The Verdict
Living in London is 18% more expensive than Rotterdam.
If you move from London to Rotterdam, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in London, you would need to earn about £32,800 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 London:
Why people love Rotterdam:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Rotterdam | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £1,560 | £-440 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £298 | £-52 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £205 | £-45 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £141 | £-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £189 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £2,392 | £-548 |
* 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: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (18% 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 Rotterdam to match a London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Rotterdam | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £24,600 | £5,400 less |
| £40,000 | £32,800 | £7,200 less |
| £50,000 | £41,000 | £9,000 less |
| £60,000 | £49,200 | £10,800 less |
| £80,000 | £65,600 | £14,400 less |
| £100,000 | £82,000 | £18,000 less |
London vs Rotterdam: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 18%. Rotterdam is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Rotterdam has 78.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Rotterdam: £2,666/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 1, while Rotterdam wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.