Updated:
Are you considering a move to London, United Kingdom, and wondering about the cost of living? London is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in London and help you understand whether $5232 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4095.14.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
22.8 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
92.67 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.13 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
7.98 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
6.84 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.54 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.5 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.08 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.66 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.96 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.79 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.46 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.71 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
9.49 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
15.4 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.03 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.63 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.19 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.2 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.53 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.45 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.16 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.59 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.4 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
2.51 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.87 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
19.0 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3.74 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
240.63 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
5.07 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.4 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
37.99 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.97 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32066.79 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32340.87 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
402.54 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
41.82 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
71.84 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
17.98 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
19.0 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
2222.58 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
26122.26 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
102.34 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
47.61 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
109.2 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
131.75 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2879.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
2076.19 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
5225.66 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
3352.96 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
17569.66 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
9962.46 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4095.14 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
5.6 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 22.8 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 92.67 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.66 USD, a loaf of bread 1.96 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 4.46 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 3.74 USD and a monthly pass around 240.63 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 402.54 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 71.84 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 17.98 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 2222.58 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 26122.26 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 102.34 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 109.2 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 2879.0 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 2076.19 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 17569.66 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 9962.46 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 4095.14 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 5.6% annually.
The monthly expenses for living in London come to a total of approximately $5232. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2879 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $423 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1052 per month.
Living in London appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4095.14. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in London, you would likely need an income exceeding $4095.14.
In London, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4095.14, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of London is approximately $2879. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $2076.19 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in London can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $596 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United Kingdom can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United Kingdom.
London, United Kingdom
London is considered a very safe city. Even though there are parts that are dangerous and should be avoided, it is, for the most part, completely safe to travel to, and if you use your common sense, your trip should go smoothly.
Taxis and other forms of transportation are known to be very safe and reliable in London, as would be expected in such a developed European country.
Pickpocketing is the most common form of street crime in London. It is common to a certain degree and there are even some locations known for pickpocketing being reported there, mainly popular landmarks. Take basic precaution measures and minimize your chances of being pickpocketed.
You can relax when it comes to natural disasters, because, apart from constant raining, there are no threats!
When it comes to mugging and kidnapping, London is relatively safe. However, you should be careful and avoid dangerous areas where you could get attacked.
London has recently been targeted by a terrorist group and it is now publicly announced that the threat to the UK is severe.
Since London is so filled with tourists, it only makes sense that there will always be people trying to scam them. Always be cautious with people trying to distract you, help you with your luggage, or groups of people acting strange. Always check your change twice and negotiate everything in advance.
London is mostly very safe for women to travel to. Just follow your basic common sense and general rules of things to avoid, and you should be fine.
Member countries of the EU do not need visas to enter the United Kingdom, as well as some other countries, but there is a considerable number of countries that do. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the United Kingdom. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality.
The British pound is the currency in London. Keep in mind that this is one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the prices of accommodation in London are skyrocketing. You should bear in mind that you will need about 100£ per day, including accommodation, and if you're based in London - 150£.
The weather in London is mild with cool summers, and heavy rainfalls during the year. The best time to visit is during summer, from June to August.
The two busiest airports are London based (Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport), and the third busiest is Manchester Airport, also the busiest of the non-London airports.
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to London, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 47°F | 48°F | 52°F | 58°F | 63°F | 69°F | 73°F | 72°F | 67°F | 60°F | 53°F | 49°F |
| Temp | 43°F | 43°F | 47°F | 51°F | 57°F | 62°F | 66°F | 65°F | 61°F | 55°F | 49°F | 45°F |
| Low | 39°F | 39°F | 42°F | 45°F | 50°F | 55°F | 59°F | 59°F | 55°F | 50°F | 44°F | 41°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 8°C | 8°C | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C | 20°C | 22°C | 22°C | 19°C | 15°C | 11°C | 9°C |
| Temp | 6°C | 6°C | 8°C | 10°C | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C | 18°C | 16°C | 12°C | 9°C | 7°C |
| Low | 3°C | 3°C | 5°C | 7°C | 10°C | 12°C | 15°C | 15°C | 12°C | 10°C | 6°C | 5°C |