Renting in Brighton 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 | Brighton | Southampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £850/mo | £650/mo | +£200 |
| 1-Bed | £1,050/mo | £800/mo | +£250 |
| 2-Bed | £1,350/mo | £1,025/mo | +£325 |
| 3-Bed | £1,650/mo | £1,275/mo | +£375 |
| 4-Bed | £2,050/mo | £1,550/mo | +£500 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Brighton | Southampton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 4.5% | 5.5% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 5.2% | 5.3% |
| Demand Level | Very High | High |
| Average Deposit | £1,558 | £1,183 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £2,083/yr | £1,849/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Southampton
£325/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Southampton
5.3% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Southampton
5.5% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Brighton
Southampton
Living in Southampton saves you approximately £345/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Brighton
Brighton mainline station with fast services to London (under 1 hour). Extensive bus network along the coast.
Southampton
Southampton Central mainline station, good motorway access via M27/M3, bus network, and Southampton Airport.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Brighton
Southampton
Our Verdict
Brighton and Southampton offer different rental experiences. Southampton is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £1,025/mo compared to £1,350/mo in Brighton, saving renters £325 per month.
Southampton is seeing stronger rent growth at 5.3% 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 Brighton
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View Southampton Rental Guide