City Comparison
New York vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
London is ~12% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $2,503 | +$679 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $1,960 | +$534 |
| Groceries | $566 | $422 | +$144 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $28 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $113 | $14 |
| Utilities | $229 | $258 | $29 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,325/mo | -$175 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,767/mo | -$233 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,651/mo | -$349 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or London cheaper to live in?
London is approximately 12% cheaper overall. New York's COL+Rent Index is 82.5 vs London's 72.9 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in New York vs London?
A 1BR in New York city center costs ~$3,182/mo vs $2,503/mo in London. Outside the center: $2,494 vs $1,960.
What is $2,000/month in New York worth in London?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in New York has the purchasing power of approximately $1,767/month in London.
Are groceries cheaper in New York or London?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $566 in New York vs $422 in London. Groceries Index: 98.7 vs 73.9 (NYC = 100).