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Bristol is one such city in England which is famous for its academic excellence, and creativity. Bristol is the vibrant city of the United Kingdom and it attracts thousands of international students from all over the world. If you’re considering pursuing higher education in Bristol, it’s important to understand the monthly cost of living in Bristol for a single person in the city.
It has a mix of a new natural feel of greenery and natural beauty and old historic places. It is essential for a student to be aware of the latest information on the cost of living in Grenoble. This blog contains all the information related to the cost of living in Bristol for international students including transportation, accommodation, food, fees and other expenses.
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Cost of Living in Bristol Overview
The cost of living in Bristol, including rent, is on average GBP 812 per month, according to the numbeo. However, this expenditure amount may vary depending on a person’s preferences, lifestyle and budget. Living in Bristol as a student will help you get the benefits of living in a big city at a lower cost than many other big cities in the UK.
The cost of living in Bristol is affected by several major categories, housing, food and groceries, utilities, and public transportation. It’s important to understand these expense categories to get a clear picture of how much it costs to live in Bristol:
| Nature of Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Cost of Local Transportation | GBP 83 per month |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | GBP 15 |
| Basic Utility Bills | GBP 229 |
| 1 bedroom Apartment in City Centre | GBP 1369 |
| Cinema Ticket 1 Seat | GBP 9 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Stuttgart: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Food in Restaurants in Bristol
Whether you prefer dining at a restaurant or sampling street food, Bristol caters to every food enthusiast. However, students can have food at the university’s catered halls. The cost of food in restaurants can impact the cost of living in Bristol.
On average, a lunch menu at an affordable restaurant costs around GBP 15, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is about GBP 60. A cup of cappuccino typically costs around GBP 3.45, making it an affordable treat for anyone. Some restaurants or quick bites present in Bristol are:
| Type of Food at Restaurants | Approx Cost |
| McMeal at McDonald’s | GBP 15 |
| Mid-range restaurant (three-course meal) | GBP 60 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | GBP 3.45 |
Cost of Grocery in Bristol
If you are a student, and live in a private apartment, then, you can manage your food expenses on your own. Cooking at an accommodation in Bristol is a smart choice as it can save you a lot of money. Eating out or ordering food online can be expensive and put a strain on your overall cost of living in Bristol’s budget.
Additionally, it’s important to keep track of the grocery budget as it is a fundamental component of the cost of living in Bristol. For your convenience, the average cost of groceries in Bristol is detailed in the table below:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | GBP 1.11 |
| Oranges (1kg) | GBP 2.67 |
| Apples (1kg) | GBP 2.17 |
| Banana (1kg) | GBP 1.00 |
| Potato (1kg) | GBP 1.32 |
| Tomato (1kg) | GBP 2.34 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | GBP 1.21 |
| Onion (1kg) | GBP 1.06 |
| Cheese (1kg) | GBP 7.60 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | GBP 1.26 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | GBP 2.46 |
| Fresh White Bread (500g) | GBP 1.16 |
Cost of Utility Bills in Bristol
When living in an apartment, things like electricity, water, heating, and garbage pickup are crucial. In Bristol, residents typically spend around GBP 229 each month on these essentials. Below, we’ve listed some basic utility costs in Bristol to help you plan your budget better. Take a look and adjust accordingly.
| Utility bills (monthly basis) | Cost |
| Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data (per month) | GBP 12.74 |
| Basic (water, electricity, heating, cooling, garbage) for apartments | GBP 229 |
| Internet (Unlimited data, 60Mbps or more) | GBP 32.50 |
Cost of Transportation in Bristol
Bristol is deliberately linked with the major commutation system which makes it accessible within walking distance for the university students. Besides, various travel alternatives are also available for international as well as domestic candidates including the world-famous Bristol railway station, taxis and buses.
Public transport costs form a significant part of the cost of living in Bristol. To provide you with a better understanding, we have arranged the average transportation expenses in Bristol below, offering an estimation to assist you in budgeting for your transportation needs.
| Transport system | Average Cost |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | GBP 2 |
| Monthly pass of local transport (regular price) | GBP 83.80 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | GBP 4.50 |
| Taxi 1 hour | GBP 20 |
| Taxi 1 kilometer | GBP 1.37 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | GBP 1.49 |
Miscellaneous Cost in Bristol
Bristol comprises various entertainment and hangout places and the prices vary depending upon the services offered by them. There are numerous bars and restaurants. The cost of a cinema, international release for 1 seat is GBP 9.00.
