The Verdict
Living in London is 45% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from London to Zurich, 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 £58,000 in Zurich.
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 Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £3,300 | +£1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £473 | +£123 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £375 | +£125 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £208 | +£48 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £216 | +£36 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £4,572 | +£1,632 |
* 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 (45% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/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 Zurich to match a London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £43,500 | £13,500 more |
| £40,000 | £58,000 | £18,000 more |
| £50,000 | £72,500 | £22,500 more |
| £60,000 | £87,000 | £27,000 more |
| £80,000 | £116,000 | £36,000 more |
| £100,000 | £145,000 | £45,000 more |
London vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 45%. London is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.