City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
London vs New York — 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.
New York
Moderate
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in New York.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,019 | $3,141 | $122 |
| Groceries | $571 | $626 | $55 |
| Dining Out | $455 | $398 | +$57 |
| Transportation | $153 | $110 | +$43 |
| Utilities | $349 | $253 | +$96 |
| Other / Misc | $453 | $472 | $19 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$5,000
per month
New York equivalent
$5,658
per month
You'd need $5,658/mo in New York to match $5,000/mo in London.
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 New York on $5,000/month?
In New York, $5,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $3,141 rent, $626 groceries, $398 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 $5,000/mo in London worth in New York?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$5,658/mo in New York using COL adjustment.