For your reference, we have compiled data on various miscellaneous costs, including sports, entertainment, and clothing expenses. Feel free to review the table below and factor them into your living expenses budget as well.
| Miscellaneous Catagory | Average Costs |
| Fitness Club, for a month | GBP 30.06 |
| Doctor’s visit | GBP 76.4 |
| Cinema 1 person | GBP 9.00 |
| 1 Pair of Branded Jeans | GBP 62.78 |
| 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes | GBP 76.92 |
Cost of Accommodation in Bristol
Bristol has a variety of neighbourhoods that offer accommodation to international students. It is the most famous and sought-after place to live in the UK. The rental cost of the one-room apartment is around GBP 1,369 for a single person.
Housing expenses make up a significant portion of the overall cost of living in Bristol. By examining the table below, you can clearly understand the average housing costs in Bristol and their impact on the city’s total living expenses.
| Type of Accommodation | Approx Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 1,369 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) outside City Centre | 971 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 2,150 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 1,542 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Wales: A Comprehensive Guide on Wales’s Expense
Average Tuition Fees in Bristol
The tuition fees at Bristol’s universities can vary based on the program and level of education you’re interested in. Finding information about tuition fees can be overwhelming for students. As the city contains only two universities the average tuition fee for a few universities is listed below:
| Name of University in Bristol | Approx Tuition Fees per year |
| University of Bedfordshire | GBP 12000 to GBP 18000 |
| London Metropolitan University | GBP 12800 to GBP 15500 |
| University of Hertfordshire | GBP 14,000 |
| University of West London | GBP 13,000 |
Cost of Living in Bristol Compared to Other Cities
When you compare the cost of living in Bristol to nearby cities you will notice some differences. Generally, living in Bristol is more affordable than other major cities and offers a wonderful lifestyle.
To help you understand better, we have compared the monthly cost of living in Bristol with nearby cities like London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, and Bristol without including the rent The below table will show you how affordable Grenoble is. Take a look and see how it affects your expenses.
| Cost of living city-wise | Approx Costs | Comparison Cost of Living in Bristol |
| Cost of Living in London | GBP 1,102 | Higher than Bristol |
| Cost of Living in Manchester | GBP 851 | Higher than Bristol |
| Cost of Living in Glasgow | GBP 836 | Higher than in Bristol |
| Cost of Living in Edinburgh | GBP 896 | Higher than in Bristol |
| Cost of Living in Brighton | GBP 880 | Higher than in Bristol |
Bristol is among the most trendy places for youth and aspiring candidates to live in the UK. The city is jammed with bars and cafes, music and cultural spots, diverse food, etc. and if we compare Bristol with London, Bristol is slightly cheaper.
Why Choose Bristol to Study Abroad?
Bristol is one of the most expensive as well as famous cities in England, yet the cost of living in Bristol varies based on demands and needs. The following is a breakdown which will help you choose Bristol for further studies:
- The city possesses beauty in its old historic buildings, architecture, breweries and clubs. Bristol is famous for its art, music and theatre.
- The city is just 2 hours away from London. The cost of living in Bristol is affordable as compared to London.
- Apart from beauty, its academic excellence is the prime reason for student attraction.
- Besides experiencing the international environment you would also get the chance to avail global career opportunities that will craft a successful future.
- The QS World University Ranking 2024 has ranked the University of Bristol at 9th position in the UK and at 55th position in the world.
- The university also offers excellent graduate employment rates.
Things to Consider When Moving to Bristol
There are certain things that a student must consider when moving to Bristol:
- As Bristol is a place to live there might be high competition for accommodation.
- You can reduce your cost of living in Bristol by doing a part-time job and using public transportation. As there are only two main universities in Bristol the student accommodation might get reserved too soon, thus, it is better to book your bed in advance.
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FAQs on Cost of Living in Bristol
Ans: The average cost of living in Bristol is around GBP 812 If we exclude rent for a one-room apartment. However, these living costs can vary depending on personal preferences and location within Bristol.
Ans: As per a rough estimate, the cost of living in Bristol for a single person is GBP 812 without rent. It is comparatively less expensive than in London. But it should also be considered that Bristol is a place to live so there might be high competition for accommodation.
Ans: To live comfortably in Bristol, you need to earn approximately GBP 812 per month. This amount is equal to the cost of living in Bristol for a single person without rent.
Ans: Bristol is an affordable city in England as it is one of the most sought-after and attractive destinations for most international candidates because to live comfortably in Bristol, you need around GBP 812 per month without considering the rent.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Bristol. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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