The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 25% cheaper than Munich.
If you move from Birmingham to Munich, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £54,286 in Munich.
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 Birmingham:
Why people love Munich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Munich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,840 | +£840 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £308 | £-21 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £213 | +£18 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £152 | +£21 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £189 | +£31 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £2,702 | +£888 |
* 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 (25% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 88/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,096/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Munich to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Munich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £40,714 | £10,714 more |
| £40,000 | £54,286 | £14,286 more |
| £50,000 | £67,857 | £17,857 more |
| £60,000 | £81,429 | £21,429 more |
| £80,000 | £108,571 | £28,571 more |
| £100,000 | £135,714 | £35,714 more |
Birmingham vs Munich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 25%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Munich has 92.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Munich: £3,096/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 5, while Munich wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.