Average Rent in Bristol
As of January 2026, the average rent in Bristol is £1,893/month — 42% above the England average of £1,332. Rents are rising quickly, up +7.4% in the past year.
Key figures
- Average rent: £1,893/month (42% above the England average of £1,332)
- Rents rising fast: +7.4% year-on-year
- 1-bed average: £1,230/month
- LHA shortfall of £332/month for a 1-bed — housing benefit unlikely to cover market rent
Rent by bedroom type
Here's how average monthly rent in Bristol breaks down by number of bedrooms, with year-on-year change for each.
| Type | Avg. rent | YoY change |
|---|---|---|
| All properties | £1,893 | +7.4% |
| 1 bedroom | £1,230 | +8.0% |
| 2 bedrooms | £1,550 | +7.7% |
| 3 bedrooms | £1,763 | +7.8% |
| 4+ bedrooms | £2,574 | +7.0% |
Rent by property type
Average rents in Bristol also vary by property type. Flats and maisonettes tend to be cheaper than detached houses.
| Property type | Avg. rent |
|---|---|
| Detached | £2,120 |
| Semi-detached | £2,100 |
| Terraced | £2,020 |
| Flat / maisonette | £1,516 |
Local Housing Allowance comparison
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) sets the maximum housing benefit for renters in the Bristol area (April 2024 to March 2025). Here's how it compares to actual market rents.
| Size | LHA rate | Market rent | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | £510 | — | — |
| 1 bed | £898 | £1,230 | +£332 |
| 2 bed | £1,092 | £1,550 | +£458 |
| 3 bed | £1,296 | £1,763 | +£467 |
| 4 bed | £1,845 | £2,574 | +£729 |
Where market rent exceeds the LHA rate, renters on housing benefit may need to cover the difference themselves.
Renting in Bristol: what to know
Bristol is in the South West region of England. The average rent of £1,893 per month is 42% above the England average of £1,332. This is 71% above the South West regional average of £1,104.
Rents in Bristol are rising quickly — up +7.4% over the past year, faster than the South West average of +4.9%. For renters already in the area, this makes staying put more attractive than moving — and for newcomers, it highlights the importance of acting quickly when a suitable property appears.
There's a significant gap between market rents and Local Housing Allowance in this area. A 1-bed here averages £1,230, but the LHA rate for the Bristol BRMA is £898 \u2014 a shortfall of £332/month. Renters on housing benefit may need to top up from other income or look for properties below the local average.
In higher-rent areas like Bristol, landlords often rely on credit checks and referencing to vet tenants. Building a visible credit history — including through rent reporting — can help you stand out during the application process.
FAQs
What is the average rent in Bristol?
The average rent in Bristol is £1,893 per month as of January 2026. This covers all property sizes. A 1-bed averages £1,230, a 2-bed £1,550, a 3-bed £1,763.
Is rent in Bristol going up or down?
Rents in Bristol have increased by +7.4% over the past year. This is well above the national average rate of increase, putting extra pressure on renters.
How does rent in Bristol compare to Local Housing Allowance?
The average 1-bed rent in Bristol (£1,230) is £332 above the LHA rate of £898 for the Bristol area. This is a significant gap — renters on housing benefit would likely need to cover the difference or look for below-market options.
Related topics
Other areas in South West
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