15 Easy Ways To Make Extra Money In Southampton
Southampton is an incredible city to live in, from the bustling docks and vibrant student life to the scenic walks on the Common.
But with the cost of living in Southampton averaging around £1,100 per month (excluding rent), it’s no surprise that many people here are looking for ways to make some extra cash on the side.
Whether you're a student, parent, or full-time worker looking for a side hustle, there are loads of ways to boost your income locally.
If you're ready to start making money from your sofa (yes, really), click through to Prograd to discover some super flexible online side hustles - we have 100s to choose from and you can start earning money online from the comfort of your home in no time.
Let’s get into it.
Play Online Games for Cash
You might not think your daily Solitaire sessions could pay off, but thanks to platforms like Prograd, they can.
These platforms partner with gaming apps that reward players with real money for hitting certain milestones. It’s ideal if you’re already into casual mobile games and want to earn money playing games in your downtime.
Southampton has great 4G and fibre connectivity, so playing on the go or at home is easy.
Earning potential: Up to £180 per game depending on the task
Delivery Driver
Southampton is a port city with a massive logistics footprint. That means high demand for delivery drivers for companies like Amazon Flex, Evri and Just Eat.
You can work your own hours, make deliveries around your postcode, and get paid weekly. The city’s flat layout and walkable neighbourhoods make deliveries pretty efficient too.
Earning potential: £15 to £18 per hour or £100+ per day
Retail Assistant
Southampton’s shopping scene is serious. With Westquay, IKEA, and the city centre always buzzing, big chains are constantly hiring part-time retail staff.
These roles are perfect for students or anyone looking for steady weekend or evening work.
Earning potential: £10 to £13 per hour
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Southampton is filled with pet lovers, especially in areas like Portswood, Shirley, and Highfield. If you're reliable and love animals, you can offer pet sitting or dog walking through apps like Rover or just by posting locally.
The Common is perfect for dog walks, and you'll likely find repeat clients if you're dependable.
Earning potential: £10 to £15 per walk or £25 to £40 per overnight stay
Housekeeping and Cleaning
With two universities and a thriving Airbnb scene, there’s no shortage of people needing help cleaning.
Whether you’re working for a company or offering services directly, this is steady work that’s easy to fit around your schedule.
Earning potential: £12 to £15 per hour
Online Surveys
If you’ve got 15 spare minutes and an internet connection, online surveys are one of the simplest ways to make money.
Platforms like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Research Tribe let you earn money or vouchers by sharing your opinion. Great option for bus rides or lunch breaks.
Earning potential: £50 to £80 per month depending on activity level
Tutoring
With the University of Southampton and Solent Uni nearby, there’s a strong student population, and demand for tutors, especially in GCSE and A-Level subjects.
If you’re good at maths, science, English, or even music, you can tutor students privately or through platforms like Tutorful.
Earning potential: £15 to £35 per hour
Freelancing
Got a creative side or specific skill? Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Twine offer freelance gigs in writing, design, social media, coding, and more.
There’s a growing digital nomad community in the city, and you can easily join in from your bedroom or a local café.
Earning potential: £10 to £500+ per project
Mystery Shopping
With loads of chain stores, restaurants, and supermarkets, Southampton is perfect for mystery shoppers.
You’ll be paid to visit stores, try services, and report your experience, it’s like being paid to snoop around and shop.
Earning potential: £5 to £25 per assignment
Warehouse Operative
Due to its port status, Southampton has a strong logistics sector. Places like Amazon and local distribution hubs often hire part-time or night-shift warehouse workers.
It’s physical work, but it pays well and doesn’t require any prior experience.
Earning potential: £11 to £14 per hour
Virtual Assistant
Southampton has a growing small business and start-up scene, and many of them need admin help. As a VA, you could be scheduling meetings, answering emails, or doing data entry, all from home. Flexible hours and steady clients make this a reliable side hustle.
Earning potential: £10 to £35 per hour
Sell Unused Items
Whether you're decluttering student halls or clearing out the garage, sites like Vinted, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to flip items for cash.
Southampton's strong local community vibe means listings get snapped up fast, especially furniture, clothes, and electronics.
Earning potential: £50 to £500 depending on what you sell
Babysitting
There’s always demand for babysitters, especially in family-friendly areas like Bitterne, Bassett, and Woolston.
Parents often need someone for evenings or weekends, and word-of-mouth recommendations spread quickly if you're reliable and good with kids.
Earning potential: £10 to £15 per hour
Handyman or Task Work
If you’re handy with tools or just good at assembling flat-pack furniture, you can make extra cash offering small home repairs, gardening, or odd jobs.
Use apps like TaskRabbit or advertise locally through Facebook groups and Gumtree.
Earning potential: £20 to £40 per job
Become a Live-In Nanny
If you’re open to a live-in arrangement, nannying can be a great way to save money on rent and earn a solid income. This is especially ideal for people between jobs or taking a career break who love kids and want structured work.
Earning potential: £300 to £750 per week including accommodation
Making Money in Southampton
Living in Southampton means you’ve got access to a big range of money-making options, whether you're looking to hustle on weekends or build a long-term side income.
From cashing in on your gaming hobby to walking your neighbour’s dog or selling your old clothes, the city is full of easy ways to earn that extra cash.
If you’re ready to get started, check out Prograd for dozens of verified side hustles, cash-earning apps, and flexible opportunities you can start today.
