🇬🇧 London vs 🇺🇸 New York
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom
$3,015–$4,774/mo
£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
New York is 2% more expensive
London wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | London (USD) | New York (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,262–$3,518 | $2,308–$3,590 | 🟢 London |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,194–$1,885 | $1,218–$1,923 | 🟢 London |
| Utilities | $94–$182 | $96–$186 | 🟢 London |
| Groceries | $477–$716 | $487–$731 | 🟢 London |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $63–$113 | $64–$115 | 🟢 London |
| Public transport (monthly) | $119–$144 | $122–$147 | 🟢 London |
| Internet & Mobile | $38–$63 | $38–$64 | 🟢 London |
| Gym membership | $44–$82 | $45–$83 | 🟢 London |
| Cinema ticket | $18–$23 | $18–$23 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,015–$4,774 | $3,077–$4,872 | 🟢 London |
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
Housing2.8 / 10 · 2.7 / 10
London▲ better
New York
Safety8.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Education7.7 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Economy6.8 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Culture7.4 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Internet7.8 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
London
New York▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose London if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
- ✓Global finance
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose New York if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs London
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
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📊
Full London guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore London →📊
Full New York guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore New York →