City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
London vs Paris — 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.
Paris
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo barely covers basics in Paris.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | London | Paris | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,812 | $1,789 | +$23 |
| Groceries | $343 | $414 | $71 |
| Dining Out | $273 | $244 | +$29 |
| Transportation | $92 | $87 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $209 | $198 | +$11 |
| Other / Misc | $271 | $268 | +$3 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
London
$3,000
per month
Paris equivalent
$2,860
per month
Only $2,860/mo in Paris matches $3,000/mo in London — better value.
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 Paris on $3,000/month?
In Paris, $3,000/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $1,789 rent, $414 groceries, $244 dining.
Is London or Paris cheaper?
Paris is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: London 72.9 vs Paris 69.5 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in London worth in Paris?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in London equals ~$2,860/mo in Paris using COL adjustment.