Southampton vs London
Cost of living, weather and lifestyle comparison.
Cheaper: Southampton
Better Weather: London
Lifestyle: Southampton
Overall: Southampton
Cost of Living (2025 data) Southampton
| Southampton | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | £1,246 | £2,286 |
| Average House Price | £232,336 | £542,304 |
| Average Monthly Energy Bill | £109.50 | £163.60 |
| Average Monthly Food Cost | £69.70 | £63.50 |
| Average Salary | £3,778 | £4,641 |
Living in Southampton is dramatically more affordable than London. The difference extends well beyond just rent; energy costs, food bills and general day-to-day expenses are all considerably lower. It is worth noting that average salaries in London are around 21% higher, which partially offsets the difference in living costs. This kind of gap can fundamentally alter your standard of living and saving potential.
Weather (2025 data) London
| Southampton | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Hours | 1630 | 1533 |
| Rainfall | 794mm | 604mm |
| Average Temperature | 14.40°C | 15.00°C |
There is very little to choose between Southampton and London when it comes to weather. Both cities experience similar levels of sunshine, rainfall and warmth throughout the year, which is perhaps unsurprising given their relative proximity within the UK.
Want to know more about the weather and weather history? Then visit our sister site https://uk-historic-weather.co.uk
Lifestyle & Location Southampton
Southampton has a slight lifestyle edge. Its advantages include Coastal Location, Access to Nature. The difference is subtle, though, and both cities have plenty to offer in terms of day-to-day living.
Southampton
- City is located on the coast (location)
- Within close distance of a major airport (transport)
- Close to parks, countryside or national parks (environment)
- Population 259,424
London
- Within close distance of a major airport (transport)
- Good rail connectivity to major cities (transport)
- Above average salaries (economic)
- Major UK city (size)
- Population 9,089,736
Nearest Premier League Football Club
Southampton
Finding nearest club…
London
Finding nearest club…
Location
Southampton
London
Who Should Choose Each?
Choose Southampton if:
- More affordable overall (salary-adjusted)
- Lower rent costs
- More affordable house prices
- More sunshine
- Coastal Location
- Access to Nature
Choose London if:
- Higher average salaries
- Less rainfall
- Warmer average temperature
- Strong Rail Links
- Large City
- High Salaries
Overall Score
Southampton
London
Final Verdict
Southampton comes out ahead overall.
Southampton comes out ahead overall, with affordability being the primary reason for the difference. Lifestyle also plays a supporting role. While London is by no means a poor choice, Southampton offers a more rounded package when all factors are weighed up together.