Cost of living · London · 2026 Edition

Cost of Living in London:
Where Does Your Paycheck Go?
Let's Find Out.

An interactive breakdown of where London incomes actually go — and what changes when you solve the one variable that matters most.

$2,400/momedian 1BR rent

~32% effectiveincome tax

0.89×vs Silicon Valley

Cost of living in London: the numbers

In London, the median one-bedroom rent is $2,400 per month, income tax is about 32% effective, and overall costs run about 0.88× Silicon Valley. A typical single tech salary here is around $130,000. This interactive calculator breaks down where that paycheck goes — taxes, housing (rent or own), childcare, and everyday living expenses — and shows what's left over each month. It also compares London with 12 other cities, from San Francisco to Tokyo. See the full multi-city calculator.

The calculator requires JavaScript. Without it, you can still explore the research behind it:

Your Housing Situation

after taxes · 401(k) · housing · all living expenses

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