The Verdict
Living in New York is 20% more expensive than Paris.
If you move from New York to Paris, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in New York, you would need to earn about £33,600 in Paris.
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 New York:
Why people love Paris:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | New York | Paris | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,600 | £2,300 | £-1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £368 | £322 | £-46 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £288 | £245 | £-43 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £141 | £-11 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £171 | £-27 |
| Total Monthly | £4,605 | £3,179 | £-1,426 |
* 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 (£4,345/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (20% 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
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Paris to match a New York salary
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in Paris | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £25,200 | £4,800 less |
| £40,000 | £33,600 | £6,400 less |
| £50,000 | £42,000 | £8,000 less |
| £60,000 | £50,400 | £9,600 less |
| £80,000 | £67,200 | £12,800 less |
| £100,000 | £84,000 | £16,000 less |
New York vs Paris: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Paris is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York has a rent index of 180, while Paris has 115.
Average Salaries: New York: £4,345/month vs Paris: £2,666/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, New York wins 0, while Paris wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.