Berlin vs London on €80,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, a single employee takes home €4,004 a month in Berlin (60% of gross) and £4,118 a month in London on the equivalent £67,000 (74%), after income tax and social security contributions.
London is 56% more expensive than Berlin overall (cost-of-living index 81.6 vs 52.4, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about £2,145 a month in London and €1,312 in Berlin, which leaves £1,974 and €2,692 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £4,472 a month in London: £354 a month more than this salary pays.
By category, groceries cost 7% more in London than in Berlin, eating out 29% more and rent 90% more.
| Berlin | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | €80,000 | £67,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | €4,004 | £4,118 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | €1,312 | £2,145 |
| Left after rent | €2,692 | £1,974 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 52.4 | 81.6 |
How each figure is taxed: Germany tax calculator and United Kingdom tax calculator; prices: cost of living in Berlin and in London. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Berlin vs London
Is London, United Kingdom more expensive than Berlin, Germany?
London, United Kingdom is 56% more expensive than Berlin, Germany overall. On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, you take home €4,004 a month in Berlin, Germany and £4,118 a month in London, United Kingdom after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in London, United Kingdom vs Berlin, Germany?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Berlin, Germany and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £354 a month more than this salary leaves in London, United Kingdom, because of its 56% higher cost of living.
What taxes will I pay in United Kingdom vs Germany?
On €80,000 gross a year you take home €4,004 a month in Germany and £4,118 a month in United Kingdom. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.