The Verdict
Living in Budapest is 55% cheaper than London.
If you move from Budapest 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 Budapest, you would need to earn about £88,889 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 Budapest:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Budapest | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £700 | £2,000 | +£1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £168 | £350 | +£182 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £105 | £250 | +£145 |
| Public transport pass | £83 | £160 | +£77 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £104 | £180 | +£76 |
| Total Monthly | £1,161 | £2,940 | +£1,779 |
* 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
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/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 London to match a Budapest salary
| Salary in Budapest | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £66,667 | £36,667 more |
| £40,000 | £88,889 | £48,889 more |
| £50,000 | £111,111 | £61,111 more |
| £60,000 | £133,333 | £73,333 more |
| £80,000 | £177,778 | £97,778 more |
| £100,000 | £222,222 | £122,222 more |
Budapest vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 55%. Budapest is the more affordable option.
Rent: Budapest has a rent index of 35, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Budapest: £1,350/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Budapest wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.