🇩🇪 Hamburg vs 🇬🇧 London
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇩🇪
Hamburg
Germany
$2,338–$3,703/mo
€2,165 – €3,429 / month (local)
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom
$3,015–$4,774/mo
£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)
London is 29% more expensive
Hamburg wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Hamburg (USD) | London (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,754–$2,728 | $2,262–$3,518 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $926–$1,462 | $1,194–$1,885 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Utilities | $73–$141 | $94–$182 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Groceries | $370–$555 | $477–$716 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $49–$88 | $63–$113 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Public transport (monthly) | $93–$112 | $119–$144 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Internet & Mobile | $29–$49 | $38–$63 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Gym membership | $34–$63 | $44–$82 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Cinema ticket | $14–$18 | $18–$23 | 🟢 Hamburg |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,338–$3,703 | $3,015–$4,774 | 🟢 Hamburg |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing5.5 / 10 · 2.8 / 10
Hamburg▲ better
London
Safety9.4 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Hamburg▲ better
London
Healthcare7.7 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
Hamburg
London▲ better
Education9.0 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Hamburg▲ better
London
Environment8.1 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Hamburg
London▲ better
Economy8.1 / 10 · 6.8 / 10
Hamburg▲ better
London
Culture8.7 / 10 · 7.4 / 10
Hamburg▲ better
London
Internet9.1 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Hamburg▲ better
London
Who should choose which city?
Choose Hamburg if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than London
- ✓Port city
- ✓Music
- ✓Water
- ✓Logistics
Choose London if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Hamburg
- ✓Global finance
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
You might also like…
📊
Full Hamburg guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Hamburg →📊
Full London guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore London →