Cost Of Living In Bristol For Students: 2025-26

Bristol is one of the best-rated UK student cities, offering a mix of high academic standards, culture and student life. One of the most sought-after education destinations in the world, this city has top-tier universities and some of the most popular tourist spots, providing great opportunities for students globally. While the city has a rich culture, an active arts scene, great career opportunities, and an exciting place to study, the cost of living in Bristol for students can be quite expensive.

You can quickly end up spending plenty on everything, from accommodation and food to transport and entertainment, so you will need to have a budget in place. By knowing about the average cost of living in Bristol, you will be able to plan for the future, handle your finances, and enjoy your time studying to the fullest. So, let’s quickly get into the details.

Estimated Cost Of Living In Bristol

Bristol, England’s largest city in the southwest, is a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis with much to offer students. Outside of London, it is one of the largest media hubs in the UK, and the city’s large number of creative firms means a vibrant community of painters, designers, photographers, authors, gamers, and others. If you’re planning to relocate to the city, we have rough estimates of the cost of living in Bristol –

Check out the estimated cost of living in Bristol for Indian students below:

Student Accommodation In Bristol

Accommodation comprises a significant part of the living expenses in Bristol for international students. Bristol has a wide range of neighbourhoods, from the ‘coolest’ to the ‘hippest.’ Bristol is clearly one of the most sought-after destinations to live in the UK. The majority of student housing in Bristol includes all rates and provides pleasant, stylish, yet affordable en-suites, studios, and shared apartments. 

Here is the approximate monthly rent for different types of student accommodation in Bristol:

University-Managed Accommodation

• Single Room (Shared Bathroom): £428 – £1,004
• En-Suite Room: £748 – £1,096
• Studio Apartment: £808 – £1,100

Private Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

• Twin Room (Shared Facilities): £600 – £1,200
• Single Room (Non-En-Suite): £720 – £1,100
  Single Room (En-Suite): £1,000 – £1,400
• Studio Apartment: £720 – £1,600

You can book your student accommodation in Bristol through UniAcco if you’re seeking budget-friendly houses located near the top universities. 

Transportation

Transportation charges largely influence the living cost in Bristol for international students. Bristol is strategically connected to every major public transportation system, making it easily accessible and within walking distance of any university and the city’s top attractions. Bristol students have a number of transportation alternatives, including the world-famous Bristol railway station, buses, and pleasant taxis. So you can reduce the cost of living in Bristol by carefully choosing your means of transportation.

In Bristol, you can easily access over 150 buses operating 24/7 citywide, with daily tickets at £2.50. Students can opt for a discounted monthly pass at £50. This affordable and accessible public transportation system plays a significant role in the overall cost of transport for students in Bristol.

• Bus: You can travel to and from the University campus and across Bristol. Students can get a 20% discount on all First bus tickets with a student ID card. A single ticket costs £1.50 and a day ticket costs £4.
• Train: You can travel to other parts of the city and the country. Students can get 1/3 off rail fares with a 16-25 Railcard. A single ticket to Bristol Temple Meads costs £2.40, and a return ticket costs £3.10.
• Bike: You can cycle around the city and enjoy the scenic routes. There are cycle stands and secure sheds on the University campus and the residences. Students can get discounts on bike locks, lights, and repairs from the university. You can also rent a bike from YoBike for £1 per hour or £5 per day.

Food

Food is also a big part of the Bristol living cost for international students. Students can eat at the university’s catered halls throughout their three terms. 

This can be a convenient choice, especially for those living on campus. However, if you choose to live in a private apartment, it allows for more flexibility in budgeting food expenses and scheduling meals.

Bristol’s average food cost is around £290 per month, including meals at restaurants and groceries at supermarkets, highlighting the need for careful planning and budgeting in managing dining expenses.

• A basic lunchtime menu in the business district can cost around £15 per person, while a combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around £15.
• The average cost of groceries at supermarkets is around £200 per month, which includes meat, eggs, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, etc.
• Bristol’s cheapest grocery items are milk, eggs, potatoes, and bread, while some of the most expensive items are cheese, chicken breast, tomatoes, and wine.
• Bristol’s food cost can be reduced by shopping at local markets, using coupons, and cooking meals at home.

Utilities

Utilities are an unavoidable aspect when estimating the cost of living in Bristol for students. Your utility bills depend on the accommodation type and its terms and conditions. Some properties include all the utility bills in the rent, so students do not need to make separate payments. 

