Skyline of Bristol
Cost of Living: 102.1 472,465

Bristol, England, UK

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

Updated July 6, 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

Cost of Living
Bristol: 102.1
UK Avg: 100
Housing Index
Bristol: 108.5
UK Avg: 100
Income Tax
Bristol: 20%

Taxes

  • Income Tax: 20.0%
  • VAT: 20.0%

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: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 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: Rightmove, 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 ~2,900 kWh/year typical UK household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)£201Estimated based on local climate. typical central heating
Water£39Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)£32Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities£430Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: Ofgem, UK Energy Statistics 2024, Water UK, Ofcom

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: Good
  • Climate: 154 year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: 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 & Jobs

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

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. 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, England, UK?

The cost of living index in Bristol is 102.1, which is Higher the UK national average of 100.

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.

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 an income tax rate of 20%.

What is the climate like in Bristol?

Bristol enjoys approximately 154 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,71°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.38°F.

Data Sources

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

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.