Cost Of Living In Southampton For Students: Budget Tips & Affordable Accommodations

The cost of living in Southampton is considered moderate compared to larger United Kingdom cities, offering a comfortable balance between affordability and quality of life for students. With top institutions like the University of Southampton (Highfield Campus) and the Winchester School of Art, the city blends academic excellence with a vibrant student atmosphere.

On average, students can expect their Southampton cost of living to range between £1,100 and £1,600 per month in 2025. Rent remains the largest expense, but other essentials like groceries, entertainment, and public transport are reasonably priced, especially if you take advantage of student discounts and passes.

Southampton’s appeal lies in its convenient layout and waterfront lifestyle. Most student accommodations in Southampton are located within easy reach of major university campuses, cafes, and high streets, keeping daily commutes short and manageable. Whether you’re after cheap student accommodation in Southampton or prefer modern studios near the city centre, there’s something for every budget and lifestyle.

If you’re preparing to move here, this guide will help you understand the cost of living in Southampton for students, covering housing, food, utilities, and transport expenses. To make your university experience even smoother, explore our latest post on the top MBA universities in the UK for insights into academic choices and opportunities.

Average Cost of Living in Southampton

Getting a clear picture of the cost of living Southampton helps you plan your student budget before moving in. On average, students spend between £1,100 and £1,600 per month, depending on their lifestyle, accommodation type, and proximity to the city centre. Rent remains the biggest expense, followed by groceries, transport, and utilities.

The Southampton living cost is considerably lower than in larger UK cities like London or Oxford, roughly 20–25% more affordable. Students who share flats, cook at home, and use local buses or cycling routes can manage comfortably within a mid-range budget.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average Southampton living cost for international students to help you plan:

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Expense Category	Budget (£)	Mid-Range (£)	Premium (£)
Accommodation	£550 – £750	£850 – £1,050	£1,100 – £1,300
Food & Groceries	£180 – £240	£270 – £340	£380 – £460
Transport	£40 – £60	£70 – £90	£100 – £120
Utilities & Internet	£70 – £90	£100 – £120	£130 – £150
Entertainment & Miscellaneous	£70 – £110	£120 – £160	£180 – £250
Health Insurance (for international students)	£50 – £80	£90 – £110	£120+
Phone Plan	£10 – £20	£25 – £35	£40 – £50

Students opting for cheap student accommodation in Southampton, particularly near Universities, and preparing most meals at home can easily maintain a comfortable lifestyle for around £1,200 per month without cutting back on essentials.

Housing and Accommodation Costs

Accommodation forms the largest part of the cost of living Southampton, often accounting for more than half of a student’s total monthly spend. Rent prices depend on the neighbourhood, property type, and facilities offered. Students can find everything from cheap student accommodation in Southampton and shared flats to modern studios near the University of Southampton Highfield Campus or Winchester School of Art.

Living close to the city centre or near Portswood and Highfield usually costs more, but nearby areas like Swaythling, Shirley, and Freemantle offer more affordable options without compromising on accessibility. These neighbourhoods are well-connected by Unilink buses and cycle routes, making daily commutes easy. Below is a quick look at average weekly rent costs across popular student areas to help you estimate your Southampton living cost more accurately.

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Affordable Neighbourhood Options	1-Bedroom (£/week)	2-Bedroom (£/week)	3-Bedroom (£/week)
Swaythling	£170 – £240	£290 – £420	£450 – £550
Portswood	£180 – £260	£320 – £460	£500 – £600
Highfield	£190 – £280	£340 – £480	£520 – £650
Shirley	£160 – £230	£280 – £410	£460 – £570
Freemantle	£170 – £250	£300 – £440	£480 – £600

Students opting for shared flats or cheap student accommodation Southampton typically spend £160 to £240 per week, while private en-suites and studios range from £250 to £400 per week. Choosing a place near your campus or along Unilink routes can help lower your Southampton living costs and save time on travel.

Food and Grocery Costs

Food contributes significantly to the living expenses in Southampton for students, and how much you spend depends on your eating habits. Cooking at home is the most effective way to manage your cost of living in Southampton, especially with access to student discounts and budget-friendly supermarkets.

Weekly Grocery Budget

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Household Size	Budget Range (£)	Premium Range (£)
Single Person	£35 – £65	£85 – £120
Couple	£70 – £110	£140 – £190

Dining Out Costs

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Dining Type	Average Cost (£)
Breakfast cafes	£6 – £11
Lunch specials	£10 – £18
Dinner mains	£15 – £25
Coffee	£3 – £4.50
Fast food/takeaway	£6 – £10

Eating out at popular student-friendly spots like 7Bone Burger Co., The Rockstone, or Mettricks is always fun, but doing it too often can add up quickly. Cooking most meals at home while enjoying the occasional night out helps maintain a healthy balance between lifestyle and budget.

Money-Saving Tips:
1. Shop at Aldi, Lidl, or Asda for affordable groceries near Portswood and Highfield.
2. Visit Southampton City Centre Market or Shirley Market for fresh, local produce.
3. Use UNiDAYS or Totum discounts at cafes and restaurants to save more.
4. Meal prep in advance and share cooking duties with flatmates to reduce waste and cost.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Southampton is easy, affordable, and well-suited to student life. The city’s excellent public transport system, walkable layout, and strong cycling network make it simple to navigate daily commutes while keeping your cost of living Southampton in check.

