Renting in Bournemouth vs Southampton
Side-by-side comparison of rental costs, market conditions, and living expenses to help you decide where to rent.
Rent Comparison by Property Size
| Property Type | Bournemouth | Southampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £700/mo | £650/mo | +£50 |
| 1-Bed | £850/mo | £800/mo | +£50 |
| 2-Bed | £1,100/mo | £1,025/mo | +£75 |
| 3-Bed | £1,375/mo | £1,275/mo | +£100 |
| 4-Bed | £1,700/mo | £1,550/mo | +£150 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Bournemouth | Southampton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 5% | 5.5% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 5.5% | 5.3% |
| Demand Level | High | High |
| Average Deposit | £1,269 | £1,183 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £2,012/yr | £1,849/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Southampton
£75/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Bournemouth
5.5% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Southampton
5.5% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Bournemouth
Southampton
Living in Southampton saves you approximately £89/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Bournemouth
Bournemouth mainline station with services to London Waterloo. Bus network along the coast and Bournemouth Airport.
Southampton
Southampton Central mainline station, good motorway access via M27/M3, bus network, and Southampton Airport.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Bournemouth
Southampton
Our Verdict
Bournemouth and Southampton offer different rental experiences. Southampton is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £1,025/mo compared to £1,100/mo in Bournemouth, saving renters £75 per month.
Bournemouth is seeing stronger rent growth at 5.5% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Southampton offers better returns for landlords at 5.5% average yield.
Both cities have significant student populations, which drives demand for house shares and smaller properties. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your work location, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
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Properties in Bournemouth
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View Bournemouth Rental GuideProperties in Southampton
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View Southampton Rental Guide