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UK Area Guides › Portsmouth
Hampshire Postcodes: PO1

Portsmouth cost of living, rent & area guide (2026/27)

Portsmouth, located in Gosport, Hampshire, offers a blend of coastal living and practical amenities. It's a generally safe area with a family-friendly atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle with good local services. The professional appeal is moderate, leaning more towards residential comfort.

Avg 1-bed rent £850/mo City centre & suburbs
Flatshare room £600/mo Bills often included
Recommended salary £35,000/yr ~£2,361/mo take-home
Livability score 7.2 / 10 Safety: High

Housing market & rental breakdown in Portsmouth

The property market in Portsmouth primarily consists of terraced houses and some purpose-built flats, reflecting its historical development. Rental demand is steady, driven by local employment and affordability. There's a mix of older stock and some modern developments, offering a range of options for renters and buyers.

2026/27 Affordability rule: To keep your 1-bedroom rent (£850/mo) at ~35% of net income under the 2026/27 UK PAYE tax code 1257L, a single professional in Portsmouth typically needs a gross annual salary of around £35,000 (£2,361 net/month).

Public transport, commuting & connectivity

  • Trains/Metro: No direct metro. Nearest train station is Gosport (for local links) and Portsmouth Harbour (for national rail services).
  • Buses: Key local bus routes include Stagecoach services 7, 8, and 11 connecting to Gosport town centre and surrounding areas.

Relocation links: Nearest Airport: Southampton Airport (SOU). Travel time: 45 min. Estimated taxi cost: £60. Nearest Major Rail Station: Portsmouth Harbour. Travel time: 15 min. Estimated taxi cost: £18.

Latest open roles in Portsmouth

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Design Sales Consultant

First Home Improvements • Portsmouth, Hampshire (PO1 1FD)

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Project Manager

ALDWYCH CONSULTING LTD • H M Naval Base, Portsmouth (PO1 3QD)

£80,000

Project Manager

Aldwych Consulting • Hilsea, Portsmouth (PO3 5DY)

£80,000

Head of Corporate Secretariat and Legal

IWT PHU Single Corporate Service • Portsmouth, Hampshire (PO1 1FD)

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Children's Social Worker - Child Focused Courts

Cafcass • H M Naval Base, Portsmouth (PO2 8HB)

£49,866

Transport Operations Manager

Streamline Search Limited • Hilsea, Portsmouth (PO3 5DY)

£50,000

Care Assistant - Reablement

Apex • Portsmouth, Hampshire (PO1 1FD)

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Naval Architect

Elite Hire • Hilsea, Portsmouth (PO3 5DY)

£60,000

Digital Learning Support Assistant

Capita • Portsmouth, Hampshire (PO1 1FD)

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