Cost of Living In Southampton for Students [Updated Prices 2025]

The “Titanic” was a blockbuster and a movie that will go down in generations. But what most people don’t know about the interactive model of the cruise was it took off from Southampton in 1912, making it an iconic location just in itself. Southampton is a port city on England’s coast, home to the SeaCity Museum, and is also an excellent student destination. Renowned for its two major universities, the University of Southampton and Solent University, the city offers a wide range of academic programmes that lays a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The cost of living in Southampton can range anywhere around £1,000 to £1,450/INR ₹106,200 to ₹154,000 per month, which is a total value of all the necessary amenities required by the students for a successful and comfortable life in Southampton.

Southampton is a coastal town on England’s south coast. Despite the fact that there doesn’t appear to be much of a coastal waterfront, there’s still enough to do along the shore, not to mention all the massive boats! Living in student accommodation in Southampton city is one of those cities that has something for everyone. Beautiful city centre parks, an energised nightlife economy, and a bustling arts and music scene all combine to provide residents with an experience that is really one-of-a-kind. Even if you’re not into art or museums, Southampton’s art scene has a lot to offer that you should absolutely check out over your three years there. There are also a variety of living expenses in Southampton that you might have to incur as a student. Below you will get an idea of the cost of living in Southampton.

Southampton is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. The city has an impressive student population, thanks to its reputed universities & colleges. The overall living expenditures in Southampton can vary depending on what kind of lifestyle you want to adopt. On average, the cost of living in Southampton for students ranges between £1,087 to £1,1191 per month. Southampton student life costs around £900/month, excluding tuition. This includes accommodation (avg. £400-700), food (£100-150), transportation (£50-80), utilities (£50-60), and other expenses (£180-270). Individual costs may vary depending on lifestyle and spending habits.

Cost Of Living In Southampton: An Overview

If you’ve been accepted to a university in Southampton, and you’re eager to learn, meet new people, and take advantage of everything on campus, the student experience has to offer. Here’s a rough list of monthly expenses to assist you to know exactly what to expect while planning for your time as a student.

Known for its student-life, study opportunities, and career service, the city of Southampton is a warm and comfortable city – that stands as a student-friendly destination in Southern England. The city welcomes a diverse student population and provides a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and recreational activities. Southampton’s cost of living for students is an indication of various factors, which can be seen in the diagram below:

Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in the Southampton for Indian Students

Southampton Rent And Universities 

Student residents take home the 5th highest term-time income, at about £1262.50 per month. They pay about £473.90 per month in rent, which leaves plenty of money for the essentials, and even enough to enjoy a healthy social life.

Southampton is home to the University of Southampton as well as the Southampton Solent. The University of Southampton is ranked in the top 1% of institutions in the world, with an 88% student satisfaction rate. It is also one of the top 10 Russell Group universities. Solent University is also a well-regarded institution that ranks among the top 200 best universities in the United Kingdom and excels in creative industries, sports, and maritime courses. 

Cost of Transportation In Southampton

Students in Southampton have several affordable transport options. Unilink and Bluestar buses offer student passes for unlimited travel, starting at £99 per semester. The 16-25 Railcard provides discounts on train travel, while cycling and walking are free options. Consider student passes, cycling, planning journeys, and walking are all effective ways for students to save money on transportation costs in Southampton.

Time is the most valuable asset, and when it comes to leading a disciplined student life, a strong connectivity is crucial. Transportation by bus, train and taxis are the most preferred mode of travel. The cost of transportation in Southampton can range between £1 to £76/INR 111 to 8,084 – making it affordable, reliable and quick to move from one city to the city, or even to and fro from your university.

Cost of Utilities

In Southampton, the cost of utilities is a significant factor for students living independently, contributing to their overall monthly expenses. Southampton offers options that cater to different budgets, allowing students to manage their living expenses effectively while enjoying a comfortable student life. The following table includes the costs associated with each of the utilities. For students booking through UniAcco, the cost of utilities are included in the accommodation itself, thereby saving on extra costs and a more elevated and comfortable living. 

Cost Of Sports and Leisure In Southampton

The sports and leisure scene in Southampton offers students numerous opportunities to stay active and unwind. Monthly fees for fitness clubs are designed in a way that encourages students to participate in regular exercise and wellness. For those who enjoy tennis, renting a court for an hour on weekends is budget-friendly and provides a great way to socialise and stay fit. An unwinding session at the theatre with reasonable ticket prices make it incredibly thrilling for students to catch a new show every month.

Average Time Spent By Students In Southampton 

They study for roughly 85.6 hours per month and work for about 10.8 hours each month. They also set aside approximately 28 hours per month to socialise. How much would all of this set you back?  Local students, on the other hand, invest roughly £16.5 in their studies. The cost of living in Southampton while going out appears to be reasonably priced as well! Local students spend roughly £20.10 per month on entertainment (excluding alcohol), the fifth-lowest amount in the poll.

Southampton Students Love The Gym

Local students appreciate healthy living, spending an average of £11.90 per month. Keeping with the pattern, they spend £24.00 per month on beverages, which is about average but less than half of what their Aberystwyth peers spend. 

Cost Of Food In Southampton

In Southampton, students can expect to spend around £30-£40 per month on food. Cooking at home and utilizing student discounts are great ways to save money. Consider planning meals, shopping in bulk, or utilizing food banks for further financial assistance. This detailed information addresses the cost of food for students in Southampton while offering budget-friendly tips.

