🇬🇧 London vs 🇫🇷 Paris
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom
$3,015–$4,774/mo
£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)
🇫🇷
Paris
France
$2,892–$4,579/mo
€2,678 – €4,240 / month (local)
London is 4% more expensive
Paris wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | London (USD) | Paris (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,262–$3,518 | $2,169–$3,374 | 🟢 Paris |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,194–$1,885 | $1,145–$1,808 | 🟢 Paris |
| Utilities | $94–$182 | $90–$175 | 🟢 Paris |
| Groceries | $477–$716 | $458–$687 | 🟢 Paris |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $63–$113 | $60–$108 | 🟢 Paris |
| Public transport (monthly) | $119–$144 | $114–$139 | 🟢 Paris |
| Internet & Mobile | $38–$63 | $36–$60 | 🟢 Paris |
| Gym membership | $44–$82 | $42–$78 | 🟢 Paris |
| Cinema ticket | $18–$23 | $17–$22 | 🟢 Paris |
| Monthly total (single) | $3,015–$4,774 | $2,892–$4,579 | 🟢 Paris |
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 · 4.3 / 10
London
Paris▲ better
Safety8.1 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
London
Paris▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
London▲ better
Paris
Education7.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
London
Paris▲ better
Environment8.5 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
London▲ better
Paris
Economy6.8 / 10 · 8.1 / 10
London
Paris▲ better
Culture7.4 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
London
Paris▲ better
Internet7.8 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
London
Paris▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose London if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Paris
- ✓Global finance
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
Choose Paris if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than London
- ✓Culture
- ✓Food
- ✓Transit
- ✓Luxury
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📊
Full London guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore London →📊
Full Paris guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Paris →