For the first time in recorded history, average rents in Bath have exceeded those in Bristol, marking a significant shift in the rental market of the South West. Both Bath and Bristol continue to hold the highest rent averages among major UK cities outside London, but rising rental costs in Bath and North East Somerset are outpacing those in Bristol itself.
Recent analysis by RenterCheck reveals that while Bristol maintains an average monthly rent of £1,883-a figure that remains the highest among major cities such as Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, and Leeds-Bath and North East Somerset have experienced a faster rate of rental growth. The average rent in Bath and North East Somerset now stands at £1,885, marginally surpassing Bristol’s figure.
In the twelve months to August 2026, rental prices in Bristol surged by 5.9%, ranking as the second-highest increase after Newcastle among England’s ten major cities. Over the past five years, rents in Bristol have escalated by 35.1%, now costing £500 more per month on average than in any other major English city.
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London boroughs still report higher rents, but Bristol’s figures are closing the gap, with average rent for a one-bedroom property rising to £1,225 per month. Earlier this year, investigations found only eight rental properties available within urban Bristol for £900 or less, with three of these located in South Gloucestershire.
Surrounding areas are witnessing notable rental hikes as well. In Bath and North East Somerset, rents have risen by 7.4% in the past year and by an astounding 44.3% over five years, a steeper increase compared to Bristol. The average rent for a one-bedroom property in this area remains slightly lower than Bristol’s at £1,207.
Nearby South Gloucestershire, comprising many of Bristol’s northern and eastern suburbs, offers more affordable options, with an average rent of £1,464-a 4.7% increase over the last year and a 38.2% rise in five years. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home here has just surpassed £1,000 for the first time.
In contrast, North Somerset, encompassing locations from Long Ashton to Weston-super-Mare, presents the slowest rental growth. The average rent here is £1,209, representing a 3.2% yearly rise with a total of 39.5% over five years, and one-bedroom properties average £820 per month.
James Marquette, founder of RenterCheck, commented on the trends: “Cheaper areas are experiencing faster rent increases. In the councils with the lowest rents, the average rise was 5.0% in the year to August 2026, compared with 2.9% in the most expensive areas. Tenant demand continues to increase while the supply of available homes declines, giving landlords the leverage to raise rents further.”
He added that rent growth is slightly outpacing regular pay increases, noting that wages grew by 3.5% in the same period, while rents increased by 4.0%, meaning renting is consuming a larger portion of tenants' income.
Reflecting concerns about the cost of living, Bristol City Council recently discussed a petition proposing a ‘Bristol Weighting’ pay system similar to London’s, aimed at compensating workers for the city’s higher living expenses.