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What does your salary buy in London?

Enter your gross monthly salary to see your take-home pay, affordable neighborhoods, and savings potential

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Cost of Living in London, U.K.

Global financial and tech hub. Extremely high salaries, extremely high rent. Diverse and cosmopolitan.

Currency
GBP (£)
English Level
Excellent
Healthcare
NHS (Public)

Rental Prices in London

1-Bedroom Apartment
£1,100 - £3,600
per month
2-Bedroom Apartment
£1,430 - £4,800
per month

* Prices shown are second-hand rental market rates, typical for expats.18 neighborhoods tracked. Source: Official government housing statistics.

Monthly Living Costs

Groceries
£280
Transport
£202
Utilities
£343
Dining Out
£240

Utility costs based on Eurostat Energy Statistics.

Popular Neighborhoods

Shoreditch
Tech hub meets creative district. Street art, startups, and trendy nightlife.
15 min Tube•£2,400+/mo
Camden
Famous market and music scene. Alternative culture, live venues, and canal walks.
12 min Tube•£2,500+/mo
Hackney
Trendy East London. Parks, breweries, and a strong creative community.
20 min Overground•£2,300+/mo
Islington
Upmarket North London. Theater, restaurants, and elegant Georgian terraces.
15 min Tube•£2,600+/mo
Brixton
Vibrant South London hub. Diverse food scene, markets, and excellent connections.
18 min Tube•£2,000+/mo
Clapham
Popular with young professionals. Large common, brunch spots, and active social scene.
20 min Tube•£2,100+/mo

Work Visa

Skilled Worker visa requires employer sponsorship. Points-based system.

Processing: 3-8 weeks

Relocation Costs

Deposit capped at 5 weeks rent. No agent fees for tenants. First month rent due upfront.

Typical deposit: 1.25 months rent

Enter your salary above to see a personalized breakdown of your finances in London

Our calculator shows net income after taxes, affordable neighborhoods, and savings potential

Data last updated: January 2026•View methodology

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Guides for London

  • UK vs Germany for Expats 2026: Salary, Tax & Cost of LivingUK gross salaries are 20% higher but German net pay is often better after tax. Full comparison of take-home pay, rent, healthcare, and monthly costs for expats.
    Comparison12 min read
  • Dublin Tech Jobs: Salary Guide for 2026Dublin is Europe's tech hub with Google, Meta, and countless startups. Here's what you can expect to earn and what life costs in Ireland's capital.
    Salary Guide8 min read
  • How to Compare Salaries Across Different CountriesA €100k offer in Berlin can leave you richer than $100k in NYC — or poorer. The 3-step framework that reveals what a salary is really worth anywhere.
    Salary Guide10 min read
View all guides →

Explore similar cities

More in U.K.

ManchesterNorthern powerhouse
Avg. 1BR: £1,045/mo
EdinburghScotland's capital
Avg. 1BR: £1,187/mo
BirminghamEngland's second city
Avg. 1BR: £888/mo

Nearby alternatives

DublinTech hub of Europe
Avg. 1BR: €2,073/mo
CorkIreland's second city
Avg. 1BR: €1,521/mo
GalwayWest coast university town
Avg. 1BR: €1,508/mo

Similar cost of living

MunichBavaria's capital
Avg. 1BR: €1,744/mo
ParisThe City of Light
Avg. 1BR: €1,750/mo

Comparison guides

£80k in London vs Lisbon vs GothenburgUK vs Germany for Expats

Frequently Asked Questions about London

Read More About London

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What €80k Really Buys You: London vs Lisbon vs Gothenburg

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Cost of Living in London 2026: Monthly Costs for Singles & Families

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India to UK: Complete Moving Guide for 2026

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Know what your salary buys before you move. Take-home pay, neighborhoods, and savings across 120+ cities in 33 countries.

Updated Jan 2026

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© 2026 AffordWhere. Estimates only, not financial advice.

2026 tax rules • Jan 2026 rent data