🇺🇸 New York vs 🇬🇧 London
Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
London is 12% cheaper than New York
Quick answer
Comparing New York, United States and London, United Kingdom: a moderate single-person monthly budget is approximately $3,000 in New York versus $2,650 in London. London is roughly 12% cheaper overall. Estimates use World Bank PPP data + national statistics + (where available) item-level price snapshots.
Key facts
- Moderate budget: $3,000/mo in New York single person — rent + food + transport + utilities.
- Moderate budget: $2,650/mo in London single person — like-for-like comparison.
- Cheaper overall: London ~12% cheaper than New York.
- Source World Bank ICP + national statistics · CC BY 4.0.
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | 🇺🇸 New York | 🇬🇧 London | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $2,100/mo | $1,850/mo | -12% |
| Moderate | $3,000/mo | $2,650/mo | -12% |
| Comfortable | $4,500/mo | $4,000/mo | -11% |
Estimates for a single person. Based on World Bank PPP data and national statistics.
Cost Breakdown by Category
| Category | 🇺🇸 New York | 🇬🇧 London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $1,050/mo | $2,200/mo | +110% |
| Groceries & Food | $600/mo | $530/mo | -12% |
| Dining Out | $300/mo | $300/mo | 0% |
| Transport | $300/mo | $227/mo | -24% |
| Utilities & Internet | $300/mo | $265/mo | -12% |
| Healthcare | $240/mo | $212/mo | -12% |
| Leisure & Personal | $210/mo | $186/mo | -11% |
Housing (1-bed, center)
New York
$1,050
London
$2,200
Groceries & Food
New York
$600
London
$530
Dining Out
New York
$300
London
$300
Transport
New York
$300
London
$227
Utilities & Internet
New York
$300
London
$265
Healthcare
New York
$240
London
$212
Leisure & Personal
New York
$210
London
$186
Quick Facts
🇺🇸 New York
- Monthly cost (moderate)
- $3,000
- Safety index
- 39/100(concerns)
- Healthcare index
- 78/100
- Country
- United States
🇬🇧 London
- Monthly cost (moderate)
- $2,650
- 1-bed rent (center)
- $2,200/mo
- Cappuccino
- $4.20
- Inexpensive meal
- $15.00
- Monthly transit pass
- $227
- Internet speed
- 120 Mbps
- Safety index
- 68/100(moderately safe)
- Healthcare index
- 90/100
- Country
- United Kingdom
Explore more: New York city guide | London city guide | United States | United Kingdom
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or London cheaper to live in?
London is approximately 12% cheaper than New York overall.
How much does it cost to live in New York per month?
A moderate monthly budget for a single person in New York is approximately $3,000, including rent, food, transport, and utilities.
How much does it cost to live in London per month?
A moderate monthly budget for a single person in London is approximately $2,650, including rent, food, transport, and utilities.
What is the rent difference between New York and London?
Rent varies significantly by neighborhood. Use our cost of living calculator for detailed estimates.