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Cheapest Student Areas

Counting the commute can change the cheapest areas for students in Bristol

Cheapest Student Areas
Photo: Boys in Bristol Photography / Pexels

The cheapest advertised rent is not the cheapest area in Bristol for students. When you factor in the cost of commuting to the University of Bristol or UWE Frenchay, areas like Fishponds, Filton, and Horfield can become more affordable. Per-person total cost, not headline rent, is the comparison that matters. For example, a room in central Bristol might seem expensive, but if it's within walking distance to the University of Bristol, you'll save on bus fares. On the other hand, a cheaper room in a outer area like Stoke Gifford might end up being more expensive when you factor in the cost of a monthly bus pass to get to UWE Frenchay.

comparing areas

Here's a comparison of some areas in Bristol, including their indicative rents and commute costs to the universities:

AreaIndicative RentCommute to UoBCommute to UWE Frenchay
Clifton£800-£1,200 per monthwalk/cyclebus (£100-£150 per month)
Redland£700-£1,100 per monthwalk/cyclebus (£100-£150 per month)
Cotham£600-£1,000 per monthwalk/cyclebus (£100-£150 per month)
Fishponds£500-£900 per monthbus (£100-£150 per month)bus (£50-£100 per month)
Filton£450-£800 per monthbus (£100-£150 per month)walk/cycle
Horfield£400-£700 per monthbus (£100-£150 per month)bus (£50-£100 per month)

As you can see, the cheapest areas are not always the ones with the lowest headline rents. When you factor in the cost of commuting, areas like Fishponds, Filton, and Horfield can become more affordable. For more information on the best areas for students in Bristol, check out our guide to student areas. If you're moving to Bristol, our relocation guide can help you understand the costs involved. And if you need to get to Clifton from Bristol Airport, our guide to getting to Clifton can help you choose the best option, including a Tick Taxi price of around £35-£45, which we can provide as we are published by the Tick Taxi group.

FAQs

What is the cheapest area for students in Bristol?

The cheapest area for students in Bristol depends on the commute costs to the university. Areas like Fishponds, Filton, and Horfield can become more affordable when you factor in the cost of commuting.

How much does it cost to commute to UWE Frenchay?

The cost of commuting to UWE Frenchay varies depending on the area you live in. A monthly bus pass can cost between £50-£150 per month.

What is the best way to get to Clifton from Bristol Airport?

The best way to get to Clifton from Bristol Airport depends on your budget and the number of people travelling. A direct car or taxi journey can be the fastest and most cost-effective option, especially for two or more people. A Tick Taxi price is around £35-£45.

How much does it cost to live in Bristol as a student?

The cost of living in Bristol as a student varies depending on the area you live in and your lifestyle. Indicative rents range from £400-£1,200 per month, and you'll also need to factor in the cost of commuting and other living expenses.

The most popular areas for students in Bristol are Clifton, Redland, Cotham, and Gloucester Road for University of Bristol students, and Frenchay, Filton, Fishponds, and Stoke Gifford for UWE students.

How do I choose the best area for me as a student in Bristol?

To choose the best area for you as a student in Bristol, consider factors like commute time and cost, safety, and amenities. You can also check out our guides to student areas and relocation for more information.

Questions people ask

What is the cheapest area for students in Bristol?

The cheapest area for students in Bristol depends on the commute costs to the university. Areas like Fishponds, Filton, and Horfield can become more affordable when you factor in the cost of commuting.

How much does it cost to commute to UWE Frenchay?

The cost of commuting to UWE Frenchay varies depending on the area you live in. A monthly bus pass can cost between £50-£150 per month.

What is the best way to get to Clifton from Bristol Airport?

The best way to get to Clifton from Bristol Airport depends on your budget and the number of people travelling. A direct car or taxi journey can be the fastest and most cost-effective option, especially for two or more people. A Tick Taxi price is around £35-£45.

How much does it cost to live in Bristol as a student?

The cost of living in Bristol as a student varies depending on the area you live in and your lifestyle. Indicative rents range from £400-£1,200 per month, and you'll also need to factor in the cost of commuting and other living expenses.

What are the most popular areas for students in Bristol?

The most popular areas for students in Bristol are Clifton, Redland, Cotham, and Gloucester Road for University of Bristol students, and Frenchay, Filton, Fishponds, and Stoke Gifford for UWE students.

How do I choose the best area for me as a student in Bristol?

To choose the best area for you as a student in Bristol, consider factors like commute time and cost, safety, and amenities. You can also check out our guides to student areas and relocation for more information.

Prices and times checked August 2026.

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