Cost of living in Southwark

Southwark, a vibrant borough in London, United Kingdom, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Southwark is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this bustling area.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20.24 on average, with a range between $12.02 and $31.62.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $87.27, with prices ranging from $44.27 to $113.84.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.12, with a range between $7.59 and $11.38.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $4.43 to $8.85, imported beer $5.06 to $8.22, cappuccino $1.9 to $5.69, and Coke/Pepsi $1.26 to $3.79.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $0.95 and $2.28 per liter, averaging $1.66.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.11 and $2.91, with an average price of $1.98.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $2.52 to $7.66, averaging $4.35.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $1.11 to $4.87 per kg, while oranges range from $1.26 to $7.59 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.44 and $2.53 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.54 to $1.26 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.15 and $10.12, with a monthly pass priced between $106.37 and $177.08.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.69 and $2.09 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $3.29, with a cost of $1.39 to $5.69 per km and $25.3 to $75.89 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1897.26 to $2529.68, averaging $2213.47.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4426.94 to $6324.2, averaging $5375.57.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2909.13 to $4426.94, averaging $3668.04.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $179.19 and $474.31, averaging $318.74.
InternetInternet services range from $18.97 to $44.27, with an average cost of $35.26.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 14 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$20.24

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$87.27

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$10.12

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.59

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.32

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.44

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.83

Cappuccino (regular)

$4.71

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.66

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.98

Eggs (regular) (12)

$4.35

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.32

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.51

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$12.02

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$19.61

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.29

Apples (1kg)

$3.33

Oranges (1kg)

$2.94

Potato (1kg)

$1.57

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.05

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.84

Tomato (1kg)

$3.15

Banana (1kg)

$1.66

Onion (1kg)

$1.58

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$14.13

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$3.79

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$151.78

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.89

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$35,775.99

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.29

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$2.15

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$36.43

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$2,264.24

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$17,707.76

Worldwide

United Kingdom

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for United Kingdom are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United Kingdom, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

Southwark Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Southwark presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Rent prices in the city centre are notably high, reflecting the area's desirability and central location.
Transportation costs are also significant, with public transport and fuel prices contributing to monthly expenses. However, there are opportunities to save on groceries by shopping at local markets.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, but it's essential to budget carefully to manage overall living costs effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living in Southwark offers a dynamic urban experience with a rich cultural backdrop. However, the cost of living is on the higher side, especially for housing and dining.

Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move and explore ways to optimize their budget, such as utilizing public transport and taking advantage of local markets for groceries.