✦ Cost of living
London
London, United Kingdom
US = 100
In plain terms: London is about 38% pricier than a typical US city. A one-bedroom in the centre runs around $2,600/month.
▤ Category breakdown
Index vs the US average — the line marks 100. Lower is cheaper.
- Housing178+78%
- Food & groceries118+18%
- Transport130+30%
- Utilities130+30%
- Healthcare88−12%
- Goods & services122+22%
About
“The Big Smoke”
Europe's financial capital — unmatched jobs, culture and connections, paid for with some of the highest rents on the continent.
- Currency
- Pound sterling · GBP
- Languages
- English
- Coordinates
- 51.51, -0.13
- Emergency
- 999
What things cost
Taxes
45%
Income tax
progressive
20%
VAT / sales
8%
Social (employee)
25%
Corporate
24%
Capital gains
$2,900
Avg net salary
per month
Plus National Insurance.
Visas & residency
Points-based Skilled Worker route; Global Talent for top professionals.
✈ Short visits visa-free for EU/US/many; work needs a visa.
Job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Permanent residence after ~5 yrs. Citizenship after ~6 yrs.
Quality of life
Safety
55/100
Healthcare
74/100
Pollution
60/100
Internet
90 Mbps
Jan avg
+5 °C
Jul avg
+19 °C
Sunny days
106/yr
Walkability
88/100
Relocation & documents
Coming soonWhere to look
Updated: 2026-08-14 · Sources: Cost/quality survey (placeholder) · National tax authority / OECD (headline figures)
? Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in London, UK?
London, UK's cost-of-living index is 138 (US average = 100) — about 38% more expensive than a typical US city. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs around $2,600 per month.
What is the average rent in London, UK?
A one-bedroom in the city centre averages about $2,600 per month, and around $1,850 outside the centre.
What taxes would I pay in United Kingdom?
United Kingdom has a top income-tax rate of 45% and a VAT or sales tax of 20%. See the taxes section above for the full breakdown.
What is the weather like in London, UK?
London, UK averages around +5 °C in January and +19 °C in July, with roughly 106 sunny days a year.
❖ Compare London with…
Estimates use approximate cost-of-living indices (US average = 100) and are for general guidance only.