20 Ways To Make Extra Money In Bristol
Want to make extra money in Bristol? Well you've come to the right place.
Let’s face it - Bristol isn’t the cheapest place to live. With average monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat sitting around £1,100 and a pint costing you nearly £5, a little extra income on the side can make a big difference.
Whether you're saving for something big or just want some breathing room in your budget, Bristol has plenty of ways to make some extra cash.
Here are 20 side hustle ideas that actually work in Bristol, plus how much you could expect to earn from each.
If you need some extra help, why not explore Prograd's list of online side-hustles?
Rent out your spare room on Airbnb
With Bristol being a hotspot for festivals, art, and weekend getaways, there’s no shortage of visitors looking for places to stay. If you’ve got a spare room in Bedminster, Clifton, or anywhere near the Harbourside, this one’s a no-brainer.
Earning potential: £60–£120 per night
Become a delivery driver (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Amazon Flex)
Bristol’s packed with hungry students and office workers ordering everything from falafel wraps to bubble tea. If you’ve got a bike, scooter, or car, delivering food is flexible and easy to start.
Earning potential: £12–£18 per hour (plus tips)
Tutor students online or in-person
With both the University of Bristol and UWE in the city, there are loads of students who need tutoring help. Plus, Bristol has a thriving school system, so GCSE and A-Level tutoring is always in demand.
Earning potential: £20–£40 per hour
Sell your stuff on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted
Bristol’s full of eco-conscious buyers who love secondhand shopping. Sell your old clothes, furniture, tech, or even bikes on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Vinted.
Earning potential: Totally depends - £50–£500/month is doable
Sign up for TaskRabbit
People in Bristol often need help with odd jobs like moving house, flat-pack furniture, or picking up something from IKEA. You can set your own rates and availability.
Earning potential: £15–£35 per hour
Do freelance writing or design work
Whether it’s a blog post for a local cafe or a logo for a Bristol-based startup, there’s plenty of freelance work out there. You can work from any of the city's great co-working cafes (hi, Bocabar and Gather Round).
Earning potential: £20–£100+ per hour depending on skill
Start a YouTube channel or blog about Bristol
People LOVE Bristol content - think “Best Coffee Shops in Stokes Croft” or “Hidden Walks in Clifton.” Build a small following and you can start earning from ads, affiliate links, or sponsorships.
Earning potential: £50–£2,000/month (long-term)
Walk dogs with apps like Rover
If you’re in leafy areas like Redland, Bishopston, or even Fishponds, there are tons of dog owners looking for reliable walkers. Plus, it’s a lovely way to spend time outdoors.
Earning potential: £10–£15 per walk
Work part-time in retail or hospitality
Gloucester Road, Cabot Circus, and Clifton Village are always hiring. Shops, cafes, bars - especially on weekends - are often looking for staff.
Earning potential: £11–£14 per hour (plus tips if in hospitality)
Take online surveys
Not the highest-paying option, but if you’re chilling in a coffee shop or waiting for the bus, a few extra quid doesn’t hurt.
Earning potential: £1–£5/hour (better for gift cards or side income)
Become a social media manager for a local business
Lots of independent businesses in Bristol want to post on Instagram but have no idea how. If you know your way around Canva and hashtags, offer your help to a local brand.
Earning potential: £100–£600/month per client
Sell handmade products at local markets or on Etsy
Bristol’s full of creatives and the local markets are thriving - St Nicholas Market, Harbourside Market, Tobacco Factory. You can also expand your reach online with Etsy.
Earning potential: £50–£500+/month
Rent out your car on Turo or Getaround
If you’ve got a car you barely use during the week, rent it out when it’s just sitting there. Especially useful in car-light areas like Hotwells or Totterdown.
Earning potential: £200–£500/month
Try house or pet sitting
Bristol residents heading on holiday often look for trustworthy people to look after their homes or pets. Use HouseSitter.com or local Facebook groups to find gigs.
Earning potential: £25–£50/day
Get into dropshipping or print-on-demand
You don’t need stock or storage. Just design something cool (think Bristol-themed art, tees, or mugs), and let suppliers handle the rest.
Earning potential: £100–£1,000/month (with effort)
Join the festival or events crew
Bristol’s calendar is stacked - Upfest, Balloon Fiesta, Harbour Festival, Love Saves the Day. These events need staff for everything from setup to ticketing.
Earning potential: £10–£14/hour, sometimes with perks like free entry
Try mystery shopping
Get paid to eat out, shop, or visit local venues, then report back. Use legit platforms like Market Force or Ipsos.
Earning potential: £10–£30 per assignment
Self-publish an ebook
Got something to say about life in Bristol? Maybe a travel guide, local food tour, or memoir? Publish on Amazon KDP and earn royalties.
Earning potential: £50–£500/month depending on sales
Flip furniture or vintage finds
Head to Bristol charity shops or auctions, find hidden gems, upcycle, and resell them for a profit. Great for creative types with a van or tools.
Earning potential: £100–£1,000+/month
Start teaching something you’re great at
Dance classes in Southville? Guitar in St George? Cooking in Easton? You don’t need to be a pro - just better than a beginner. Host small group classes or 1-on-1 sessions.
Earning potential: £20–£50 per session
Earning Money in Bristol
Whether you want to stay home in your pyjamas or get out and about meeting people in the city, there are dozens of ways to earn extra cash in Bristol.
The key is to start with something that fits your lifestyle and interests - and grow from there.
