City Comparison · 2026

Leeds vs Southampton 2026

West Yorkshire

Leeds

Median Salary £34,800

Cost of Living 70/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £850/mo

Real Take-Home £25,600/yr

Job Growth ↑ 4.7%

Unemployment 4.3%

South East England

Southampton

Median Salary £33,500

Cost of Living 72/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £900/mo

Real Take-Home £24,800/yr

Job Growth ↑ 4%

Unemployment 4.2%

Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary

Leeds

Best take-home pay after accounting for rent and cost of living.

Best for Affordability

Leeds

Lower cost of living index means your money goes further every day.

Highest Headline Salary

Leeds

Higher median salary before cost of living is taken into account.

Lowest Rent

Leeds

More affordable average rents leave more of your salary in your pocket.

Best for Career Growth

Leeds

Higher job growth rate and more active job market for ambitious professionals.

Best Overall Value

Leeds

When salary, cost of living and rent are all considered together.

Top Salaries: Leeds vs Southampton

Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in Yorkshire and a major financial centre with a rapidly growing digital and creative economy.

Full Leeds Guide →

Southampton

Southampton is the UK's busiest cruise port with a strong maritime economy and two major universities driving the knowledge economy.

Full Southampton Guide →

Live Jobs

Jobs in Leeds

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Jobs in Southampton

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Birmingham vs Southampton

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