City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
New York vs London — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
New York
Moderate
COL+Rent: 82.5 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in New York.
London
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | New York | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $3,141 | $3,019 | +$122 |
| Groceries | $626 | $571 | +$55 |
| Dining Out | $398 | $455 | $57 |
| Transportation | $110 | $153 | $43 |
| Utilities | $253 | $349 | $96 |
| Other / Misc | $472 | $453 | +$19 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
New York
$5,000
per month
London equivalent
$4,418
per month
Only $4,418/mo in London matches $5,000/mo in New York — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in New York on $5,000/month?
Living in New York on $5,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$3,141 to rent, $626 to groceries, $398 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 New York or London cheaper?
London is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: New York 82.5 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in New York worth in London?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in New York equals ~$4,418/mo in London using COL adjustment.