The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 22% more expensive than Warsaw.
If you move from Birmingham to Warsaw, 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 £27,429 in Warsaw.
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 Warsaw:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Warsaw | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £760 | £-240 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £158 | £-171 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £105 | £-90 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £83 | £-48 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £99 | £-59 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,205 | £-609 |
* 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 (22% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 76/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
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 Warsaw to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Warsaw | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £20,571 | £9,429 less |
| £40,000 | £27,429 | £12,571 less |
| £50,000 | £34,286 | £15,714 less |
| £60,000 | £41,143 | £18,857 less |
| £80,000 | £54,857 | £25,143 less |
| £100,000 | £68,571 | £31,429 less |
Birmingham vs Warsaw: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 22%. Warsaw is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Warsaw has 38.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Warsaw: £1,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 0, while Warsaw wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.