The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 12% more expensive than Valencia.
If you move from Birmingham to Valencia, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £33,143 in Valencia.
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 Valencia:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Valencia | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £840 | £-160 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £238 | £-91 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £145 | £-50 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £112 | £-19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £140 | £-18 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,475 | £-339 |
* 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 higher earning potential (£2,400/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (12% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 79/100)
- 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 Valencia to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Valencia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £24,857 | £5,143 less |
| £40,000 | £33,143 | £6,857 less |
| £50,000 | £41,429 | £8,571 less |
| £60,000 | £49,714 | £10,286 less |
| £80,000 | £66,286 | £13,714 less |
| £100,000 | £82,857 | £17,143 less |
Birmingham vs Valencia: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 12%. Valencia is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Valencia has 42.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Valencia: £1,634/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 0, while Valencia wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.