Southampton, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#628
,
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Southampton is a vibrant city located on the south coast of England, known for its maritime heritage and cultural venues. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is GBP. 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and O2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include HSBC, Barclays, and Monzo (online banking). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local flats, and hostels like YHA Southampton. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging at YHA Southampton and local hostels. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Centre, near the Westquay Shopping Centre. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Ocean Village, known for its waterfront views and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Greenhouse, a modern coworking space with flexible plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Lab, offering free Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Southampton Tech Meetups are held regularly in various locations. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Southampton Expat Community Facebook group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt operate in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Beryl Bikes offers bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Southampton Common Beach, a 10-minute bike ride. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | British Airways operates regional flights from Southampton Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EasyJet and Ryanair provide international flight options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to M3 and M27 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Southampton Central Station, providing connections to London and other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | MyJourney offers day passes and monthly tickets for local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Portsmouth and Winchester are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Southampton General Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Ananda offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Gym Group and Anytime Fitness offer affordable membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundrette Southampton is nearby for laundry needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular in Southampton. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Fish and Chips, available at numerous local pubs. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Moksha Cafe offers an extensive plant-based menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Chocolate Artisan serves gourmet chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | East Street Market is a great place for budget food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and local online stores offer a wide range of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Polygon district has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Unity Brewing Company offers tours and tasting sessions. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinny's has a great selection of wines and tasting events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Southampton Street Food Market operates every weekend. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Turtle Bay offers Caribbean cuisine with a fun atmosphere. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Titanic Museum and City Walls are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The City Art Gallery showcases local and national artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town area with medieval buildings is a must-see. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The 13th-century Gothic-style Holy Rood Church is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Southampton Boat Show is held every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cultural Quarter offers theaters, galleries, and art spaces. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mayflower Theatre hosts a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Bargate Market is ideal for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Engine Rooms regularly features local and touring bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Work by local artists can be found around the Cultural Quarter. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | St. Mary’s Bakery offers classes specializing in British baking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | John Hansard Gallery features contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Tudor House Museum provides insights into local history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich maritime tradition reflected in various sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The New Forest National Park is accessible by train. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The New Forest National Park offers ample hiking and nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Southampton Common has scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout at The Solent offers breathtaking sea views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Itchen Valley Country Park is perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at the Common are available for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DPD and Royal Mail offer reliable courier services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | FixIT provides mobile device and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis tables are available at various community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Southampton Language School offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Central Library provides quiet study spaces and free Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Voluntary Action Southhampton is a hub for community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Player 1 Gaming Lounge offers a great space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Grosvenor Casino provides gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for offshore companies, 7.5%-38.1% standard tax rate. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income above £150,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, UK rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual council tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax: 0-12% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special tax regime, but tax residence based on physical presence. |