Paris vs London
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Paris is ~5% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Paris
France
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
51
Groceries
78.3
Restaurant
81.5
London
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
72.9
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
73.9
Restaurant
93.3
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Paris | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,261 | $2,503 | $242 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,617 | $1,960 | $343 |
| Groceries | $449 | $422 | +$27 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $28 | $6 |
| Transit Pass | $94 | $113 | $19 |
| Utilities | $215 | $258 | $43 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Paris | London |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,328/mo | $2,738/mo |
| Typical | $3,349/mo | $3,716/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,108/mo | $4,596/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Paris | ≈ in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,573/mo | +$73 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,098/mo | +$98 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,147/mo | +$147 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Paris vs London for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Paris is approximately 5% more affordable than London when combining rent and daily living costs. Paris's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs London's 72.9 (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 Paris costs $2,261/month versus $2,503/month in London — 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 Paris ($449/mo) vs London ($422/mo) reflect London's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $28 show Paris is the better value for dining out. 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.