Renting in Southampton vs Portsmouth
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 | Southampton | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £650/mo | £600/mo | +£50 |
| 1-Bed | £800/mo | £750/mo | +£50 |
| 2-Bed | £1,025/mo | £950/mo | +£75 |
| 3-Bed | £1,275/mo | £1,200/mo | +£75 |
| 4-Bed | £1,550/mo | £1,450/mo | +£100 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Southampton | Portsmouth |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 5.5% | 5.8% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 5.3% | 5.1% |
| Demand Level | High | High |
| Average Deposit | £1,183 | £1,096 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,849/yr | £1,891/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Portsmouth
£75/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Southampton
5.3% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Portsmouth
5.8% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Southampton
Portsmouth
Living in Portsmouth saves you approximately £71/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Southampton
Southampton Central mainline station, good motorway access via M27/M3, bus network, and Southampton Airport.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour stations with services to London. Wightlink and Hovertravel to the Isle of Wight.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Southampton
Portsmouth
Our Verdict
Southampton and Portsmouth offer different rental experiences. Portsmouth is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £950/mo compared to £1,025/mo in Southampton, saving renters £75 per month.
Southampton is seeing stronger rent growth at 5.3% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Portsmouth offers better returns for landlords at 5.8% 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 Southampton
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View Southampton Rental GuideProperties in Portsmouth
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View Portsmouth Rental Guide