Costs of living in Bristol

House and flat and flat prices in Bristol have risen over the past few years not least because Bristol was voted the best place to live in Britain by the Sunday Times in 2017.

Prices vary from area to area and you should bear this in mind when thinking about where you wish to live in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

An average rental cost starts from approximately £1300 for a 1-bedroom flat, rising to £1900 for a 3-bedroom property.

The closer you live to the University the higher the cost will be. The property website Zoopla has useful market activity and information about places to buy and rent. 

Calculating affordability: income to rent ratio

Letting agents calculate affordability using the ratio of your income to the cost of the rent. 

Your salary must be equivalent to 30 x the monthly rent. For example rent £1300 per month requires an annual salary of £39,000. 

Deposit

You will need a deposit up front which can vary between letting agents.

A deposit is a sum of money that provides your landlord with financial security against any unpaid rent or damage that you may cause and should be returned to you in full at the end of your tenancy unless your landlord can prove that they have suffered a financial loss due to your actions.

Credit checks and guarantors

All agencies carry out credit history checks, some agencies can carry out checks on people from outside the UK but many do not. This can lead to a request for a UK guarantor who will guarantee your rent for the duration of the tenancy.

If a credit check or guarantor are not available, you may have to pay the whole years' rent up front.

There companies who will act as a guarantor, but they charge for this service. For example Housing Hand.

University managed properties

The staff residential lettings team can provide advice on University managed properties.

More renting advice for staff.

Example costs for short-term stays

Example typical costs for short-terms stays in Bristol. You may be able to find cheaper prices if you shop around, and all prices depend on the time of year and the facilities you need. 

• Hotel - rooms start at approx £80 per night
• Serviced apartment - from £80 - £200 per night
• Room in short stay house - £200 - £350 per week
• Short term stay studios - from £50 per night
• Mid term lets (1 month - 5 months) - from £45 per night
• Airbnb - range between £30 - £70 per night. 

Last update 13 November 2023.