Care homes in Southampton

Southampton is a bustling port city on the south coast with decent healthcare access and a modest but growing retirement population. It suits families wanting a lively, well-connected town rather than a quieter seaside retreat, and those with good local support networks nearby.

Average residential fee in Southampton: £1,110/weekbelow the UK average of £1,279

Living in Southampton
Green SpacesC

Limitedparks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby

Based on South East England data (town-level not yet available)

Daily ConveniencesC

Limitedshops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby

Based on South East England data (town-level not yet available)

How we grade areas

Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.

Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.

How care costs compare

The estimated average residential care fee in Southampton is about £1,110/week, below the UK average of £1,279.

Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.

Council funding & top-up in Southampton

The average residential care home in Southampton costs about £1,110/week, while Southampton’s published usual rate is around £1,014/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £96/week (≈ £4,992/year) to bridge the gap.

Average fee in Southampton
£1,110/wk
Southampton usual rate
£1,014/wk
Likely top-up gap
£96/wk

Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Southampton’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).

Care homes in Southampton on the map
  • Good
  • Requires improvement
  • Not rated
Care homes (3)
From £1029/wk·104 beds·62% en-suite

Southampton Manor is an Avery Healthcare care home in Bassett, Southampton, offering residential, nursing, dementia and respite care with en-suite apartments…

ResidentialDementiaRespiteNursing
From £1190/wk·101 beds·All en-suite·Bupa

Nestled in the tranquil setting of a village in Southampton, within the picturesque county of Hampshire, you'll find Northlands House. This warm and inviting…

ResidentialRespiteNursing
From £1155/wk·69 beds·All en-suite

Wilton Manor is a purpose-built Bupa dementia care home in central Southampton, offering residential and nursing dementia care with a memory support café and…

DementiaRespiteNursing
What care costs in Southampton
Residential (avg)
£1,110/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,092/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,125/week

Is Southampton a good retirement location?

Southampton is a working city rather than a retirement hotspot — only 13.7% of residents are aged 65 and over, well below the national average of 18.6%. Care homes are available, but this is not an established retirement destination. It works well for those who value urban amenities, proximity to family in the south-east, and ease of travel; less so if you're seeking a close-knit, age-friendly community feel.

Health & support

  • Medical access: The town has several GP surgeries and pharmacies; Southampton General Hospital is on-site for emergency and specialist care.
  • Safety: Recorded crime is notable at 32 offences in the most recent month, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the more common categories — worth discussing with family and local services when weighing your choice.
  • Family & connection: Consider how close your support network is; Southampton's urban setting and rail links make it accessible for visitors, but ask whether regular contact matters to your wellbeing.

Finances & daily life

  • Cost of care: Care-home weekly fees in Southampton sit broadly in line with or slightly above the national average for the South East region; compare specific homes' quotes carefully against your budget.
  • Transport: Excellent rail links to London, the Midlands and beyond; buses serve the town well. The centre is fairly walkable, though some areas are car-dependent. The New Forest and coastal towns are within reach for day trips.
  • Housing options: A range of care homes operate in and around Southampton; availability varies, so early enquiries are wise.

Lifestyle & environment

  • Green space & hobbies: Eleven parks dot the town, offering walks and outdoor space. The waterfront and nearby New Forest are attractions; cafes and pubs provide social settings, though the number is modest.
  • Community: Urban areas often have memory cafés and support groups through local charities and the NHS; check what's active in Southampton when you visit.
  • Climate: South coast weather is mild by UK standards, with slightly more sunshine than northern regions, though coastal damp and occasional strong winds are typical.

Things to weigh up

  • Below-average retirement demographic: At 13.7% aged 65+, Southampton has fewer older residents than the national average, so purpose-built retirement facilities and age-peer communities are less established than in traditional retirement towns.
  • Crime and urban grit: Recorded crime includes violent offences and anti-social behaviour; this is a lively, busy port city, not a sheltered enclave — visit at different times and speak to current residents.
  • Care-home cost: Fees are at or above the south-east average; factor in the city-centre premium and compare homes thoroughly before committing.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Southampton?

There are 13 care homes listed in and around Southampton on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.

How much does a care home in Southampton cost?

Care homes in Southampton range from around £1,029 to around £1,190 per week, with averages of £1,110 for residential, £1,092 for dementia, £1,125 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.

How do care home fees in Southampton compare to the national average?

The average residential care fee around Southampton is about £1,110 per week — below the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.

Which care homes in Southampton are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?

11 of the 13 care homes in and around Southampton are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.

What types of care are available in Southampton?

Homes in and around Southampton offer nursing (3), respite (3), dementia (2), residential (2). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.

How many care homes in Southampton offer dementia care?

2 care homes in and around Southampton offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.

Do any care homes in Southampton offer respite care?

Yes — 3 care homes in and around Southampton offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.

Can I get council funding for care in Southampton?

If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, South East England Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.

What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Southampton?

A care home's weekly fee in Southampton usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.

What's the difference between residential and nursing care?

Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Southampton may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.

Could the NHS pay for care in Southampton?

If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.

How do I choose a care home in Southampton?

Start by shortlisting homes in Southampton by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.

Who regulates care homes in Southampton?

Care homes in Southampton are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.

What other nearby areas have care homes in South East England?

If you're widening your search beyond Southampton, nearby areas with care homes include Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Datchet, East Sussex and Hampshire. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.

Talk to a Southampton care expert.

Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.