Single person, South East
£30k
minimum gross salary needed to cover typical monthly costs
What salary do you need?
Assumes 5% salary sacrifice. For a different rate use our salary calculator.
Monthly costs
Minimum gross salary needed
£30,000
per year to take home £2,090/month
See if your salary covers your costs
Based on 2026/27 tax rates, standard 1257L tax code, England rates. Regional cost figures are estimates. Your actual costs may vary.
What salary do I need to live in the South East in 2026?
The South East is the second most expensive region in England, driven by high rents and house prices in commuter towns within reach of London. Areas like Surrey, Berkshire and parts of Kent can be nearly as expensive as inner London for housing, while coastal and rural areas of Hampshire, Sussex and the Isle of Wight are considerably more affordable. A single person in the South East typically needs a gross salary of around £30,000 to £33,000 to cover monthly costs.
The region has a strong and diverse employment base. Defence and aerospace around Farnborough and Southampton, technology in the Thames Valley, and professional services across the commuter belt all generate solid wages. The median full-time salary in the South East is approximately £42,000, meaning many residents earn comfortably above the national average.
One important consideration for South East residents who commute to London is season ticket costs. A season ticket from, say, Guildford or Brighton to London can add £3,000 to £5,000 per year to costs. If you commute regularly, increase the transport figure in the tool above to reflect your actual rail costs.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to live in the South East of England?
A single person living alone in the South East typically needs a gross salary of around £30,000 to £33,000 to cover basic monthly costs including rent of around £1,200 per month for a one-bedroom flat. In commuter towns close to London such as Guildford, Woking or Sevenoaks, rental costs are higher and you would need to adjust the estimate upward accordingly.
Is it cheaper to live in the South East than London?
Yes, on average the South East is meaningfully cheaper than London, particularly for housing. A one-bedroom flat that costs £1,900 per month in London might cost £1,100 to £1,400 in the South East. However, for those commuting to London, rail season tickets can absorb a significant part of this saving. Net of commuting costs, the real cost saving compared to London depends heavily on your specific town and workplace.
What salary does a couple need to live in the South East?
A couple sharing costs in the South East typically needs a combined monthly take-home of around £3,000 to £3,400 to cover rent, food, transport and bills comfortably. This translates to a combined gross income of approximately £46,000 to £52,000. If both partners work, a salary of around £23,000 to £26,000 each would broadly cover shared costs with some money left for savings.