Is Swindon cheaper than Reading, Oxford or Bristol?

Many people compare Swindon with Reading, Oxford, and Bristol when thinking about where to live or relocate. In general, Swindon tends to be cheaper for housing and often for day-to-day costs than Oxford and Bristol, and can be cheaper than Reading – but it depends what you compare and the exact area. This guide summarises the main differences.

Map and comparison – comparing towns and costs
Comparing Swindon with Reading, Oxford and Bristol. Credit: Unsplash
Usually cheaperSwindon vs Oxford, Bristol
Often cheaperSwindon vs Reading
Good M4 & railTransport links
How to compare Swindon with Reading, Oxford, Bristol
Cost typeCompare via
House pricesONS, Land Registry, Rightmove
RentRightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom
Council TaxEach council website
CommutingSeason tickets, fuel – compare routes

Source: ONS

Useful comparisons

House prices
ONS, Land Registry, Rightmove – compare postcodes or town names
Rent
Rightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom – filter by area
Council Tax
Each council’s website – bands and charges vary by area

Housing

Swindon typically has lower average house prices and rents than Oxford and Bristol, and often lower than Reading. Oxford and Bristol are among the pricier UK cities; Reading is expensive for the South East. Swindon’s housing is still above the UK average but usually more affordable than these three. For current figures, see average house prices in Swindon and average rent in Swindon, and compare with ONS or property portals for the other towns.

Council Tax and utilities

Council Tax bands and charges differ by council. Swindon Borough’s charges are not the same as Reading, Oxford, or Bristol – check each council’s website for band D (or your band) to compare. Gas, electricity, and water are not set by town – you’re in the same national energy market and the same water company (Thames Water) as much of the South East, so utility costs are similar by usage.

Transport and commuting

Swindon has good road (M4) and rail (GWR to Paddington) links. Commuting to London from Swindon is often cheaper than from Reading in fare terms, though journey time is a bit longer. Oxford and Bristol have different rail and road connections. If you commute, compare season ticket and fuel costs from each location. See cost of commuting from Swindon to London for Swindon–London specifics.

Summary

Swindon is generally cheaper than Oxford and Bristol for housing and often cheaper than Reading, while still offering good transport links. Day-to-day costs (food, energy, insurance) are broadly similar across the South East once you allow for usage. The "best" choice depends on your job, family, and priorities – use our cost-of-living and housing guides to plug in your own numbers. For a full overview of costs in Swindon, start with cost of living in Swindon.

Full cost of living in Swindon

Housing, utilities, transport, and more.

Cost of Living in Swindon

Information correct as of February 2026. House prices and rents change. Use current ONS, Land Registry, and property sites for up-to-date comparisons.