The Verdict
Living in Boston is 12% cheaper than London.
If you move from Boston 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 Boston, you would need to earn about $85,227 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 Boston:
Why people love London:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Boston | London | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,150 | $3,500 | +$350 |
| Monthly groceries | $414 | $450 | +$36 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $333 | $350 | +$17 |
| Public transport pass | $111 | $130 | +$19 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $220 | $200 | $-20 |
| Total Monthly | $4,227 | $4,630 | +$403 |
* 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 (12% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Want higher earning potential ($5,200/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 82/100)
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 Boston salary
| Salary in Boston | Equivalent in London | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,818 | $6,818 more |
| $75,000 | $85,227 | $10,227 more |
| $100,000 | $113,636 | $13,636 more |
| $125,000 | $142,045 | $17,045 more |
| $150,000 | $170,455 | $20,455 more |
| $200,000 | $227,273 | $27,273 more |
Boston vs London: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 12%. Boston is the more affordable option.
Rent: Boston has a rent index of 90, while London has 100.
Average Salaries: Boston: $5,200/month vs London: $3,800/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Boston wins 5, while London wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.