Renting in Plymouth vs Bournemouth
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 | Plymouth | Bournemouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £525/mo | £700/mo | £175 |
| 1-Bed | £650/mo | £850/mo | £200 |
| 2-Bed | £825/mo | £1,100/mo | £275 |
| 3-Bed | £1,025/mo | £1,375/mo | £350 |
| 4-Bed | £1,275/mo | £1,700/mo | £425 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Plymouth | Bournemouth |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 5.8% | 5% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 4.5% | 5.5% |
| Demand Level | Medium | High |
| Average Deposit | £952 | £1,269 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,882/yr | £2,012/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Plymouth
£275/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Bournemouth
5.5% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Plymouth
5.8% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Plymouth
Bournemouth
Living in Plymouth saves you approximately £286/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Plymouth
Plymouth mainline station with services to London Paddington. Ferry terminal with routes to France and Spain. City bus network.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth mainline station with services to London Waterloo. Bus network along the coast and Bournemouth Airport.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Plymouth
Bournemouth
Our Verdict
Plymouth and Bournemouth offer different rental experiences. Plymouth is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £825/mo compared to £1,100/mo in Bournemouth, saving renters £275 per month.
Bournemouth is seeing stronger rent growth at 5.5% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Plymouth 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 Plymouth
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View Plymouth Rental GuideProperties in Bournemouth
Enter a postcode to check any rental property in Bournemouth
View Bournemouth Rental Guide