RenterCheck

Renting in Swansea vs Bristol

WalesvsSouth West

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 TypeSwanseaBristolDifference
Studio£450/mo£850/mo£400
1-Bed£550/mo£1,050/mo£500
2-Bed£700/mo£1,350/mo£650
3-Bed£875/mo£1,650/mo£775
4-Bed£1,100/mo£2,000/mo£900

2-Bed Rent Comparison

Swansea£700/mo
Bristol£1,350/mo

Market Statistics

MetricSwanseaBristol
Average Yield6%5.1%
Rent Growth (YoY)4.8%6%
Demand LevelMediumVery High
Average Deposit£808£1,558
Council Tax (Band D)£1,812/yr£2,196/yr

Quick Verdict

For Affordability

Swansea

£650/mo cheaper for a 2-bed

For Growth Potential

Bristol

6% year-on-year growth

For Investment Yield

Swansea

6% average yield

Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)

Swansea

2-Bed Rent£700
Council Tax (monthly)£151
Energy (est.)£150
Water (est.)£35
Total Monthly£1,036

Bristol

2-Bed Rent£1,350
Council Tax (monthly)£183
Energy (est.)£150
Water (est.)£35
Total Monthly£1,718

Living in Swansea saves you approximately £682/mo on core housing costs.

Transport Links

Swansea

Swansea mainline station with services to London Paddington. Bus network and proximity to Gower Peninsula.

Bristol

Bristol Temple Meads mainline station with services to London and the South West. Bus network, harbour ferry, and Bristol Airport.

Popular Neighbourhoods

Swansea

UplandsBrynmillSkettyMumbles

Bristol

CliftonStokes CroftRedlandSouthville

Our Verdict

Swansea and Bristol offer different rental experiences. Swansea is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £700/mo compared to £1,350/mo in Bristol, saving renters £650 per month.

Bristol is seeing stronger rent growth at 6% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Swansea offers better returns for landlords at 6% 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 Swansea

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Properties in Bristol

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