary between, for example, property types, where flats have an average rent in Bristol of £1,315 and houses of £935.

Where can I find the latest rental listings in Bristol?

View current rental properties here.

Which Bristol districts are popular to live in?

Several areas in Bristol stand out as popular living places. Key areas are:
  • City Centre: It offers close access to work, shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
  • Clifton: Known for its historic architecture, cafes, and proximity to universities.
  • Bishopston: Favoured by young professionals and families due to its community feel and local amenities.

What is the cost of renting in Bristol per month?

The average cost of renting in Bristol is £1,598; however, prices can vary depending on the location, property type, and included amenities. In addition to your rental price, consider the costs of energy, water, and electricity, for example.

What is the cost of living in Bristol, UK?

The cost of living in Bristol differs based on lifestyle and housing location. The average rental price for Bristol in the UK is £1,598. This is a big part of your expenses, but you should budget for costs such as food, clothing, energy and electricity. Excluding rent, a single person can expect to spend around £1,200–£1,300 per month on essentials such as food, transport, utilities, and leisure.

What is the cost of renting in Bristol for a student?

Rent prices for student accommodation in Bristol depend on the property type, location, and proximity to campus. We see that students often choose a private rental room. The current average rent for this is £875 in Bristol.

What is the cost of renting in Bristol for international students?

The average rent for a student renting a private room in Bristol is around £875. This is often in a shared house with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Additional expenses for international students may include visa fees, health surcharges, and proof of sufficient funds for living costs, as required for visa applications, as mentioned by the Government.

What is the cost of living in Bristol for a single person?

The cost of living in Bristol for a single person varies depending on lifestyle and housing choices. On our platform, we see a one-bedroom flat being the most popular option to rent among single people. The current average rent for a one-bedroom apartment on our website is £1045.

Is renting in Bristol expensive?

Yes, renting in Bristol is expensive. The average rental price in Bristol is £1,598, making it more expensive than the national UK average of £1,554. However, London is still more expensive with an average rent of £3,878.

How good is public transport in Bristol?

Public transport in Bristol is functional but can be inconsistent. The city has a network of buses that cover most areas, but services can be affected by traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. There is no metro or tram system, and train services are limited to certain routes in and out of the city.

What are the housing options like in Bristol?

Bristol offers a wide range of housing types to suit different lifestyles and budgets. In the City Centre and popular suburbs like Clifton and Harbourside, you’ll find modern flats and apartments. Terraced houses are common in areas such as Bedminster, Easton and Montpelier. Detached and semi‑detached houses are more likely in outer suburbs like Westbury‑on‑Trym and Stoke Bishop, and tend to those seeking more space.