City comparison
🇺🇸 New York vs 🇬🇧 London
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, and quality of life for expats.
Quick verdict
More affordable
London
8% cheaper overall
Higher quality of life
New York
8/10 vs 8/10
Cost of living comparison
| Category | 🇺🇸 New York | 🇬🇧 London |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, center) | €3,705 | €2,086 |
| Rent (1-bed, suburb) | €2,403 | €1,622 |
| Groceries (single) | €285 | €348 |
| Transport pass | €121 | €185 |
| Restaurant (2 people) | €125 | €127 |
| Monthly budget (moderate) | €4,000 | €3,650 |
Quality of life
| Metric | 🇺🇸 New York | 🇬🇧 London |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Safety | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Healthcare | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Education | 8.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Expat Community | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| English Proficiency | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Tax & practical info
🇺🇸
New York
United States Effective tax rate 31–35%
Avg. salary €100,000–€180,000
🇬🇧
London
United Kingdom Tax regime Progressive to 45% + NI
Climate Oceanic
Nomad visa –
Effective tax rate 21–28%
Avg. salary €55,000–€90,000
Crunch the numbers
Use our calculators to compare your actual take-home pay and monthly budget.
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