Is £25,000 a Good Salary in Bristol?

Updated June 2026 · HMRC 2026/27 rates · ONS data

Short answer: On £25,000 in Bristol, your take-home is £1,793/month after tax. After estimated average costs in Bristol, you have £-130/month left.

Where Does £25,000 Rank in the UK?

UK median £37,430
You £25,000
vs UK full-time median £12,430 below the UK median (£37,430)
vs Bristol average £25,000 is below the Bristol average (est. £39,500)

UK median based on ONS ASHE 2025 full-time employee data. Local median derived from ONS regional pay data.

£25,000 After Tax in Bristol

£1,793 Monthly take-home
£207 Income Tax/month
£83 NI/month
Gross salary £25,000/year
Income Tax −£2,486/year
National Insurance −£994/year
Take-home pay £21,520/year
£1,793/month

Cost of Living in Bristol on £25,000

Rent
£1,200 (67%)
Bills
£358
Transport
£85
Food
£280
Left over
£-130

Rent: ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. Energy: Ofgem price cap April 2026. Food: average spend.

Life on £25,000 in Bristol

Tight in Bristol or Edinburgh, but common with house sharing.

  • House sharing reduces rent pressure significantly
  • Careful budgeting required for essentials
  • Saving is very difficult on this salary
  • Public transport over owning a car is common

Even a £5k rise makes a significant difference at this level

How Does Bristol Compare?

See how your £25,000 salary goes in other UK cities:

Or use our Should I Move Simulator to compare your exact situation.

Calculate Your Exact Numbers

Rent takes 67% of your take-home in Bristol. See the financial difference in other UK cities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is £25,000 a good salary in Bristol?

£25,000 is difficult in Bristol. Average living costs exceed your take-home pay, meaning finances are very tight for most people on this salary.

Can I live alone on £25,000 in Bristol?

Living alone on £25,000 in Bristol is very challenging. Rent takes around 67% of your take-home pay — well above the recommended 33%. Many people on this salary in Bristol choose to house share to reduce costs.

Is house sharing common on £25,000 in Bristol?

On £25,000 in Bristol, many people choose house sharing as a way to reduce rent costs. House sharing typically brings rent down to £500–800/month, leaving more room for savings and other expenses.

Tax calculations based on 2026/27 HMRC rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scottish Income Tax rates applied for Edinburgh and Glasgow. Rent from ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. UK median salary from ONS ASHE 2025 (full-time employees: £37,430). Local salary medians derived from ONS regional pay data — approximations only. All figures are estimates. Last updated: June 2026.

Comfort level indicators are illustrative categories based on estimated disposable income and do not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly.