The Verdict
Living in Berlin is 22% cheaper than London.
If you move from Berlin to London, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Berlin, you would need to earn about $96,154 in London.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Berlin:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Berlin | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,380 | $3,500 | +$1,120 |
| Monthly groceries | $369 | $450 | +$81 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $263 | $350 | +$87 |
| Public transport pass | $114 | $130 | +$16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $200 | +$4 |
| Total Monthly | $3,322 | $4,630 | +$1,308 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (22% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential ($3,800/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in London to match a Berlin salary
| Salary in Berlin | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $64,103 | $14,103 more |
| $75,000 | $96,154 | $21,154 more |
| $100,000 | $128,205 | $28,205 more |
| $125,000 | $160,256 | $35,256 more |
| $150,000 | $192,308 | $42,308 more |
| $200,000 | $256,410 | $56,410 more |
Berlin vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 22%. Berlin is the more affordable option.
Rent: Berlin has a rent index of 68, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Berlin: $2,580/month vs London: $3,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Berlin wins 6, while London wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.