The Verdict
Living in London is 15% more expensive than Los Angeles.
If you move from London to Los Angeles, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in London, you would need to earn about $63,750 in Los Angeles.
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 London:
Why people love Los Angeles:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | London | Los Angeles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,500 | $2,975 | $-525 |
| Monthly groceries | $450 | $428 | $-22 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $350 | $315 | $-35 |
| Public transport pass | $130 | $137 | +$7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $200 | $180 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $4,630 | $4,034 | $-596 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
- Want lower overall living costs (15% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($4,800/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Los Angeles to match a London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,500 | $7,500 less |
| $75,000 | $63,750 | $11,250 less |
| $100,000 | $85,000 | $15,000 less |
| $125,000 | $106,250 | $18,750 less |
| $150,000 | $127,500 | $22,500 less |
| $200,000 | $170,000 | $30,000 less |
London vs Los Angeles: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 15%. Los Angeles is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Los Angeles has 85.
Average Salaries: London: $3,800/month vs Los Angeles: $4,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 1, while Los Angeles wins 5.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.