✦ Cost of living
United Kingdom
National taxes, visas and economy — plus every city we track in United Kingdom.
The cost of living in United Kingdom averages 123 on our index (a typical US city = 100) — about 23% more expensive. Among the cities we track, Manchester is the most affordable and London the priciest. A one-bedroom rent runs roughly $1,850/mo and the top income-tax rate is 45%. The average net salary is about $2,900/mo.
- Currency
- Pound sterling (£ GBP)
- Languages
- English
- Capital
- London
- Driving
- Left-hand side
- Power
- G · 230V
▤ Taxes
45%
Income tax
progressive
20%
VAT / sales
25%
Corporate
24%
Capital gains
$2,900
Avg net salary
per month
$66,299
Avg annual wage
per year · OECD (PPP)
$2,050
Minimum wage
per month
81.4 yr
Life expectancy
World Bank 2024
✈ 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.
❖ Cities in United Kingdom
⚖ Compare United Kingdom with other countries
▸ Recommended reading & gear
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