What is the cost of living in South East?

South East has an average cost of living index of 119, which is 20% above the United Kingdom average of 99. Average monthly rent across tracked cities is £1,225, and average median income is £35,875.

What is the cheapest city in South East?

Southampton is the most affordable city tracked in South East, with a cost index of 110 and median rent of £1,050/month.

Is South East affordable to live in?

South East's average rent-to-income ratio is 40.9%. 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 58/100. The top-ranked city is Oxford with a score of 59/100, 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 (59)

Safest: Oxford (70)

Avg rent: £1,225

Avg Cost Index

0/ 100

Avg Quality of Life

58/ 100

Avg Income

£35,875

Avg Rent

£1,225/mo

Avg Safety

64/ 100

Region Pop

Region Intelligence Overview

Core metrics, city comparisons, and lifestyle signals

Most Affordable

Southampton

Index: 110Rent: £1,050QoL: 57

Most Expensive

Oxford

Index: 128Rent: £1,400QoL: 59

Safest City

Oxford

Safety: 70/100Rent: £1,400Crime: 55.2/1k

Quality of Life Rankings

59Safety 70Walk 85

58Safety 62Walk 78

57Safety 65Walk 68

57Safety 60Walk 65

South East vs United Kingdom Average

Cost Index

119

+20.2% vs avg

Avg Rent

£1,225

+29.5% vs avg

Avg Income

£35,875

+12.4% vs avg

Cities in South East

City	Cost	QoL	Safety	Rent	Income	Pop	Rent/Inc
Southampton	110	57	60	£1,050	£33,500	253,000	37.6%
Brighton	118	58	62	£1,250	£35,000	229,000	42.9%
Reading	120	57	65	£1,200	£38,000	174,000	37.9%
Oxford	128	59	70	£1,400	£37,000	152,000	45.4%