The Unilink bus network, operated by Bluestar, connects major student neighbourhoods like Highfield, Portswood, and Swaythling directly to the University of Southampton Highfield Campus, the city centre, and the Winchester School of Art. For longer trips, Southampton Central Station offers fast and frequent train connections to London, Bournemouth, and Portsmouth with student discounts through Railcards.

Transport Type & Average Costs

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Transport Type	Average Cost (£)	Notes
Single Bus Trip (student fare)	£1.60 – £2.40	With Unilink or Bluestar student discount
Weekly Bus Pass	£14 – £20	Unlimited city travel on Unilink routes
Monthly Bus Pass	£52 – £68	Ideal for regular commuting students
Train (Southampton to London)	£25 – £40 (one way)	Off-peak fares and Railcard discounts available
Taxi/Uber (short trip)	£6 – £12	Based on 2–3 mile city journeys
Bike Rental	£12 – £20 per day	Many local hire points near the city centre
E-scooter Rental	£1 + £0.18/min	Available via Voi across central Southampton

Many students prefer walking or cycling to university, especially those living near Highfield or Portswood. Most student accommodations in Southampton include secure bike storage, and Unilink buses make it easy to reach all major university campuses. Living close to key bus routes or train stations can further reduce your Southampton living cost for students while keeping your commute hassle-free.

Utilities and Internet Costs in Southampton

Utilities are an essential part of the cost of living Southampton, especially if you’re renting a private flat or house. Many accommodations now come with all-inclusive rent packages that cover electricity, water, heating, and Wi-Fi, making it much easier to manage your monthly budget. However, if your bills aren’t included, here’s what you can expect to pay on average per month:

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Utility	Average Monthly Cost (£)
Electricity	£75 – £130
Gas	£40 – £80
Water	£25 – £50
Internet	£30 – £55
Mobile Plan	£10 – £25

Money-saving tips:
1. Look for cheap student accommodation in Southampton that includes bills; it helps keep your expenses predictable.
2. Use smart meters and energy-saving bulbs to reduce your monthly energy spend.
3. Split costs fairly with flatmates and track bills using apps like Splitwise or Revolut.
4. Compare broadband and utility providers on sites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket for the best student deals.

Other Essential Expenses in Southampton

Aside from rent, food, and travel, there are a few recurring expenses students should factor in when estimating their Southampton living cost. These costs vary based on your lifestyle, course requirements, and how often you socialise, but planning can help you stay within budget.

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Category	Monthly Estimate (£)	Notes
Health Insurance	£55 – £95	International students pay the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge; optional private coverage may add to costs.
Study Materials	£35 – £90	Includes books, stationery, and software. Art and design students at the Winchester School of Art may need a slightly higher budget.
Entertainment	£60 – £140	Covers cinema, clubs, local events, and social outings. Southampton’s nightlife and live music scene are student favourites.
Gym/Fitness	£25 – £55	University gyms and fitness centres like The Gym Group offer discounted student memberships and flexible plans.

These smaller expenses may seem minor, but they add up over time and are worth including in your Southampton cost of living plan. Balancing social life, academics, and budgeting will help you make the most of your student experience in this lively coastal city.

Safety and Proximity

Southampton is widely regarded as one of the safest and most student-oriented cities in the UK. According to 2025 Numbeo data, the city holds a Safety Index of 66.4 and a Crime Index of 33.6, indicating a generally secure environment with well-patrolled public areas. The Happiness Index of 7.5/10 reflects strong community ties and high satisfaction among residents, especially students.

Neighbourhoods like Portswood, Highfield, and City Centre are particularly popular with students for their proximity to universities, cafes, and essential amenities. Most student accommodations in Southampton are within a 10 to 20-minute commute to major campuses such as the University of Southampton Highfield Campus and the Solent University. Regular Unilink buses and bike-friendly routes make getting around affordable and stress-free.

In terms of employability, Southampton maintains a graduate employment rate of around 92%, supported by its thriving maritime, tech, and creative sectors. Many students also take up part-time jobs in the retail and hospitality industries located in and around the city centre.

Example Monthly Student Budget in Southampton

Here’s a practical mid-range estimate of the cost of living in Southampton for international students in 2025:

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Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost (£)
Rent (shared flat)	£850
Utilities + Internet	£135
Food & Groceries	£230
Transport	£60
Entertainment	£100
Miscellaneous	£115
Total	£1,490/month

This reflects the average Southampton living cost in 2025. Your actual spending will depend on where you live, how you commute, and your daily lifestyle choices. Students staying in cheap student accommodation in Southampton or living near the University of Southampton Highfield Campus can usually keep expenses under £1,400 per month with careful planning.

Saving Tips for Students

1. Pick student accommodation that includes bills and Wi-Fi; it simplifies budgeting.
2. Use a Unilink bus pass or 16–25 Railcard to save on daily commutes around Southampton and trips to nearby cities.
3. Shop smart at Aldi, Lidl, or Asda, or visit Shirley Market for affordable, fresh produce.
4. Take advantage of UNiDAYS and TOTUM discounts at cafes, cinemas, and restaurants across the city.
5. Attend student events at the University of Southampton or Solent University; many are free or low-cost and help you enjoy the city’s social scene without overspending.

Conclusion

The Cost of Living in Southampton is moderate compared to other UK student cities, balancing affordability with lifestyle quality. Rent, transport, and entertainment remain reasonably priced, and most essentials are easily accessible. The city’s walkable layout, lively student population, and strong part-time job opportunities make it a great place for both local and international students. With help from amber, you can explore verified options for cheap student accommodation in Southampton, from shared flats near Winchester School of Art to modern studios close to the Highfield Campus.