Southern Living subscription costs and what's included
A Southern Living magazine subscription runs about $24 to $30 per year for print delivery, depending on whether you buy directly from the publisher or through a third-party retailer. Digital-only subscriptions cost less — typically $10 to $15 annually. The magazine arrives monthly and includes home design, recipes, gardening advice, travel features, and lifestyle content focused on the American South.
When you subscribe directly through Southern Living's website, you receive the print edition plus access to their digital archive and website content. Some subscriptions bundle both print and digital access at a slightly higher price than print alone. Third-party sellers like Amazon or magazine subscription services sometimes offer discounted rates, but verify what format you're getting — some sell print-only, others digital-only.
The magazine does not include access to premium video content or exclusive online courses, though the website offers some free articles and recipes to non-subscribers. Your subscription gives you the magazine itself and the ability to browse past issues online, depending on your subscription tier.
Key Takeaways
- Print subscriptions cost roughly $24 to $30 per year when purchased directly from Southern Living, with digital-only options around $10 to $15 annually.
- Direct subscriptions from Southern Living include both the monthly print magazine and online access to their website and digital archive.
- Third-party retailers and subscription services may offer lower prices but typically sell either print or digital access separately, not both.
- Subscriptions renew automatically unless you cancel, so check your renewal date and billing method before your first charge posts.
How to start a subscription and manage your account
To subscribe directly, visit Southern Living's website and select your subscription option — print, digital, or print-plus-digital. You'll enter your mailing address (for print) and create an account with an email and password. Payment happens by credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The first issue typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks of purchase.
Once your subscription is active, you can log into your account online to view your subscription status, update your mailing address, and access digital content. Most subscriptions renew automatically on your anniversary date, so set a reminder if you want to cancel before the next charge. You can pause or cancel anytime through your account settings or by contacting customer service.
If you subscribe through a third-party seller like Amazon or a magazine subscription service, you manage that subscription through their platform, not through Southern Living directly. Those vendors handle billing and renewal, so check their cancellation policy — it may differ from Southern Living's.
Print versus digital: which format makes sense
Print subscriptions arrive monthly in your mailbox and let you browse at your own pace without a screen. They're useful if you like to keep back issues or clip recipes and design ideas. Print costs more and takes longer to receive each issue.
Digital subscriptions load instantly on your phone, tablet, or computer and take up no physical space. They cost less and let you search past issues by keyword. The tradeoff is that you're reading on a screen and don't own a physical copy. Digital access also depends on maintaining an active subscription — if you cancel, you lose access to archived issues (though some publishers allow you to keep issues you've already downloaded).
Many readers choose print-plus-digital bundles to get both formats. The bundle costs more than either alone but less than buying both separately, and it covers you whether you want to flip through a magazine or search online quickly.
Discounts and promotional offers
Southern Living frequently runs promotional rates, especially around the holidays and at the start of the year. These introductory offers might be $12 to $18 for the first year instead of the standard rate. Check the website directly or watch for emails if you've visited their site — they often advertise limited-time rates there first.
Third-party subscription services like Scribd, MagazineLib, or Amazon also sell Southern Living subscriptions at varying discounts. Prices and terms differ by vendor, so compare before buying. Some bundled magazine services include Southern Living as part of a larger package of titles.
Student and military discounts are not standard for Southern Living subscriptions, though some retailers may offer them. If you have a student email or military affiliation, check with the vendor you're considering — it doesn't hurt to ask.
What happens when your subscription ends
If your subscription is set to auto-renew, you'll be charged on your anniversary date unless you cancel beforehand. If you don't renew, your access to digital content stops, though you keep any print issues you've already received. You can resubscribe at any time.
If you cancel a print subscription mid-year, you typically won't receive a refund for unused issues — most publishers treat magazine subscriptions as non-refundable. Check the terms when you subscribe, as some vendors have different policies. Digital subscriptions sometimes offer prorated refunds if you cancel early, but this varies by seller.
After your subscription ends, Southern Living may send you promotional emails offering to resubscribe at a discounted rate. You can unsubscribe from these emails through the link in the message itself.
Troubleshooting common subscription problems
If your print magazine stops arriving, log into your account and check that your mailing address is current. Postal delays happen, especially during holidays, so wait at least two weeks after your expected delivery date before contacting support. If it's been longer, reach out to Southern Living's customer service with your subscription number and the issue you're missing.
If you're charged but don't see your subscription active, check your email for a confirmation message — it may have gone to spam. Log into your account to verify the subscription shows as active. If it doesn't, contact customer service with your receipt or transaction ID.
If you want to change your mailing address or email, do it through your account settings before your next issue ships. Changes made mid-month may not take effect until the following issue. For urgent address changes, call customer service directly rather than relying on online updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gift a Southern Living subscription to someone?
Yes. Southern Living offers gift subscriptions through their website. You choose the length (usually one year), enter the recipient's mailing address, and can include a gift message. The recipient receives a notice that a subscription has been started for them, and issues begin arriving within 4 to 6 weeks. Gift subscriptions are typically non-refundable.
What's the difference between buying through Southern Living's website and through Amazon?
Buying directly from Southern Living gives you account access and digital content included with print. Amazon subscriptions are usually print-only and cheaper upfront, but you manage the subscription through Amazon, not Southern Living. Check the product page carefully — some Amazon listings are print-only, others include digital.
Do I have to pay for the entire year upfront?
Yes, subscriptions are paid in full at purchase, whether you buy for one year or multiple years. There are no monthly payment plans for individual subscriptions, though some third-party services may offer different billing options. Check the payment terms before completing your order.
Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?
Some publishers allow pauses, but Southern Living's standard option is to cancel and resubscribe later. If you want to skip a few months, contact customer service to ask whether they can hold your subscription. Otherwise, cancel now and resubscribe when you're ready — you may even get a promotional rate for returning subscribers.
What if I move during my subscription?
Update your mailing address in your account settings as soon as you know your new address. Changes made before the 15th of the month typically take effect for the next issue. If you've already moved and missed an issue, contact customer service with your old and new addresses — they can sometimes redirect a missed issue or credit your account.