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Cost of Living in England

Is it better to rent or buy in England? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$46,875
$760/mo

Median in area: $760

$92,700

Median in area: $92,700

$18,540

If you Rent

$937 /mo
Base Rent$760
Est. Utilities$177
% of Income24.0%
Pre-tax Residual$2,969

If you Buy

$792 /mo
P&I (7.078%)$497
Taxes & Ins$118
Est. Utilities$177
% of Income20.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,114

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in England?

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in England. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $937, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $792 per month (a difference of $145).

How much do utilities cost in England?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in England is approximately $177. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in England?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in England without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $37,480 per year.