The average monthly cost of utilities for a single-person household is around £163, while for a two-person household, it is around £273.

The utilities include electricity, heating, water, and garbage. The cost may vary depending on the size of the apartment, the usage, and the provider.

Miscellaneous

If you have any extra interests, you’ll need to budget for them since that could impact your cost of living in Bristol. You should also set aside money for –

• Mobile phone bills: According to Statista, the average selling price of smartphones in India was around 224 U.S. dollars in 2022, which is equivalent to about £167. The monthly cost of a phone plan may vary depending on the provider and the features, but a typical SIM-only deal with unlimited calls, texts, and data could cost around £20.
• Travel & Touring: The average cost of public transport in Bristol ranges from  £70 – £80 per month, including buses, trains, and taxis. If you want to travel to other cities or countries, you may need to spend more on flights, accommodation, and attractions. For example, a round-trip flight from Bristol to Paris could cost around £100, and a hostel bed could cost around £20 per night.
• Sports:  You should budget around £30 – £40 a month for sports. You can join some clubs or societies at your university or in the city, which may offer discounts or free access to some facilities or events. For example, the University of Bristol Sports Centre offers a range of memberships and prices for students, starting from £10.50 per month.
• Entertainment: You can expect to spend around £34-40 monthly for entertainment, which includes sports, hobbies, and leisure activities. Some free or low-cost options in Bristol include museums, art galleries, parks, festivals, or live music. For example, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter and has a variety of exhibitions and collections.

Tips to Save Money While Studying in Bristol

Living in Bristol as a student can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and careful planning, you can make your money go further. Here are some useful tips to help you manage your living expenses in Bristol while enjoying everything the city has to offer:

• Choose Affordable Accommodation – Opting for shared housing or university halls can help reduce rent costs. Living slightly further from the city centre may also provide cheaper options without compromising convenience.
• Use Student Discounts – Many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Bristol offer student discounts. Signing up for discount cards like TOTUM or UNiDAYS can help you save on everyday purchases.
• Save on Transport – Walking or cycling is a great way to cut down on travel expenses, as Bristol is a very walkable city. Getting a student travel pass can significantly lower your costs if you need public transport.
• Be Smart with Groceries – Shopping at budget supermarkets and local markets can help you save money on food. Buying in bulk and meal prepping will also reduce unnecessary spending on takeaways and eating out.
• Find Part-Time Work – Many students take up part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or on-campus roles to support their living costs. Flexible work options can help balance finances while still allowing time for studies.

Scholarship Opportunities for International Students in Bristol

Studying in Bristol as an international student can be a significant financial commitment, but several scholarship opportunities can help reduce the cost of tuition and living expenses. Universities, government programmes, and external organisations offer these scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, and other specific criteria. Securing a scholarship can make a huge difference in managing costs while allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress. 

Below are some key scholarship opportunities available for international students in Bristol.

Most scholarships require a formal application process, which may include:

• Personal Statement or Essay – Applicants must explain why they deserve the scholarship, highlighting academic achievements, career goals, and extracurricular activities.
• Academic Records – A strong academic background is often a key selection criterion.
• Letters of Recommendation – Some scholarships require reference letters from teachers, professors, or employers.
• Proof of Financial Need – Certain scholarships consider financial background as a determining factor.

FAQs

1. Is it expensive to live in Bristol?

Bristol can be expensive compared to other UK cities, but it is often less expensive than London.  Living in Bristol can be an exciting experience for students, offering a combination of top-notch universities, a diversified cultural scene, and a friendly community. 

2. What salary do you need to live in Bristol?

For students living in Bristol, the cost of living depends on accommodation, lifestyle, and personal expenses. On average, students need around £1,200 – £1,500 per month to cover rent, food, transport, and other essentials. This means a part-time job, student loan, or financial support of around £14,000 – £18,000 per year is usually required for a comfortable student life in the city.

3. What is the Cost of Food in Bristol?

Food prices can also vary depending on whether you dine out or cook your meals at home. The monthly cost of food may range between £200- £290 in Bristol.

4. Is Bristol expensive to rent?

Bristol’s rental cost is fairly priced compared to other cities in England. The monthly on-campus accommodation rent ranges between £800 and £900, and off-campus accommodation rental costs range from £700 to £800 per month.

5. What’s Bristol famous for?

Bristol is well-known for its rich maritime heritage, the magnificent suspension bridge created by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and its vibrant street art scene, which includes pieces by international artist Banksy.

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