The Verdict
Living in London is 25% cheaper than New York.
If you move from London to New York, 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 £50,000 in New York.
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 New York:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | New York | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £3,600 | +£1,600 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £368 | +£18 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £288 | +£38 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £152 | £-8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £198 | +£18 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £4,605 | +£1,665 |
* 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 (25% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£4,345/mo avg)
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 New York to match a London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £37,500 | £7,500 more |
| £40,000 | £50,000 | £10,000 more |
| £50,000 | £62,500 | £12,500 more |
| £60,000 | £75,000 | £15,000 more |
| £80,000 | £100,000 | £20,000 more |
| £100,000 | £125,000 | £25,000 more |
London vs New York: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 25%. London is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while New York has 180.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs New York: £4,345/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 5, while New York wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.