The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 12% cheaper than Rotterdam.
If you move from Birmingham to Rotterdam, 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 £46,857 in Rotterdam.
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 Rotterdam:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Rotterdam | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,560 | +£560 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £298 | £-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £205 | +£10 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £141 | +£10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £189 | +£31 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £2,392 | +£578 |
* 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 (12% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 81/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,666/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 Rotterdam to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Rotterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £35,143 | £5,143 more |
| £40,000 | £46,857 | £6,857 more |
| £50,000 | £58,571 | £8,571 more |
| £60,000 | £70,286 | £10,286 more |
| £80,000 | £93,714 | £13,714 more |
| £100,000 | £117,143 | £17,143 more |
Birmingham vs Rotterdam: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 12%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Rotterdam has 78.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Rotterdam: £2,666/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 5, while Rotterdam wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.