About this calculator
The Cost of Living Calculator compares broad living-cost estimates between UK cities. It is useful when considering a move, remote-work salary trade-off, university location, job offer, or household budget change. The result is approximate because real costs depend heavily on housing, commuting, childcare, debt, and lifestyle.
Cost of living comparison method
The calculator compares the selected target-city index with the current-city index and applies that ratio to salary or monthly spending.
- cost ratio = target city index / current city index
- equivalent salary = current salary x cost ratio
- equivalent monthly spending = current monthly spending x cost ratio
How to use the cost of living calculator
- Choose the city where your current budget or salary is based.
- Choose the city you want to compare with.
- Enter current annual salary if you want an equivalent salary estimate.
- Enter current monthly spending if you want a budget comparison.
- Review the cost ratio and equivalent values.
- Adjust the result manually for rent, mortgage, commuting, or childcare if those are the main reason for moving.
Cost of living examples
Manchester to London
Input: Salary GBP 45,000, Manchester index 72, London index 100.
Calculation: GBP 45,000 x 100 / 72.
Result: The broad equivalent salary is about GBP 62,500.
London to Leeds
Input: Monthly spending GBP 3,000, London index 100, Leeds index 68.
Calculation: GBP 3,000 x 68 / 100.
Result: Equivalent monthly spending is about GBP 2,040 before personal adjustments.
Why housing dominates the result
Housing is often the largest difference between UK cities. A city index can give a quick comparison, but rent, mortgage rates, council tax band, commuting distance, and whether you share costs can matter more than the city average.
Costs to compare before moving
- Housing
- Rent, mortgage, deposit, service charges, and council tax.
- Transport
- Commuting, parking, rail fares, fuel, insurance, and whether a car is needed.
- Lifestyle
- Food, childcare, entertainment, gym, restaurants, social life, and support networks.
Salary is not the whole decision
A higher salary in a more expensive city may still improve career progression, pension contributions, or long-term opportunities. A lower salary in a cheaper city may improve quality of life. Use the calculator as a starting point for a full budget.
Common mistakes
- Comparing salary without comparing take-home pay.
- Ignoring commuting costs and travel time.
- Using average city costs when your housing situation is unusual.
- Forgetting moving costs, deposits, furnishing, and overlap rent.
Limitations
This is an approximate planning calculator using broad city indices. It is not an official cost-of-living measure and should be checked against current rents, bills, and personal circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Are the city indices official?
No. They are broad planning estimates designed for quick comparison, not official statistics.
Should I compare gross or take-home salary?
Take-home pay is better for budgeting, but gross salary can still help compare job offers.
Why does my real rent differ from the estimate?
Rent depends on neighbourhood, property size, tenancy timing, transport links, and household size.
Can this compare two lifestyles?
Only roughly. If lifestyle changes, build a fresh budget for the new location.
Should students use this?
Students can use it as a guide, but halls, maintenance loans, family support, and term-time work can change the result.
Related calculators
- Take-Home Pay Calculator
- Student Budget Calculator
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator