The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 28% more expensive than Krakow.
If you move from Birmingham to Krakow, you will pay less 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 £24,000 in Krakow.
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 Krakow:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Krakow | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £640 | £-360 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £147 | £-182 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £95 | £-100 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £77 | £-54 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £94 | £-64 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,052 | £-762 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,400/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (28% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Krakow to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Krakow | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £18,000 | £12,000 less |
| £40,000 | £24,000 | £16,000 less |
| £50,000 | £30,000 | £20,000 less |
| £60,000 | £36,000 | £24,000 less |
| £80,000 | £48,000 | £32,000 less |
| £100,000 | £60,000 | £40,000 less |
Birmingham vs Krakow: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 28%. Krakow is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Krakow has 32.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Krakow: £1,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 0, while Krakow wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.