The Verdict
Living in London is 5% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from London 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 London, you would need to earn about £42,000 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 London:
Why people love Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £2,700 | +£700 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £357 | +£7 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £245 | £-5 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £141 | £-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £176 | £-4 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £3,619 | +£679 |
* 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 (5% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- 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 London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £31,500 | £1,500 more |
| £40,000 | £42,000 | £2,000 more |
| £50,000 | £52,500 | £2,500 more |
| £60,000 | £63,000 | £3,000 more |
| £80,000 | £84,000 | £4,000 more |
| £100,000 | £105,000 | £5,000 more |
London vs Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 5%. London is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Seattle has 135.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Seattle: £4,898/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 3, while Seattle wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.