UK Cost of Living by City Calculator 2026/27

Find the equivalent salary you'd need in a new UK city to maintain your current standard of living, with a full breakdown by housing, food, transport and other costs.

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Cost of Living Breakdown vs London
How the Index Works

The cost of living index uses London as a baseline of 100. Cities are scored relative to London based on aggregate data including average rents, ONS regional price indices, and typical transport costs. Housing is the dominant factor, representing around 50% of the total index weighting. Food and groceries account for approximately 20%, transport 15%, and all other living costs (utilities, leisure, eating out) around 15%. Moving from a high-index city to a low-index city means your money goes further. The equivalent salary figure shows what you would need to earn in your target city to have the same purchasing power as your current salary. These are estimates based on averages and individual circumstances may vary considerably.

Cost of Living Comparison · Key UK Cities vs London

City Index (London = 100) Equivalent of £50,000 London Salary
London100£50,000
Cambridge85£42,500
Oxford84£42,000
Brighton82£41,000
Guildford80£40,000
Reading79£39,500
Bristol76£38,000
Edinburgh70£35,000
York66£33,000
Manchester65£32,500
Leeds62£31,000
Birmingham62£31,000
Glasgow60£30,000
Sheffield57£28,500
Hull52£26,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is London so much more expensive than other UK cities?
London's high cost is driven primarily by housing. Average rents and property prices in London are roughly double those in cities like Manchester or Birmingham. Transport costs are also significantly higher due to Tube fares and congestion. Food and eating out typically costs 20-30% more than the UK average. The combination of these factors means London scores 100 while cities like Hull or Sunderland score around 52-53.
How accurate is the cost of living index?
The index is an approximation based on aggregate data including average rents, ONS regional price data, and transport costs. Individual circumstances vary significantly depending on lifestyle, accommodation type, and commuting patterns. Use it as a directional guide rather than a precise figure. Someone who owns their home outright will not be affected by rental differences, for example.
Does a higher cost of living city always pay higher salaries?
Not always proportionally. While London salaries are typically higher, the premium rarely fully compensates for the cost difference. Many people find their disposable income is actually lower in London than in a cheaper city, even on a nominally higher salary. This is especially true for those paying market rent in London.
Should I negotiate a salary adjustment when relocating?
Yes. If relocating to a more expensive city, factor in the cost difference when negotiating and aim to match or exceed the equivalent salary shown. If moving to a cheaper city your employer may attempt to apply a regional pay reduction, but you could still come out ahead financially on a lower nominal salary.

For informational purposes only · Not financial advice · Tax rates shown are for 2026/27 · Cost indices are approximate and based on aggregated regional data