London vs Southampton
Which is better to live in? (2026)
Category Comparison
Our Verdict
London comes out ahead in 5 of 8 categories, with particular strengths in crime safety, transport, affordability. However, Southampton performs better in environment and energy efficiency, so the best choice depends on your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is London or Southampton better to live in?
London comes out ahead in 5 of 8 categories, with particular strengths in crime safety, transport, affordability. However, Southampton performs better in environment and energy efficiency, so the best choice depends on your priorities.
Is London safer than Southampton?
London scores higher for crime safety (56/100) compared to Southampton (25/100). Scores are based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation crime domain.
Which has better schools, London or Southampton?
London has 15 schools within 3km, with 67% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Southampton has 15 schools nearby, with 67% rated Good or Outstanding.
Is it cheaper to live in London or Southampton?
Estimated monthly bills are lower in London (~£387/month) compared to Southampton (~£418/month). Bills include council tax, energy, water, broadband, and insurance estimates.
Related Comparisons
Data sources: Scores are estimated using pre-loaded data from MHCLG Indices of Deprivation, Ofsted/GIAS school ratings, DfT Transport Connectivity 2025, MHCLG council tax data, Ofgem energy price cap, and regional averages. For full live data from 20+ government sources, view the individual town reports. Data provided under the Open Government Licence v3.0.