Is Bristol or Leeds cheaper for students?

Leeds is cheaper for students by £10/month. On the maximum maintenance loan, monthly balance in Bristol is +£495 and in Leeds is +£505.

How much maintenance loan do students get in Bristol vs Leeds?

Both cities use the standard (non-London) loan rate. Maximum maintenance loan: £1,171/month.

What is the monthly student budget in Bristol vs Leeds?

At maximum loan, after cheapest halls, transport, and food: Bristol leaves +£495/month; Leeds leaves +£505/month. Figures based on 2025/26 loan rates and accommodation costs.

Bristol vs Leeds — which is cheaper for students?

Bristol: +£495/mo

Leeds: +£505/mo

£10/month better off in Leeds

£360 over 3 years

Monthly breakdown

BristolLeeds

Maintenance loan£1,171/mo£1,171/mo

Cheapest halls−£411/mo−£411/mo

Transport−£65/mo−£55/mo

Food (estimate)−£200−£200

Monthly balance+£495+£505

Work hours/week0 hrs0 hrs

Over 3 years+£17,820+£18,180

Loan rateStandardStandard

Based on maximum maintenance loan (household income under £25,000). Halls figure uses the cheapest option at any university in that city. 2025/26 rates.

The verdict

The financial difference between Bristol and Leeds is small — just £10/month. Other factors (course quality, career outcomes, where you want to live) should carry more weight.

Universities in each city

Bristol

University of Bristol

Cheapest halls: £95/wk+£495/mo

University of the West of England, Bristol

Cheapest halls: £95/wk+£495/mo

Leeds

University of Leeds

Cheapest halls: £95/wk+£505/mo

Leeds Beckett University

Cheapest halls: £95/wk+£505/mo

Leeds Arts University

Cheapest halls: £95/wk+£505/mo

Compare University of Bristol vs University of Leeds →

Student stories

Leeds

Marcus's story

What it's actually like to be a student in Leeds

Read Marcus's story →

After university — what do graduates earn?

Estimated monthly take-home pay after income tax and National Insurance, at starting salary.

CareerBristolLeeds

Software engineer£2,394/mo£2,394/mo

Nurse (Band 5)£2,034/mo£2,034/mo

Teacher (M1)£2,093/mo£2,093/mo

Salaries in London are often higher, but so is the cost of living. Net financial position varies by career and employer. Starting salary figures. After-tax estimates only — excludes pension contributions.

Student guide to Bristol →Student guide to Leeds →

Choosing between Bristol and Leeds?

Send this comparison to your parents before the UCAS reply deadline.