London vs Los Angeles
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Los Angeles is ~5% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | London | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,503 | $2,627 | $124 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,960 | $2,059 | $99 |
| Groceries | $422 | $484 | $62 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $26 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $113 | $85 | +$28 |
| Utilities | $258 | $196 | +$62 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | London | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,738/mo | $2,783/mo |
| Typical | $3,716/mo | $3,782/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,596/mo | $4,663/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in London | ≈ in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,430/mo | -$70 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,907/mo | -$93 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,860/mo | -$140 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: London vs Los Angeles for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Los Angeles is approximately 5% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. London's COL+Rent Index of 72.9 vs Los Angeles's 69.5 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in London costs $2,503/month versus $2,627/month in Los Angeles — giving London a $124/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in London ($422/mo) vs Los Angeles ($484/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $26 show Los Angeles offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Los Angeles offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $3,782 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.