The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 75% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Birmingham to Zurich, 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 £82,857 in Zurich.
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 Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £3,300 | +£2,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £473 | +£144 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £375 | +£180 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £208 | +£77 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £216 | +£58 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £4,572 | +£2,758 |
* 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 (75% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
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 Zurich to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £62,143 | £32,143 more |
| £40,000 | £82,857 | £42,857 more |
| £50,000 | £103,571 | £53,571 more |
| £60,000 | £124,286 | £64,286 more |
| £80,000 | £165,714 | £85,714 more |
| £100,000 | £207,143 | £107,143 more |
Birmingham vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 75%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.