The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 55% cheaper than New York.
If you move from Birmingham to New York, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £71,429 in New York.
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 New York:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | New York | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £3,600 | +£2,600 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £368 | +£39 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £288 | +£93 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £152 | +£21 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £198 | +£40 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £4,605 | +£2,791 |
* 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 (55% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£4,345/mo avg)
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 New York to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £53,571 | £23,571 more |
| £40,000 | £71,429 | £31,429 more |
| £50,000 | £89,286 | £39,286 more |
| £60,000 | £107,143 | £47,143 more |
| £80,000 | £142,857 | £62,857 more |
| £100,000 | £178,571 | £78,571 more |
Birmingham vs New York: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 55%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while New York has 180.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs New York: £4,345/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while New York wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.