The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 38% cheaper than Singapore.
If you move from Birmingham to Singapore, 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 £61,714 in Singapore.
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 Singapore:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Singapore | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,700 | +£1,700 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £298 | £-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £188 | £-7 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £128 | £-3 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £171 | +£13 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £3,484 | +£1,670 |
* 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 (38% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,835/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 Singapore to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £46,286 | £16,286 more |
| £40,000 | £61,714 | £21,714 more |
| £50,000 | £77,143 | £27,143 more |
| £60,000 | £92,571 | £32,571 more |
| £80,000 | £123,429 | £43,429 more |
| £100,000 | £154,286 | £54,286 more |
Birmingham vs Singapore: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 38%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Singapore has 135.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Singapore: £3,835/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 3, while Singapore wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.