The Verdict
Living in London is 30% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from London to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in London, you would need to earn about £52,000 in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £3,900 | +£1,900 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £378 | +£28 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £275 | +£25 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £144 | £-16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £189 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £4,886 | +£1,946 |
* 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 (30% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
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 San Francisco to match a London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £39,000 | £9,000 more |
| £40,000 | £52,000 | £12,000 more |
| £50,000 | £65,000 | £15,000 more |
| £60,000 | £78,000 | £18,000 more |
| £80,000 | £104,000 | £24,000 more |
| £100,000 | £130,000 | £30,000 more |
London vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 30%. London is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while San Francisco has 195.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs San Francisco: £5,530/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 5, while San Francisco wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.