New York 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 $4,880 a month in New York (73% of gross) and £3,780 a month in London on the equivalent £60,000 (76%), after income tax and social security contributions.
London is 18% cheaper than New York overall (cost-of-living index 81.6 vs 100, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about £2,145 a month in London and $4,471 in New York, which leaves £1,635 and $410 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £2,540 a month in London: this salary leaves £1,239 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 29% less in London than in New York, eating out 7% less and rent 35% less.
| New York | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | $80,000 | £60,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | $4,880 | £3,780 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | $4,471 | £2,145 |
| Left after rent | $410 | £1,635 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 100 | 81.6 |
How each figure is taxed: United States tax calculator and United Kingdom tax calculator; prices: cost of living in New York and in London. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about New York vs London
Is London, United Kingdom more expensive than New York, NY, United States?
London, United Kingdom is 18% cheaper than New York, NY, United States overall. On a gross salary of $80,000 a year, you take home $4,880 a month in New York, NY, United States and £3,780 a month in London, United Kingdom after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in London, United Kingdom vs New York, NY, United States?
Keeping the same standard of living as in New York, NY, United States, you could save about £1,239 a month (£14,872 a year) in London, United Kingdom on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in United Kingdom vs United States?
On $80,000 gross a year you take home $4,880 a month in United States and £3,780 a month in United Kingdom. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.