Cost of living: London vs New York
London is about 18% cheaper than New York overall. Below: how the two cities compare across rent, groceries, transport, utilities and dining, with indicative monthly budgets.
Cost indices (New York = 100)
Indicative monthly costs (USD)
| London | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, centre) | $2,700 | $4,200 |
| Single person / month (excl. rent) | $1,200 | $1,650 |
| Family of four / month (excl. rent) | $4,300 | $5,800 |
London
High transport and utility costs; groceries cheaper than US peers.
New York
The baseline city for these comparisons; among the most expensive US metros for rent.
Frequently asked questions
Is London more expensive than New York?
London is about 18% cheaper than New York overall. These are indicative figures (New York = 100 for the overall index); actual costs depend on neighbourhood and lifestyle.
How much rent should I budget in London vs New York?
A central one-bedroom runs roughly $2,700/month in London and $4,200/month in New York (indicative).
What's a realistic monthly budget for a family of four?
Excluding rent, a family of four spends roughly $4,300/month in London and $5,800/month in New York (indicative).
Cost-of-living figures are indicative planning estimates (New York = 100 for indices; monthly amounts in USD), last reviewed 2026-06-21. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle and exchange rates.