The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 18% more expensive than Porto.
If you move from Birmingham to Porto, 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 £29,714 in Porto.
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 Porto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Porto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £840 | £-160 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £217 | £-112 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £120 | £-75 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £104 | £-27 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £130 | £-28 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,411 | £-403 |
* 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 higher earning potential (£2,400/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (18% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Porto to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Porto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £22,286 | £7,714 less |
| £40,000 | £29,714 | £10,286 less |
| £50,000 | £37,143 | £12,857 less |
| £60,000 | £44,571 | £15,429 less |
| £80,000 | £59,429 | £20,571 less |
| £100,000 | £74,286 | £25,714 less |
Birmingham vs Porto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 18%. Porto is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Porto has 42.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Porto: £1,204/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 0, while Porto wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.