City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
London vs Los Angeles — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in London.
Los Angeles
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Los Angeles.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,019 | $3,106 | $87 |
| Groceries | $571 | $642 | $71 |
| Dining Out | $455 | $414 | +$41 |
| Transportation | $153 | $113 | +$40 |
| Utilities | $349 | $260 | +$89 |
| Other / Misc | $453 | $465 | $12 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$5,000
per month
Los Angeles equivalent
$4,767
per month
Only $4,767/mo in Los Angeles matches $5,000/mo in London — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $5,000/month?
Living in London on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$3,019 to rent, $571 to groceries, $455 to dining.
Can I live in Los Angeles on $5,000/month?
In Los Angeles, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $3,106 rent, $642 groceries, $414 dining.
Is London or Los Angeles cheaper?
Los Angeles is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Los Angeles 69.5 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in London worth in Los Angeles?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$4,767/mo in Los Angeles using COL adjustment.