The Verdict
Living in Berlin is 8% more expensive than Birmingham.
If you move from Berlin to Birmingham, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Berlin, you would need to earn about £35,897 in Birmingham.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Berlin:
Why people love Birmingham:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Berlin | Birmingham | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,360 | £1,000 | £-360 |
| Monthly groceries | £287 | £329 | +£42 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £188 | £195 | +£7 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £131 | £-10 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £176 | £158 | £-18 |
| Total Monthly | £2,152 | £1,814 | £-338 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,580/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (8% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Birmingham to match a Berlin salary
| Salary in Berlin | Equivalent in Birmingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £26,923 | £3,077 less |
| £40,000 | £35,897 | £4,103 less |
| £50,000 | £44,872 | £5,128 less |
| £60,000 | £53,846 | £6,154 less |
| £80,000 | £71,795 | £8,205 less |
| £100,000 | £89,744 | £10,256 less |
Berlin vs Birmingham: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 8%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Berlin has a rent index of 68, while Birmingham has 50.
Average Salaries: Berlin: £2,580/month vs Birmingham: £2,400/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Berlin wins 2, while Birmingham wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.