London vs New York 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 £4,747 a month in London (71% of gross) and $6,196 a month in New York on the equivalent $106,000 (70%), after income tax and social security contributions.
New York is 27% more expensive than London overall (cost-of-living index 100 vs 78.9, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about $4,471 a month in New York and £2,145 in London, which leaves $1,725 and £2,602 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about $6,763 a month in New York: $567 a month more than this salary pays.
By category, groceries cost 40% more in New York than in London, eating out 7% more and rent 53% more.
| London | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | £80,000 | $106,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | £4,747 | $6,196 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | £2,145 | $4,471 |
| Left after rent | £2,602 | $1,725 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 78.9 | 100 |
How each figure is taxed: United Kingdom tax calculator and United States tax calculator; prices: cost of living in London and in New York. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about London vs New York
Is New York, NY, United States more expensive than London, United Kingdom?
New York, NY, United States is 27% more expensive than London, United Kingdom overall. On a gross salary of £80,000 a year, you take home £4,747 a month in London, United Kingdom and $6,196 a month in New York, NY, United States after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in New York, NY, United States vs London, United Kingdom?
Keeping the same standard of living as in London, United Kingdom and saving 15% of your pay would cost about $567 a month more than this salary leaves in New York, NY, United States, because of its 27% higher cost of living.
What taxes will I pay in United States vs United Kingdom?
On £80,000 gross a year you take home £4,747 a month in United Kingdom and $6,196 a month in United States. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.