Cost of Living in Bristol

Joshua Wood

Understanding the the cost of living in Bristol helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city centre: £800 – £1,200 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £600 – £900 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city centre: £1,500 – £2,500 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city centre: £1,000 – £1,800 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square metre in city centre: £3,500 – £5,000 Price per square metre outside city centre: £2,500 – £3,500
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: £2.50 Monthly public transport pass: £70 – £100 Taxi starting tariff: £3.00 Taxi 1km tariff: £1.50 – £2.00 Petrol (1 litre): £1.20 – £1.35
Groceries	Milk (1 litre): £0.80 – £1.10 Bread (500g): £0.80 – £1.50 Rice (1kg): £0.70 – £2.00 Eggs (12): £1.50 – £3.00 Chicken breasts (1kg): £5.00 – £8.00 Apples (1kg): £1.50 – £3.00 Tomatoes (1kg): £1.00 – £2.50 Water (1.5 litre bottle): £0.50 – £1.50
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £10 – £20 Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £40 – £70 Fast food meal: £5 – £8 Cappuccino: £2.00 – £3.50 Beer (0.5 litre draught): £3.50 – £5.00 Soft drink (0.33 litre bottle): £1.00 – £2.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: £100 – £200 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): £20 – £40 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: £800 – £1,500 per month Elementary school tuition: £10,000 – £15,000 per year Middle school tuition: £12,000 – £18,000 per year High school tuition: £12,000 – £20,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in your specific area of Bristol to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bristol

“The cost of living in Bristol, is relatively high compared to other cities in the country, but it is still more affordable than London. Housing costs, including rent and property prices, are a significant expense, with prices varying depending on the area and type of property. Utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, are also a considerable expense, but they are generally in line with the national average.Transportation costs in Bristol can be quite high, particularly if you rely on public transport or own a car. However, the city has a good cycling infrastructure, which can help reduce transportation expenses. Food and grocery prices are similar to the national average, but eating out at restaurants and cafes can be more expensive.Entertainment and leisure activities in Bristol can also be costly, with prices for cinema tickets, gym memberships, and other recreational activities being higher than in some other UK cities. However, there are also many free or low-cost events and attractions in the city, such as parks, museums, and festivals, which can help balance out these expenses.Overall, the cost of living in Bristol is higher than in many other UK cities, but it offers a good quality of life, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent job opportunities, and beautiful surrounding countryside,” said one expat living in Bristol.

Can I live in Bristol on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Bristol for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I’d recommend looking for a flatshare or a small studio apartment in areas like Easton, Redfield, or Bedminster. These neighborhoods are more affordable than places like Clifton or Redland, which are quite expensive.You’ll also need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl can help you save money on groceries. When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of affordable options in Bristol, but you’ll need to avoid the more expensive restaurants and stick to places like Wetherspoons or local cafes.Transportation can be another significant expense, so I’d recommend getting a monthly bus pass if you need to travel around the city regularly. It’s also worth considering cycling or walking if you live close enough to your workplace, as this can save you money on transportation costs.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Bristol, such as visiting the many parks and museums or attending free events and festivals throughout the year. However, you may need to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the cinema or attending concerts.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Bristol is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being careful with your spending on groceries and eating out, and finding low-cost or free entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Bristol.

Can I live in Bristol on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Bristol for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. First, you’ll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. I’d recommend areas like Bedminster, Fishponds, or Horfield, where you can find a decent one or two-bedroom flat for around £800-£1,000 per month. You’ll want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Clifton, Redland, or Cotham, where rents can be much higher.When it comes to transportation, Bristol has a decent public transport system, but it can be a bit pricey. A monthly bus pass will cost you around £70, so you might want to consider cycling or walking to work if possible. Bristol is a very bike-friendly city, and you can save a lot on transportation costs by cycling.For groceries, you’ll want to shop at more affordable supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, where you can get most of your essentials for a reasonable price. Eating out can be quite expensive in Bristol, so you’ll want to limit that to special occasions or opt for more budget-friendly options like street food markets or cafes.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you’ll need to be selective about what you choose to do. There are plenty of free or low-cost events and attractions in Bristol, like the many parks, museums, and art galleries. You can also find cheaper cinema tickets on certain days of the week or take advantage of discounts for students or young professionals if you’re eligible.In terms of sacrifices, you might need to cut back on things like eating out, shopping for non-essentials, and expensive leisure activities. You’ll also need to be mindful of your utility bills and try to conserve energy where possible. But overall, it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Bristol on $3,000 a month if you’re willing to make some adjustments and be smart with your spending,” said one expat living in Bristol.

Can I live in Bristol on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Bristol for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, which is roughly £3,600. You might have to make a few sacrifices, but overall, you can still enjoy a good quality of life.Firstly, you’ll want to look for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods. Some of the more expensive areas like Clifton, Redland, and Sneyd Park might be out of your budget, but there are plenty of other options. I’d recommend looking into areas like Bedminster, Southville, and Horfield, which are more affordable but still have good access to the city center and other amenities.When it comes to transportation, Bristol has a decent public transport system, but it can be a bit pricey. To save money, consider getting a monthly bus pass or even cycling around the city, as Bristol is quite bike-friendly. Owning a car can be expensive, especially with parking fees and fuel costs, so it might be worth considering alternatives.Eating out and socializing can also add up, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Bristol. You’ll find a good selection of affordable restaurants, pubs, and cafes throughout the city. Just be mindful of your spending and try to cook at home more often to save money.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Bristol. You can visit the many parks and green spaces, explore the street art, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. There are also several affordable gyms and sports clubs if you’re into fitness.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on luxury items and high-end experiences, but overall, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Bristol on $5,000 a month. Just be mindful of your spending and prioritize your needs and wants,” commented an expat living in Bristol.

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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