Single person, South West
£25k
minimum gross salary needed to cover typical monthly costs
What salary do you need?
Assumes 5% salary sacrifice. For a different rate use our salary calculator.
Monthly costs
Minimum gross salary needed
£25,400
per year to take home £1,815/month
See if your salary covers your costs
Based on 2026/27 tax rates, standard 1257L tax code, England rates. Regional cost figures are estimates. Your actual costs may vary.
What salary do I need to live in the South West in 2026?
The South West has a reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, and housing demand has pushed rents up significantly in popular areas such as Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Cornwall and the Cotswolds. However, much of the region, including rural Devon, Dorset and Somerset, remains genuinely affordable. A single person in the South West typically needs a gross salary of around £25,000 to £27,000 to break even on monthly costs.
Bristol is the economic heart of the South West with a thriving technology, creative and financial services sector. Rents in Bristol have risen sharply and a one-bedroom flat in the city now costs £1,100 to £1,400 per month, above the regional average used in the tool defaults. If you are in Bristol, adjust the rent figure upward for a more accurate estimate. Outside Bristol, wages in the South West tend to be below the national average, with hospitality and tourism forming a large part of the employment base.
For remote workers, the South West offers excellent value. A salary of £35,000 goes substantially further here than in London or the South East, with lower housing costs, shorter commutes and good quality of life making it an increasingly popular choice for people who no longer need to live near a major city.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to live in Bristol?
A single person living alone in Bristol typically needs a gross salary of around £28,000 to £32,000 to cover monthly costs. Bristol rents are above the South West average at £1,100 to £1,400 per month for a one-bedroom flat. Adjust the rent field in the tool above to reflect current Bristol prices in your target area for a personalised figure.
Is the South West affordable compared to London?
Yes, the South West is significantly more affordable than London. A single person typically needs around £25,000 to £27,000 gross in the South West compared to £44,000 to £46,000 in London to cover similar basic costs. The gap is largest in housing, where South West rents are typically 40% to 50% lower. The South West is particularly popular among remote workers who retain London-level salaries while benefiting from lower living costs.
What salary do I need to live in Cornwall?
Cornwall is relatively affordable within the South West, though the growth of holiday lets has reduced long-term rental supply in coastal areas and pushed up rents. A single person in most parts of Cornwall can cover living costs on a gross salary of around £23,000 to £25,000. However, employment opportunities and wages in Cornwall are generally below the UK average, so many residents face a tighter budget than in other regions.