AFS City Guides

The complete student guide to Southampton

0 min read·Last updated: 13 July 2026

Curated and written by

Elizabeth Hadley

AFS Content Creator

Studying at University of Lincoln

0 min read

Share this guide

Cost of living in Southampton

Wondering how much it costs to live in Southampton as a student? We’ve broken down typical monthly expenses and compared them to the national average, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Expense	Southampton average	National average	Difference
Rent (monthly)	£1040	£891.63	£148.3717% more
Utilities (monthly)	£105	£112.25	£7.256% less
Bus pass (monthly)	£56	£61.13	£5.138% less
Groceries	£16.51	£15.40	£1.117% more
Gym pass (monthly)	£30.65	£34.59	£3.9411% less
Takeaway coffee	£3.81	£3.54	£0.278% more

Rent (monthly)
Southampton average
£1040
National average
£891.63
Difference
£148.3717% more
Utilities (monthly)
Southampton average
£105
National average
£112.25
Difference
£7.256% less
Bus pass (monthly)
Southampton average
£56
National average
£61.13
Difference
£5.138% less
Groceries
Southampton average
£16.51
National average
£15.40
Difference
£1.117% more
Gym pass (monthly)
Southampton average
£30.65
National average
£34.59
Difference
£3.9411% less
Takeaway coffee
Southampton average
£3.81
National average
£3.54
Difference
£0.278% more

Universities in Southampton

Southampton Solent University

Paving the way for students to make the best of themselves, Solent University allows its students to explore new ideas and develop their interests.

Read guide →

University of Southampton

With a range of societies and a high employment rate among graduates, The University of Southampton provides great educational and extra curricular opportunities for all its students.

Read guide →