The Verdict
Living in New York is 20% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from New York to Zurich, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in New York, you would need to earn about £46,400 in Zurich.
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 Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | New York | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,600 | £3,300 | £-300 |
| Monthly groceries | £368 | £473 | +£105 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £288 | £375 | +£87 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £208 | +£56 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £216 | +£18 |
| Total Monthly | £4,605 | £4,572 | £-33 |
* 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 (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/mo avg)
- 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 Zurich to match a New York salary
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £34,800 | £4,800 more |
| £40,000 | £46,400 | £6,400 more |
| £50,000 | £58,000 | £8,000 more |
| £60,000 | £69,600 | £9,600 more |
| £80,000 | £92,800 | £12,800 more |
| £100,000 | £116,000 | £16,000 more |
New York vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. New York is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York has a rent index of 180, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: New York: £4,345/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, New York wins 5, while Zurich wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.