Bristol, ENG — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]
COL: 102.1 472,465

Bristol, ENG

A creative coastal city with a thriving aerospace and tech sector, vibrant street art, and excellent quality of life.

Updated June 30, 2026
Cost of Living 102.1

Above Average vs UK avg (100)

Housing Index 108.5

Above Average

Median Income £36,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Bristol vs UK Average

Overall COL
Bristol: 102.1
UK Avg: 100
Housing
Bristol: 108.5
UK Avg: 100
Income Tax
Bristol: 20%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20%
  • VAT: 20%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: £36,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 472,465

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 154/year
  • Summer High: 71°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F

Housing

  • Median Home: £340,000
  • 1BR Rent: £1250/mo

Cost of Living

Bristol's cost of living index is 102.1 (UK average = 100).

CategoryBristolNational AverageDifference
Overall102.1100+2.1%
Housing108.5100+8.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price£340,000
Median Rent (1BR)£1250/mo
Median Rent (2BR)£1,563/mo
Price per Sq Ft£226

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bristol:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity£158Based on ~900 kWh/month usage
Water£39Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)£32Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities£229Monthly estimate

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow, municipal service directories

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Bristol

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: £1,500/mo.

Bristol Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: £1,375/mo.

East Bristol

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: £1,125/mo.

West Bristol

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: £1,188/mo.

Remote Work Score

Bristol scores 118/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Moderate (Good)
  • Climate: 154 sunny days/year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: High (Good)

Climate

Bristol has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April56°F53°F2.8"
July71°F46°F1.5"
October51°F56°F2.2"

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20%
  • VAT: 20%
  • Property Tax: ~0.29% of assessed value

Economy

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Overview

Bristol is a city in ENG with a population of 472,465. A creative coastal city with a thriving aerospace and tech sector, vibrant street art, and excellent quality of life.

FAQ

Is bristol-gb a good place to live?

bristol-gb offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.

What is the cost of living in bristol-gb?

The cost of living in bristol-gb varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in bristol-gb?

Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in bristol-gb to maintain your current standard of living.

Data Sources

  • Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
  • Housing data: Zillow Research
  • Demographics: US Census Bureau
  • Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Taxes: Tax Foundation

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bristol, ENG?

The cost of living index in Bristol is 102.1, which is above the UK national average of 100. Residents can expect slightly higher costs for everyday expenses.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Bristol?

The median home price in Bristol is £340,000. The housing index is 108.5, which is above the national average.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bristol is approximately £1250/mo.

Does Bristol, ENG have income tax?

Bristol is in ENG, which has a income tax rate of 20%.

What is the climate like in Bristol?

Bristol enjoys approximately 154 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 71°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.

Data Sources

All data on this page is sourced from publicly available datasets and updated regularly. Data sources include:

  • Cost of Living: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2026
  • Housing Data: Rightmove, 2026
  • Income & Employment: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2024
  • Climate: Met Office

Data last updated: June 30, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.