The Verdict
Living in London is 5% more expensive than Munich.
If you move from London to Munich, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in London, you would need to earn about £38,000 in Munich.
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 London:
Why people love Munich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Munich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £1,840 | £-160 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £308 | £-42 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £213 | £-37 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £152 | £-8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £189 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £2,702 | £-238 |
* 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 (£3,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (5% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 88/100)
- 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 Munich to match a London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Munich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £28,500 | £1,500 less |
| £40,000 | £38,000 | £2,000 less |
| £50,000 | £47,500 | £2,500 less |
| £60,000 | £57,000 | £3,000 less |
| £80,000 | £76,000 | £4,000 less |
| £100,000 | £95,000 | £5,000 less |
London vs Munich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 5%. Munich is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Munich has 92.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Munich: £3,096/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 1, while Munich wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.