London vs Paris
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Paris 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
Paris
France
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
51
Groceries
78.3
Restaurant
81.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | London | Paris | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,503 | $2,261 | +$242 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,960 | $1,617 | +$343 |
| Groceries | $422 | $449 | $27 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $22 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $113 | $94 | +$19 |
| Utilities | $258 | $215 | +$43 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | London | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,738/mo | $2,328/mo |
| Typical | $3,716/mo | $3,349/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,596/mo | $4,108/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in London | ≈ in Paris | 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 Paris for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Paris is approximately 5% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. London's COL+Rent Index of 72.9 vs Paris'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 $2,261/month in Paris — giving Paris a $242/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $2,904 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in London ($422/mo) vs Paris ($449/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $28 vs $22 show Paris 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, Paris offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $3,349 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.