Renting in Bristol vs Cardiff
Side-by-side comparison of rental costs, market conditions, and living expenses to help you decide where to rent.
Rent Comparison by Property Size
| Property Type | Bristol | Cardiff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £850/mo | £600/mo | +£250 |
| 1-Bed | £1,050/mo | £750/mo | +£300 |
| 2-Bed | £1,350/mo | £950/mo | +£400 |
| 3-Bed | £1,650/mo | £1,200/mo | +£450 |
| 4-Bed | £2,000/mo | £1,450/mo | +£550 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Bristol | Cardiff |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 5.1% | 5.8% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 6% | 5.6% |
| Demand Level | Very High | High |
| Average Deposit | £1,558 | £1,096 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £2,196/yr | £1,653/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Cardiff
£400/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Bristol
6% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Cardiff
5.8% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Bristol
Cardiff
Living in Cardiff saves you approximately £445/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Bristol
Bristol Temple Meads mainline station with services to London and the South West. Bus network, harbour ferry, and Bristol Airport.
Cardiff
Cardiff Central mainline station, bus network, and upcoming South Wales Metro improvements.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Bristol
Cardiff
Our Verdict
Bristol and Cardiff offer different rental experiences. Cardiff is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £950/mo compared to £1,350/mo in Bristol, saving renters £400 per month.
Bristol is seeing stronger rent growth at 6% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Cardiff offers better returns for landlords at 5.8% average yield.
Both cities have significant student populations, which drives demand for house shares and smaller properties. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your work location, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
Check a Property
Properties in Bristol
Enter a postcode to check any rental property in Bristol
View Bristol Rental GuideProperties in Cardiff
Enter a postcode to check any rental property in Cardiff
View Cardiff Rental Guide