Southampton vs York
Which is better to live in? (2026)
Category Comparison
Our Verdict
Southampton and York are closely matched overall. Southampton performs better in broadband and energy efficiency, while York has the advantage in affordability and healthcare. Your ideal choice depends on which factors matter most to your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southampton or York better to live in?
Southampton and York are closely matched overall. Southampton performs better in broadband and energy efficiency, while York has the advantage in affordability and healthcare. Your ideal choice depends on which factors matter most to your lifestyle.
Is Southampton safer than York?
Southampton and York have similar crime safety scores (25/100). Scores are based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation crime domain.
Which has better schools, Southampton or York?
Southampton has 15 schools within 3km, with 67% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. York has 15 schools nearby, with 67% rated Good or Outstanding.
Is it cheaper to live in Southampton or York?
Estimated monthly bills are lower in York (~£407/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.