The Verdict
Living in Austin is 15% cheaper than London.
If you move from Austin to London, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about £47,059 in London.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £2,000 | +£100 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £350 | +£42 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £205 | £250 | +£45 |
| Public transport pass | £120 | £160 | +£40 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £180 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,704 | £2,940 | +£236 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (15% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential (£3,950/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in London to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £35,294 | £5,294 more |
| £40,000 | £47,059 | £7,059 more |
| £50,000 | £58,824 | £8,824 more |
| £60,000 | £70,588 | £10,588 more |
| £80,000 | £94,118 | £14,118 more |
| £100,000 | £117,647 | £17,647 more |
Austin vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 15%. Austin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 95, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Austin: £3,950/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.