Travel Budget for Southampton Visit Southampton on a Budget or Travel in Style

Southampton, England, United Kingdom

Southampton is a dynamic port city known for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Southampton?

You should plan to spend around $203 (£159) per day on your vacation in Southampton. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $81 (£64) on meals
  • $11 (£8.70) on local transportation
  • $217 (£171) on hotels

A one week trip to Southampton for two people costs, on average, $2,835 (£2,226). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $203
    £159
  • One Week Per person
    $1,418
    £1,113
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,835
    £2,226
  • One Month Per person
    $6,076
    £4,770
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,835
    £2,226
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,671
    £4,452
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,152
    £9,540
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Southampton cost?

A one week trip to Southampton usually costs around $1,418 (£1,113) for one person and $2,835 (£2,226) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Southampton on average costs around $2,835 (£2,226) for one person and $5,671 (£4,452) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Southampton will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Southampton on average costs around $6,076 (£4,770) for one person and $12,152 (£9,540) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Southampton expensive to visit?

Southampton is a smaller port city that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Southampton has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $91 (£70) per day, mid-range travelers spend $205 (£159) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $373 (£289) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Southampton.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Southampton is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Dijon or Genoa.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Southampton Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Southampton?

The average Southampton trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Southampton travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Southampton cost?

Southampton on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$49
(£38)
$109
(£85)
$193
(£152)
Local Transportation 1 $5
(£3.82)
$11
(£8.70)
$21
(£16)
Food 2 $36
(£28)
$81
(£64)
$152
(£119)
Entertainment 1 $11
(£8.44)
$25
(£19)
$47
(£37)
Alcohol 2 $6-18
(£5-14)
$14-41
(£11-32)
$26-78
(£20-61)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Southampton. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $91 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. Tourists visiting Southampton generally aim to explore the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $205 per person, per day.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $373. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the port city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Luxury Sailing Experience Day with Champagne and Lunch or Dinner - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Southampton

The range of hotel prices in Southampton can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $91, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $170. From $58 for budget hotels to $302 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Southampton for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $217 (£171). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $109 (£85) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $109
    £85
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $217
    £171

Hotels in Southampton

Looking for a hotel in Southampton? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Southampton

The average hotel room price in Southampton based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $91 in the low season and $170 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Southampton include:

  • Hilton at the Ageas Bowl Southampton starting at $142
  • Blue Keys Hotel Bar & Restaurant starting at $189
  • THE PIG-in the wall starting at $237
  • Premier Inn Southampton West Quay starting at $119
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Southampton

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Southampton

Southampton lacks an efficient public transit system. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Southampton has walkable areas that can facilitate your exploration of various attractions. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $11 (£8.70) per person, per day, on local transportation in Southampton. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Southampton is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $11
    £8.70

Transportation Tips

When you're driving, make sure that your hotel has convenient parking, and confirm how much you'll need to pay for it.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Heathrow One-Way Transfer - To or From Southampton for $246 details
  • Southampton to Heathrow Private Transfer for $264 details
  • Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport for $230 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Southampton
How much does it cost to go to Southampton? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Southampton
The price of renting a car in Southampton will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Southampton?

Some typical prices for transportation in Southampton are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Southampton. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    £16


Food Budget in Southampton

The food scene in Southampton is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the port city that you should check out. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Southampton can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Southampton is $81 (£64) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $81
    £64

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Southampton is around $82 (£64) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $154. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Southampton are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $8 to $25
  • Lunch: $12 to $33
  • Dinner: $25 to $58
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $12

If you're looking for a good place to eat, your best options are to head to either Oxford Street, High Street or Bedford Place. Oxford Street tends to have the more expensive restaurants that are absolutely delicious, but may cost more than you're looking to spend. The area has a very European atmosphere and there is plenty of outdoor seating. This is a great area to dine on a nice day when you can enjoy the sunshine.

High Street has a good mix of both restaurants and pubs. There are some good, but somewhat expensive international restaurants. These include Thai, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Indian options.

Bedford Place has a diverse selection of options with many different ethnic restaurants and some affordable fish and chips options as well. They are a good value if you're on a budget. There are international options that include Chinese and Mexican at the south end of the road. As you move further down the road you'll find many curry houses and late night kebab and chip shops that cater to the student crowd.

You'll also find plenty of fast food restaurants spread out all around town. If you're desperate for a McDonalds or any other chain, then you're likely to find it somewhere in Southampton. There are also plenty of pubs and bars, many of which cater to the young student crowd, which keeps them lively and cheaply priced.

Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Southampton, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Luxury Sailing Experience Day with Champagne and Lunch or Dinner for $193 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Southampton?

Below are some standard food costs in Southampton, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.


  • Breakfast
    £4.00


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Southampton

It's understandable that travelers choose Southampton, as it is famous for romance, museums and attractions, food, and nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Southampton typically cost an average of $25 (£19) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $25
    £19

There are a couple of sights around town including the Bargate, which is a medieval gatehouse, and the Central Parks, which are enjoyable to walk around. There are also a good number of museums around town, with some of the more interesting ones being the Museum of Archaeology, the Maritime Museum, and the Medieval Merchants House.



There is also no shortage of activities around town. With a large student population, there are many theaters around town where you can take in a show. Several popular ones include the Mayflower, the Nuffield Theatre, and the Turner Sims Concert Hall.

Every year Southampton also plays host to the Southampton Boat Show, which is interesting to attend if you happen to be in the area.

A nice way to explore destinations in Southampton is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Retro E-Bike Hire Experience exploring the New Forest coastline for $65 details
  • Stonehenge half day tour from Southampton for $227 details
  • Pilgrim Fathers and the Mayflower Walking Tour for $220 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Southampton

For nightlife seekers, Southampton has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $27 (£21) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Southampton per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $27
    £21
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.

Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Southampton. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting in the Isle of Wight for $16 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Southampton

  • Prices in the port city rise and crowds swell during the peak summer season. For a more budget-friendly and less crowded experience, consider visiting in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Southampton doesn't offer many public transportation choices. It might be a good idea to rent a car or arrange for transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just keep in mind that this could affect your budget in other areas.
  • There aren't many hostel options in Southampton, so if you're counting on a cheap dorm to save cash, it's time to adjust your expectations. Look for inexpensive hotels or apartment rentals instead.
Traveling in Southampton
Southampton Southampton

A port city on the southeast coast of England, Southampton is a relatively large city in England. It is home to two universities so much of the population is generally young and there are no shortage of activities around town. The town dates back to the Roman and Saxon times and you can see some of the Roman ruins in a suburb named Bitterne Manor. During the Sazon times, the city was Britain's premier trading post. The city put up a protective wall during the Middle Ages and some remains of this wall can still be seen around town. The architecture throughout Southampton is quite modern, in large part because much of the city was destroyed during World War II.

The climate in Southampton is oceanic, and comparable to that found throughout the United Kingdom. It is slightly warmer than the rest of the country because it has a low elevation and is sheltered from harsh weather.



Neighborhoods & Around

In Southampton's city center you'll find the West Quay shopping area. If you're in town on a Friday then head to this area for market day. It's about a hour's walk from this area to Ocean Village. Ocean Village is predominantly made up of houses and apartments along with some interesting pubs and restaurants. To the north of the city center is Portswood and the university. There is no good beach around town, but a nearby option is Calshot.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.