Renting in Bristol vs Southampton
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 | Southampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £850/mo | £650/mo | +£200 |
| 1-Bed | £1,050/mo | £800/mo | +£250 |
| 2-Bed | £1,350/mo | £1,025/mo | +£325 |
| 3-Bed | £1,650/mo | £1,275/mo | +£375 |
| 4-Bed | £2,000/mo | £1,550/mo | +£450 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Bristol | Southampton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 5.1% | 5.5% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 6% | 5.3% |
| Demand Level | Very High | High |
| Average Deposit | £1,558 | £1,183 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £2,196/yr | £1,849/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Southampton
£325/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Bristol
6% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Southampton
5.5% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Bristol
Southampton
Living in Southampton saves you approximately £354/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.
Southampton
Southampton Central mainline station, good motorway access via M27/M3, bus network, and Southampton Airport.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Bristol
Southampton
Our Verdict
Bristol and Southampton offer different rental experiences. Southampton is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £1,025/mo compared to £1,350/mo in Bristol, saving renters £325 per month.
Bristol is seeing stronger rent growth at 6% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Southampton offers better returns for landlords at 5.5% 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.
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Properties in Bristol
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View Bristol Rental GuideProperties in Southampton
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View Southampton Rental Guide