City Budget Comparison

Can You Live on $5,000/month?

Los Angeles vs London — Budget Breakdown

Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026

Feasibility

Los Angeles

Comfortable

COL+Rent: 69.5 (NYC=100)

$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Los Angeles.

London

Comfortable

COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)

$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in London.

Budget Breakdown

CategoryLos AngelesLondonDiff
Rent (avg 1BR)$3,106$3,019+$87
Groceries$642$571+$71
Dining Out$414$455$41
Transportation$113$153$40
Utilities$260$349$89
Other / Misc$465$453+$12
Total$5,000$5,000

Purchasing Power

Los Angeles

$5,000

per month

London equivalent

$5,245

per month

You'd need $5,245/mo in London to match $5,000/mo in Los Angeles.

Other Budget Levels

FAQ

Can I live in Los Angeles on $5,000/month?
Living in Los Angeles on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$3,106 to rent, $642 to groceries, $414 to dining.
Can I live in London on $5,000/month?
In London, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $3,019 rent, $571 groceries, $455 dining.
Is Los Angeles or London cheaper?
Los Angeles is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Los Angeles 69.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Los Angeles worth in London?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Los Angeles equals ~$5,245/mo in London using COL adjustment.

Explore More