The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 35% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Birmingham to Seattle, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £60,000 in Seattle.
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 Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,700 | +£1,700 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £357 | +£28 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £245 | +£50 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £141 | +£10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £176 | +£18 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £3,619 | +£1,805 |
* 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 (35% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£4,898/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 Seattle to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £45,000 | £15,000 more |
| £40,000 | £60,000 | £20,000 more |
| £50,000 | £75,000 | £25,000 more |
| £60,000 | £90,000 | £30,000 more |
| £80,000 | £120,000 | £40,000 more |
| £100,000 | £150,000 | £50,000 more |
Birmingham vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 35%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Seattle has 135.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Seattle: £4,898/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Seattle wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.