The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 18% cheaper than Toronto.
If you move from Birmingham to Toronto, you will pay more 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 £50,286 in Toronto.
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 Toronto:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Toronto | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,100 | +£1,100 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £298 | £-31 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £200 | +£5 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £131 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £158 | — |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £2,887 | +£1,073 |
* 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 (18% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 75/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,655/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Toronto to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £37,714 | £7,714 more |
| £40,000 | £50,286 | £10,286 more |
| £50,000 | £62,857 | £12,857 more |
| £60,000 | £75,429 | £15,429 more |
| £80,000 | £100,571 | £20,571 more |
| £100,000 | £125,714 | £25,714 more |
Birmingham vs Toronto: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 18%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Toronto has 105.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Toronto: £2,655/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 3, while Toronto wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.