Southampton offers among the lowest estimated prices for both a meal out and a night out, which will appeal to prospective students. The city boasts the 4th cheapest meal out, with an average projected price of £12.80. The cost of living in Southampton for a night out has the 7th cheapest night out in the poll, with local students expecting to pay £14.80.

With changing and varied personalities, and incredibly diverse palettes that students from all around the world cater to and look for in the destination they are doing their Master’s in, will need stalls or restaurants that will provide. Southampton is one such destination, from hearty breakfast spots, to afternoon teas, fine dining, and all-you-can-eat buffets, it has it all.  The cost of food in Southampton ranges from £6 to £110/INR 698 to 11,817. Choose from restaurants or quick bite stalls such as Bacaro, Cafe Parfait, Shakeaway, Bayleaf Kitchen, and more. The table below will give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay at either of these establishments:

Cost Of Groceries

Pick a basket, and add all of your essentials that will get you through another week of your student life. While maintaining a healthy and yet a little indulgent lifestyle, understanding the cost of groceries in Southampton can help students create their desired meal and still stay within their budget. The table below can be beneficial for students trying to understand the grocery breakdown in Southampton.

Southampton Is A Fairly Stress-Free Place To Study

According to the survey, 18% of Southampton students are concerned about money management, which is nearly half of the percentage reported by Poole locals and much lower than the national average (23%). Students rated their degree as stressful 38% of the time, which is lower than the national average of 45% and nearly half of what Cambridge and Durham’s students reported. 

Along with the cost of living in Southampton, students also have some of the highest levels of satisfaction with their degrees. Southampton students are the third most pleased in the poll, with 47% of respondents putting their degree of happiness on the high end of the scale. Local universities are also helping to look after their students, with 64% of students reporting that local universities provide cheap health and wellness initiatives.

Student Life In Southampton

According to the NatWest Student Living Index, student life and the cost of living in Southampton is quite good. It is inexpensive to live, study, and socialise, and local students have a relatively stress-free lifestyle. Furthermore, the local institutions look after their students, as seen by the fact that 58% of Southampton students chose their university solely based on topic preference, demonstrating that this city is a good place to study.

Cost of Education in Southampton

The cost of education in Southampton ranges depending on the choice of university and the specific programme of study. The University of Southampton is the top choice for students, offering a range of Master’s programmes with competitive tuition fees. This investment in education is often justified by the university’s strong reputation, quality education, top faculty members and the potential for high graduate salaries. The notable alumni that have graduated from this university include Adrian Newey, Chris Pakham, Jon Sopel, and John Inverdale. The infographic below will give you an idea of the top Master’s courses provided in The University of SouthAmpton:

Minimum Wage In Southampton Vs Other Places

As of April 2025, the National Living Wage (NLW) in Southampton will increase to £12.21/INR 1,298 per hour for individuals aged 21 and over. This marks a significant rise from the previous rate, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve living standards for low-wage workers. For younger workers, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will also see substantial increases: those aged 18 to 20 will earn £10/INR 1,062 per hour, while the rate for 16- and 17-year-olds will rise to £7.55/INR 801 per hour.

Southampton’s cost of living consists of a balanced and appealing environment for students, combining a vibrant academic atmosphere with reasonability. The city’s educational institutions, particularly the University of Southampton, offer high-quality programmes that justify their tuition fees. At the same time, the availability of affordable groceries, utilities, and leisure activities further supports student life. The minimum wage rates ensure that part-time work can help students manage their expenses effectively. Overall, Southampton’s blend of educational opportunities, cost of living considerations, and a lively cultural scene makes it an attractive destination for students seeking both academic and personal growth during their time in the city.

FAQs

Is Southampton expensive to live in?

Southampton is relatively affordable compared to other UK cities, with the average monthly living cost for a single person around £1,447/INR 1,539,594. This positions it as one of the more budget-friendly options, especially when compared to London, where living expenses can be significantly higher. Overall, while costs can vary based on lifestyle choices, Southampton offers a good balance of quality of life and affordability.

How much does it cost to live in Southampton for international students?

The cost of living in Southampton for international students typically ranges from approximately £1,087 to £1,246/INR 115,000 to 132,000 per month, excluding tuition fees. This includes expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities. 

How much are the bills in Southampton?

In Southampton, the average monthly utility bills for residents are approximately £160/INR 16,992, covering essential services such as electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection. Overall, annual utility costs can reach around £2,762/INR 293,000, making Southampton one of the cities with higher utility expenses in the UK.

How much is the average student rent for Southampton?

The average student rent in Southampton typically ranges from approximately £500 to £900/INR 53,100 to 95,400 per month, depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Shared housing options are generally more affordable, while private studios or en-suite rooms in university halls may cost more.

Where is the cheapest place to live in Southampton?

The cheapest places to live in Southampton are typically found in areas like Swaythling and Portswood, which offer affordable student accommodations and a range of amenities. Additionally, neighbourhoods such as St Mary’s and Newtown are known for lower rental prices, making them popular choices for budget-conscious residents.

PS: If there’s anything more you’d like us to know about. Add it to the comments section!

Thank you for reading this blog on ‘Cost Of Living In Southampton’. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that might be of interest to you:

1. Top Cinemas near Southampton You Can’t Miss!
2. Top Things You Can Do In Southampton
3. Top Universities In Southampton: A Complete Guide