The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 42% cheaper than Copenhagen.
If you move from Birmingham to Copenhagen, 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 £64,000 in Copenhagen.
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 Copenhagen:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Copenhagen | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,400 | +£1,400 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £343 | +£14 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £263 | +£68 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £152 | +£21 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £194 | +£36 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £3,352 | +£1,538 |
* 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 (42% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 87/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,940/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 Copenhagen to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Copenhagen | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £48,000 | £18,000 more |
| £40,000 | £64,000 | £24,000 more |
| £50,000 | £80,000 | £30,000 more |
| £60,000 | £96,000 | £36,000 more |
| £80,000 | £128,000 | £48,000 more |
| £100,000 | £160,000 | £60,000 more |
Birmingham vs Copenhagen: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 42%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Copenhagen has 120.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Copenhagen: £2,940/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Copenhagen wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.