15 Ways To Make Extra Money In Portsmouth
Living in Portsmouth is great. Seafront views, vibrant student life, buzzing food spots, and a strong community vibe.
But let’s be real: life here isn’t cheap. According to Numbeo, Portsmouth’s cost of living is around £1,000–£1,300 a month (without rent), and with rent factored in, it’s easy to see why many locals look for ways to earn a bit more.
Whether you’re a student trying to stretch your loan, a parent looking to cover rising bills, or just someone who wants some spare cash for trips to Southsea or Gunwharf Quays, this guide’s for you.
Want to explore flexible side hustles that you can start right now? Click through to Prograd to see all the ways you can earn online or in Portsmouth, starting today.
Need some more inspo? No problem - Let’s dive in.
Play Online Games for Cash
Yes, really! You can actually make money online playing games like Monopoly Go or Solitaire. Prograd connects you with trusted platforms that reward you for hitting certain levels or achievements. It’s not just fun, it’s profitable too.
And let’s face it, rainy days in Pompey are perfect for chilling indoors with a game or two.
Earning potential: Up to £180 per game depending on the offer.
Deliver Food or Parcels
Portsmouth’s a compact city, which makes it perfect for delivery gigs, especially around busy hubs like Albert Road, Commercial Road, and Southsea.
Whether you sign up with Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or local courier services, there’s solid earning potential.
Earning potential: £10–£20 per hour depending on shifts and tips
Become a Mystery Shopper
With shops and restaurants from Gunwharf to Fratton, Portsmouth is ideal for mystery shopping gigs. You just review places and report back, that’s it.
Platforms like Prograd recommended shopping apps let you earn for quick visits.
Earning potential: £5–£20 per task + travel reimbursement sometimes
Rent Out Your Driveway
If you live near Fratton Station, the university, or anywhere central, your driveway is basically gold.
With parking in Portsmouth at a premium, you can rent out your spot using sites like JustPark.
Earning potential: £40–£150 per month depending on location
Work in Local Hospitality
From cafés on Palmerston Road to restaurants at Gunwharf, Portsmouth’s food scene is always hiring for part-time work. Whether it’s waiting tables, bar backing, or cooking, this is a flexible way to earn, especially if you want evening or weekend shifts.
Earning potential: £10–£13 per hour plus tips
Sell Your Skills as a Tutor
With two unis, tons of schools, and parents constantly looking for help, private tutoring is always in demand in Portsmouth.
Whether it’s GCSE maths or helping uni students with essays, tutoring is a great way to earn from home or online.
Earning potential: £15–£40 per hour
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Southsea Common is basically a dog park most days. If you love animals, use that to your advantage! Sign up with Rover or local Facebook groups to find people who need someone to walk or watch their pets.
Earning potential: £10–£15 per walk or £20+ per day for sitting
Join Paid Surveys and Research Panels
You can do these from your sofa, and Prograd lists loads of trustworthy survey sites that pay for your opinions.
If you’ve got spare time between classes, shifts, or Netflix episodes, this is perfect.
Earning potential: £30–£80 per month
Find the best-paying survey sites on Prograd
Be a Lifeguard at Local Pools or Beaches
Portsmouth has plenty of leisure centres, not to mention the coast. If you’re qualified (or willing to get certified), lifeguard roles pop up especially in the warmer months.
Check out Mountbatten Centre or Southsea Splash Pool.
Earning potential: £12–£15 per hour
Sell Your Stuff Online
We all have clothes, gadgets, or books collecting dust. Use Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, or Depop to offload it all.
Portsmouth’s student turnover means there’s always a demand for second-hand furniture and supplies.
Earning potential: £50–£200 depending on what you’re selling
Work at Local Events and Festivals
Portsmouth is big on events, think Victorious Festival, Southsea Food Festival, and the live gigs at Guildhall.
These events often need short-term staff for setting up, ticketing, or customer service.
Earning potential: £9–£12 per hour + free event access sometimes
Become a Virtual Assistant
Loads of small businesses in and around Portsmouth are run by creatives, freelancers, or solo entrepreneurs.
Offer admin help, inbox management, or calendar scheduling remotely. Prograd has some excellent resources to get started as a VA.
Earning potential: £10–£25 per hour
Explore becoming a virtual assistant on Prograd
Cleaning and Housekeeping
Whether it’s for busy professionals, Airbnb hosts, or students moving out, cleaning gigs are always popping up.
You don’t need formal experience, just reliability and a good work ethic.
Earning potential: £12–£15 per hour
Try Freelancing Online
Got skills in design, writing, social media, or video editing? Offer your services on Fiverr or Upwork. You can work with clients around the UK or even globally, all from your flat in Portsmouth.
Earning potential: £15–£100+ per project
Prograd’s guide to freelancing is a great place to start
House or Flat Sit for Neighbours
A lot of people travel from Portsmouth for work (especially with the Navy or ferries to Europe), so there’s demand for people to watch homes or plants. Great if you’re responsible and just want to chill in a different space.
Earning potential: £20–£50 per day
Earning Money in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is full of opportunities if you know where to look. From turning your gaming hobby into income to finding local gigs tied to the city’s culture, there’s no shortage of ways to top up your bank balance.
Whether you want a quick win or a long-term side hustle, there's something here for you.
If you're ready to get started, check out Prograd for all the latest money-making ideas, tips, and real-time opportunities designed for people just like you in cities just like Portsmouth.
Happy earning!
