The salary you now need to live comfortably in Portsmouth revealed

The research, conducted by The Investors Centre, a UK-based investment comparison platform, analysed 59 UK cities using cost data from sources like Numbeo. It factored in rent, utilities, transport, groceries and even lifestyle spending such as eating out. “Comfortable” was defined as the annual income required to cover a 50/30/20 budget, allocating 50% of earnings to necessities such as housing and utility costs, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or investments.

In Portsmouth, the cost of living comfortably sits firmly in the higher half of the UK rankings. According to the study, you’ll need around £52,029 a year, or £26.68 an hour, to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in the city. That places it above many major UK cities, and not too far behind some of the country’s most expensive locations.

A major factor behind this is housing. Portsmouth’s coastal location and strong demand, especially from commuters and naval connections, keep rental prices elevated. Limited space also adds pressure to the housing market. But beyond rent, everyday costs such as groceries, transport and leisure spending also sit above average, meaning budgets can tighten quickly even outside housing.

Compared to other southern cities like Brighton and Hove or St Albans, Portsmouth remains relatively close in cost, showing how much of the south of England is clustered at the higher end of living expenses. While it is still more affordable than London, the difference is not as wide as many might expect.

Thomas Drury, a financial expert at The Investors Centre, commented on the study:

“Where you live has a huge impact on how far your salary actually goes. Two people earning the same amount can have completely different lifestyles depending on their city. In places like London, a large chunk of income disappears on rent alone, which means even higher earners can feel stretched. In smaller cities, housing is more manageable, so people can save more or spend more freely.”

“What we’re seeing is a growing gap between regions. Some areas require salaries that are simply out of reach for many, while others still offer a realistic path to financial comfort. This doesn’t just affect day-to-day life, it shapes long-term decisions too. People are increasingly choosing where to live based on affordability, not just job opportunities or lifestyle preferences.”

List of the income you need to live comfortably:

Rank: City and Income Needed to Live Comfortably (annually)

1 London 81,514

2 Oxford 62,117

3 Cambridge 56,537

4 St Albans 55,305

5 Brighton and Hove 54,628

6 Bath 52,969

7 Portsmouth 52,029

8 Canterbury 51,342

9 Bristol 51,021

10 Edinburgh 49,513