London vs Paris 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 €5,114 a month in Paris on the equivalent €95,000 (65%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Paris is 28% cheaper than London overall (cost-of-living index 58.8 vs 81.6, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about €1,370 a month in Paris and £2,145 in London, which leaves €3,744 and £2,602 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about €3,446 a month in Paris: this salary leaves €1,669 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 7% more in Paris than in London, eating out 17% less and rent 41% less.
| London | Paris | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | £80,000 | €95,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | £4,747 | €5,114 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | £2,145 | €1,370 |
| Left after rent | £2,602 | €3,744 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 81.6 | 58.8 |
How each figure is taxed: United Kingdom tax calculator and France tax calculator; prices: cost of living in London and in Paris. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about London vs Paris
Is Paris, France more expensive than London, United Kingdom?
Paris, France is 28% cheaper 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 €5,114 a month in Paris, France after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Paris, France vs London, United Kingdom?
Keeping the same standard of living as in London, United Kingdom, you could save about €1,669 a month (€20,025 a year) in Paris, France on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in France vs United Kingdom?
On £80,000 gross a year you take home £4,747 a month in United Kingdom and €5,114 a month in France. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.