Cost of Living in Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Updated On February 22, 2026
The drone aerial view of Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Harbour.
Cost of Living Index:
71.04
* Based on Research & User Data

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Portsmouth?

Due to the great diversity throughout the United Kingdom, there is an everlasting question which place is ideal to live, work, raise kids, entertain and enjoy.

Too many requirements to be fulfilled so that a person becomes satisfied with certain location.

If you are searching for the right place to settle, you will first need to make sense of the differences and compare some of the places in the UK, and only then decide according to your preferences.

Cost of Living Breakdown in Portsmouth

Restaurants

RESTAURANTS

When compared with all of the UK’s cities in terms of restaurant prices, Portsmouth is almost equally expensive as London or Oxford.

Food is expensive which affects the meal prices.

Bear in mind that international cuisine is quite pricey here and can be found in more luxurious restaurants.

Average Restaurant Prices
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) $19.96
Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter) $5.32
Water (0.33 Liter) $1.22
Markets

MARKETS

If you take a look at data, you will find that Portsmouth has one of the highest cost of living statistics when the food shopping is in question.

Generally, the United Kingdom is known as a very expensive country and wise purchasing of groceries is always advisable.

Average Market Prices
Milk (1 Liter) $1.12
Loaf Bread (500g) $1.24
Eggs (12) $2.47
Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

If you want to drive in Portsmouth, bear in mind the fact that not only gasoline is expensive, but the car insurance premiums in Portsmouth are also very high.

Making use of public transport is ideal solution for you, as a foreigner, to get familiar with the city and avoid traffic jams and searching a parking lot.

Average Transport Prices
One Way Ticket $3.06
Monthly Pass $53.22
Gasoline $1.67
Utilities

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Combined with a high cost of living, but good incomes it is expected that services prices are higher than the average, but this is not the case in Portsmouth.

There is excellent communication technology and fast Internet connection for around $30 per month, while other basic utilities are $165.

Average Utilities Prices
Basic (Water, Electricity, Garbage, Heating, Cooling) $164.93
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local $0.18
Internet (Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) $31.93
Sports and leisure

SPORTS & LEISURE

Portsmouth is a great place to live, full of history on one hand, and the hub for major cultural and sporting events on the other.

Doing sports here is quiet affordable, as well as having some leisure time out.

No matter if you choose indoor or outdoor activities, Portsmouth has to offer something for each person’s taste.

Average Leisure Prices
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult $36.72
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour) $19.07
Cinema, 1 Seat, International Release $11.97
Clothing and shoes

CLOTHING & SHOES

Going out requires appropriate apparel and this expense can cause a lot of trouble to people who have young children, as they want to wear quality and branded items.

Portsmouth is not considered a paradise for shopping, as the prices are high, even though the offer is extensive.

Average Clothing Prices
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Comparable) $79
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, etc...) $43.24
1 Pair of Adidas Walking Shoes (Mid-Range) $83.53
Rent per month

RENT PER MONTH

Incomes in Portsmouth are high, but the majority of monthly budget will be spent on the rent, as the average individual here would need to find a place to live.

Purchasing an apartment is not an option for a newcomer, so he/she will need to pay the rent ranging from $800 to $1600, or even more.

Average Rent Prices
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center $1001.60
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center $810.80
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center $1679.80

How Does the Average Person Spend Their Money in Portsmouth?

The first thing that has to be noted is that you, as a newcomer, would have to devote more money to rent, due to the fact that residents usually possess their properties.

All the other expenses cannot be predicted, as there are vast differences in the lifestyles, preferences and experiences of people in this city.

While some would pay more for a delicious meal in a luxurious restaurant, others would spend that money on sports and recreation.

You can see the average spendings and organize your own budget accordingly.

Average Costs Breakdown

17.4%
25.7%
13.4%
6.3%
5.3%
2.4%
29.6%

Portsmouth: Average Salary, Minimum Wage & Mortgages

According to the data, Portsmouth boasts 70% of the employed people, who are having decent or excellent living conditions, while around 23% are experiencing a poor standard of living.

Average monthly salaries are higher than is some less developed parts of the United Kingdom, but still not as high as in London.

The rent prices are high, and people with the minimum salaries who need to pay it, would have difficulties providing other basics needs.

Average Salary$2096.83
Minimum Wage$1659.2
Mortgage Interest Rate2.83%

Cost of Living by City in United Kingdom

City Cost of Living Index
United Kingdom FlagAberdeen 73.02
United Kingdom FlagBath 74.48
United Kingdom FlagBelfast 62.42
United Kingdom FlagBirmingham 64.46
United Kingdom FlagBrighton 69.54
United Kingdom FlagBristol 69.58
United Kingdom FlagCambridge 72.6
United Kingdom FlagCardiff 62.12
United Kingdom FlagCoventry 66.31
United Kingdom FlagDerby 61.5
United Kingdom FlagEdinburgh 61.5
United Kingdom FlagExeter 66.56
United Kingdom FlagGlasgow 66.5
United Kingdom FlagLeeds 68.26
United Kingdom FlagLeicester 65.59
United Kingdom FlagLiverpool 62
United Kingdom FlagLondon 81.31
United Kingdom FlagManchester 69.86
United Kingdom FlagMilton Keynes 78.5
United Kingdom FlagNewcastle upon Tyne 62.76
United Kingdom FlagNorwich 64.95
United Kingdom FlagNottingham 67.05
United Kingdom FlagOxford 72.6
United Kingdom FlagPeterborough 41.93
United Kingdom FlagPlymouth 70.02
United Kingdom FlagReading 76.73
United Kingdom FlagSheffield 62.64
United Kingdom FlagSouthampton 63.73
United Kingdom FlagSwindon 69.92
United Kingdom FlagYork 69.33

Where to Next?

Or, browse the country/city indexes:

Cost of Living - Country Index Cost of Living - City Index

1 Review on Portsmouth

  1. A
    Abigail says:

    It’s striking how the search for the perfect place to call home can feel like navigating a minefield of choices. The cost of living, the community vibe, and even the schools can weigh heavily on the decision. It’s almost overwhelming to think about how much each of these factors can shape our lives. Finding the right fit often feels like a balancing act, and I sometimes wonder if we focus too much on the logistics over the feelings that a place can evoke. In the end, it’s about finding a space

Portsmouth Rated 4 / 5 based on 1 user reviews.

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