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Cost of Living in London

Is it better to rent or buy in London? 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.

$67,637
$927/mo

Median in area: $927

$208,236

Median in area: $208,236

$41,647

If you Rent

$1,135 /mo
Base Rent$927
Est. Utilities$208
% of Income20.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,501

If you Buy

$1,529 /mo
P&I (7.011%)$1,110
Taxes & Ins$211
Est. Utilities$208
% of Income27.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,108

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in London?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in London. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,135, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,529 per month (a difference of $394).

How much do utilities cost in London?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in London is approximately $208. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in London?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in London without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $45,400 per year.