While London remains a popular place to live, many are choosing to swap the hustle and bustle of “The Big Smoke” for quieter, more relaxed parts of the UK.
Bristol is a top choice offering all the amenities of a vibrant city alongside peaceful neighbourhoods, plus a lower cost of living compared to London. You could also save on your moving costs by planning your relocation carefully.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving from London to Bristol, including average removal prices and what life is really like once you’re there.
Why Are People Moving From London to Bristol?
City and Country stated that in 2019, 5,441 Londoners moved to Bristol. There are many reasons why so many people are making the move.
It is a fantastic city that’s full of culture and interesting architecture, such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Wills Memorial Building.
When it comes to the property market, costs are significantly lower than in London. Rental costs are less expensive, as is the cost of living. Cost factors are often deciding factors when people are deciding where to live.
Bristol has a quieter pace of life while still having plenty of things to do. It’s the perfect place for Londoners looking for a balance of both.
Commuting to London is reasonably quick, which is perfect for those working in a hybrid role. Non-stop trains from Bristol Parkway to London are planned, which will make it easier to travel from Bristol.
Removal Cost from London to Bristol
Bristol is around 120 miles from London, so you can expect your removal charges to be higher than a local move. Our cost of moving house calculator estimates that moving costs from London to Bristol are £885, compared to around £975 for a London to Manchester move. It is worth seeing if removal companies in Bristol will be cheaper through our guide on removal costs in Bristol.
These figures are based on the average house price in each area and the distance travelled. Additional services, such as packing, will increase the price, our research shows the average packing service costs £386.
If you’re moving from London to Bristol, Compare My Move can connect you with up to 6 verified removal partners to compare removal companies and make the process easier.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
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Property Prices in Bristol
The UK House Price Index displays that the average house price in Bristol is £365,775. According to Rightmove, house prices in London are an average of £743,741. Purchasing a property in Bristol is 51% cheaper than in London.
The best places to live in Bristol include Redland, Redcliffe, Stokes Croft and Stoke Bishop.
More affordable areas include Highridge and Hartcliffe. Expensive areas of the city are Clifton, Sneyd Park and Failand. Bristol City Centre remains a convenient and popular location.
Home.co.uk states that rent in Bristol costs an average of £1,664 per month, which is a stark difference from £4,642 in London. Bristol is far more affordable, being over 2.5 times less expensive.
Travel and Commuting in Bristol
Travelling and commuting in Bristol is straightforward. The city has good transport and road links to major cities in the UK. This includes Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham and London.
The rail network is reliable and it only takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get to Paddington Station. The major stations in Bristol are Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway.
The network of buses and metro buses is frequent, connecting different areas of the city. However, the buses don't always provide the most reliable service, especially when compared to London.
Major road networks surrounding Bristol include the M4, M5, M32, A37 and A38. As Bristol is a smaller city, commuting is convenient and straightforward.
Work and Salary in Bristol
The average salary in Bristol according to Talent.com is £35,000. The most common job sectors in Bristol are the health and labour industries. Job opportunities in Bristol are good.
There is a wide variety of different jobs available for all types of industries. The Bristol Government Website states that unemployment rates in Bristol are the lowest of the core UK cities.
In London, the average wage is £41,000 according to Payscale. The most common roles in London are different to Bristol. They include banking, finance, and the public sector.
Wages in London are higher compared to other areas of the UK. This is to account for the added costs of living in the capital city. This is known as the London Living Wage. While pay is higher, it doesn’t always offset the higher cost of living.
Cost of Living in Bristol
The cost of living in Bristol is lower in comparison to London. Consumer prices in Bristol are 18% lower compared to London.
Here are some cost of living examples highlighting this:
| Cost of Living Examples | London | Bristol |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport pass (monthly) | £160 | £83.80 |
| Basic utilities (monthly) | £305.58 | £228.80 |
| Fitness club membership (monthly) | £45.48 | £29.20 |
| Chicken fillets | £6.86 | £5.50 |
| Bottle of wine | £9.00 | £8.00 |
| Taxi starting price | £4.00 | £2.60 |
| Preschool | £1,566.56 | £1,197.14 |
| Restaurant meal for 2 people | £70.00 | £60.00 |
| Cinema ticket (one ticket) | £12.00 | £8.00 |
* Data was taken from Numbeo statistics
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Education in Bristol
As both cities are in England, the education system in London and Bristol schools is similar.
There are many high-performing schools. This includes Bristol Grammar School and St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School.
Bristol is a popular university city. It is home to 2 universities - The University of Bristol and UWE Bristol. The University of Bristol is one of the top 10 universities in the UK.
The city has several colleges, including SGS College, Bristol Baptist College and Trinity College.
London has 18 universities to choose from. The most prestigious universities include University College London and King’s College London.
Culture and Art in Bristol
The culture in Bristol is warm and welcoming. The Bristolian accent is prominent in comparison to London accents.
In general, people living in Bristol are friendly, and there is more of a laid-back atmosphere. The city is diverse and multicultural.
Being home to the famous street artist Banksy, Bristol is known for its art scene. Street art can be seen throughout the city, and there are exhibitions and art galleries to visit. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and the Arnolfini Arts Centre are two popular locations.
Music is popular in Bristol. There are many music venues across the city such as the O2 Academy and the Bristol Beacon. The Bristol Hippodrome hosts theatre shows and live events.
There’s plenty of open space in Bristol compared to England. One of the most popular parks is Brandon Hill, which is home to Cabot Tower.
Nightlife and Social Scene in Bristol
Bristol has a vibrant nightlife and social scene. From nightclubs like Basement 45, Thekla and Gravity to bars like The Milk Thistle, there is something to suit every taste.
Being the cider capital of the UK, there is an Apple Cider Boat, serving many different types of cider and alcoholic drinks.
There are many independent restaurants and coffee shops to consider. While Bristol isn’t as large as London, you won’t run out of new places to try and things to experience.
There are plenty of places to shop such as Bristol Shopping Quarter, Cribbs Causeway and The Galleries. St Nicholas Market has a great range of independent shops and stalls.
The social scene in Bristol is varied. There are many different events and festivals held in the city throughout the year. Popular festivals include Bristol Folk Festival, CrimeFest and Bristol Jazz Festival.
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Is it Worth Moving to Bristol from London?
If you’re looking for a cheaper city alternative, a move to Bristol from London offers many benefits as well as some disadvantages.
Pros:
Lower cost of living
Cheaper property market and rent
Plenty of green spaces
Less polluted
Safe area to live
Not an overcrowded city
Cons:
Public transport isn’t as reliable as in London
Some streets in Bristol are particularly narrow
Unpredictable weather and a lot more rainfall than in London
Explore Our Moving To Guides
Thinking about moving somewhere else? Our moving to guides cover popular relocations across the UK, with practical information to help you understand costs, plan your move, and get prepared for settling into your new area.
