City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
London vs New York — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
London
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in London.
New York
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo may not cover basic costs in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,812 | $1,885 | $73 |
| Groceries | $343 | $376 | $33 |
| Dining Out | $273 | $239 | +$34 |
| Transportation | $92 | $66 | +$26 |
| Utilities | $209 | $152 | +$57 |
| Other / Misc | $271 | $282 | $11 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$3,000
per month
New York equivalent
$3,395
per month
You'd need $3,395/mo in New York to match $3,000/mo in London.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in London on $3,000/month?
Living in London on $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$1,812 to rent, $343 to groceries, $273 to dining.
Can I live in New York on $3,000/month?
In New York, $3,000/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $1,885 rent, $376 groceries, $239 dining.
Is London or New York cheaper?
London is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs New York 82.5 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in London worth in New York?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$3,395/mo in New York using COL adjustment.