What is the cost of living in South East?

South East has an average cost of living index of 123, which is 19% above the United Kingdom average of 103. Average monthly rent across tracked cities is £1,320, and average median income is £37,800.

What is the cheapest city in South East?

Southampton is the most affordable city tracked in South East, with a cost index of 113 and median rent of £1,130/month.

Is South East affordable to live in?

South East's average rent-to-income ratio is 41.9%. Rent in South East can be a financial stretch, exceeding 30% of typical incomes.

What is the quality of life in South East?

South East has an average quality of life score of 57/100. The top-ranked city is Oxford with a score of 58/100, factoring in affordability, safety, healthcare, air quality, green space, and transit.

What is the safest city in South East?

Oxford is the safest tracked city in South East with a safety score of 70/100 and a crime rate of 55.2 per 1,000 residents. The region average safety score is 64/100.

Home/United Kingdom/South East

4 cities tracked

South East

Complete region intelligence: affordability, quality of life, safety, climate, and lifestyle metrics across all tracked cities.

All Countries

Most affordable: Southampton

Best QoL: Oxford (58)

Safest: Oxford (70)

Avg rent: £1,320

Avg Cost Index

0/ 100

Avg Quality of Life

57/ 100

Avg Income

£37,800

Avg Rent

£1,320/mo

Avg Safety

64/ 100

Region Pop

Region Intelligence Overview

Core metrics, city comparisons, and lifestyle signals

Most Affordable

Southampton

Index: 113Rent: £1,130QoL: 56

Most Expensive

Oxford

Index: 132Rent: £1,500QoL: 58

Safest City

Oxford

Safety: 70/100Rent: £1,500Crime: 55.2/1k

Quality of Life Rankings

58Safety 70Walk 85

57Safety 62Walk 78

56Safety 65Walk 68

56Safety 60Walk 65

South East vs United Kingdom Average

Cost Index

123

+19.4% vs avg

Avg Rent

£1,320

+27.4% vs avg

Avg Income

£37,800

+12.5% vs avg

Cities in South East

City	Cost	QoL	Safety	Rent	Income	Pop	Rent/Inc
Southampton	113	56	60	£1,130	£35,200	253,000	38.5%
Brighton	122	57	62	£1,350	£37,000	232,000	43.8%
Reading	124	56	65	£1,300	£40,000	174,000	39.0%
Oxford	132	58	70	£1,500	£39,000	152,000	46.2%