The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 30% cheaper than London.
If you move from Birmingham to London, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £57,143 in London.
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 Birmingham:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £2,000 | +£1,000 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £350 | +£21 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £250 | +£55 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £160 | +£29 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £180 | +£22 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £2,940 | +£1,126 |
* 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
- Want lower overall living costs (30% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
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 London to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £42,857 | £12,857 more |
| £40,000 | £57,143 | £17,143 more |
| £50,000 | £71,429 | £21,429 more |
| £60,000 | £85,714 | £25,714 more |
| £80,000 | £114,286 | £34,286 more |
| £100,000 | £142,857 | £42,857 more |
Birmingham vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 30%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs London: £3,800/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.