Do you know how big the difference of the cost of living in London vs NYC (New York City) is? London and NYC are both world-class cities which provide high-quality education and various career opportunities. According to the 2022 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living Index, London ranks 28th in the world’s most expensive cities, while New York is ranked as the one of the most expensive cities. So who is the winner in the NYC vs London cost of living? This guide will show in detail the expenditure on all aspects of life in London and NYC, hoping to help you gain an in-depth understanding of these two popular cities!
Cost of Living in London vs NYC: An Overview
The cost of living in New York is higher than London. It would cost approximately £7,600 to maintain the same lifestyle as about £5,760 would get you in London, according to data collection project Numbeo. This table will show the comparison and average amount of major cost of living in New York vs London.
| Total Cost of Living Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Expense Category | London(Average Per Month) | NYC(Average Per Month） |
| Food and Dining | £560–£750 | £600–£840 |
| Student Accommodation (Shared) | £900–£1,700 | £1,080–£2,960 |
| Transportation | £160 | £102 |
| Health Care | NHS, mostly free | £160–£400 |
| Total Cost | £1,620–£2,610 | £1,942–£4,302 |
Cost of Living in London vs NYC: Food and Dining
A large cost of living NYC vs London is eating. Three meals a day, whether you choose to cook by yourself or eat out, it will cost a lot of money. After all, the price is very high. Therefore, the cost of meals in London and New York can be roughly divided into two parts: the cost of dining out and the cost of grocery for cooking at home.
Expense of Eating Out
| Cost of Dining Out | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | London | NYC |
| Meal (inexpensive Restaurant) | £18.83 | £21.86 |
| Meal (Mid-range Restaurant) | £80.00 | £102.39 |
| McDonalds | £8.00 | £8.78 |
| Beer(Domestic） | £6.48 | £5.85 |
| Cappuccino | £3.83 | £4.28 |
| Coke/Pepsi | £2.10 | £2.42 |
| Water | £1.32 | £1.86 |
In London, if you go out to eat, generally speaking, a meal in a medium-priced restaurant costs about £15 to £30. And if you want to eat in a more upscale restaurant, a meal may cost £40 to £80. Of course, the prices of street snacks and fast food are much cheaper and affordable. For example, a portion of fish and chips or a hamburger costs about £5 to £10.
In New York, most restaurants are more expensive than in London, whether it is a cheap restaurant or a medium-priced restaurant. Even the price of drinks is the same. The price of a meal in a regular restaurant is usually $20 to $40 (£16-£32). Then the price of the corresponding high-end restaurant will be more expensive, which may reach $50 to $100 (£40-£80). Of course, you can also choose snacks such as pizza and hot dogs, which only cost about $2 to $5 (£1.6-£4).
Expense of Purchasing Groceries
For people who attend university in London and New York, the cost of eating out is not a small amount. Therefore, more people will choose a more economical way to eat, such as cooking at home. Then you need to buy food in a supermarket or grocery store.
In terms of eating out, London is cheaper than New York. And the prices of most food or various miscellaneous goods also show this trend. The following is a comparison of the prices of some common foods in London and New York.
| Cost of Grocery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | London | NYC |
| Milk(1 liter) | £1.30 | £1.16 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | £1.64 | £3.67 |
| Rice (1kg) | £1.86 | £6.05 |
| Eggs (12) | £3.64 | £5.26 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | £7.96 | £12.55 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £6.4 | £11.76 |
| Beef Round (1kg) | £10.37 | £14.58 |
| Apples(1kg) | £2.49 | £5.42 |
| Banana(1kg) | £1.44 | £1.84 |
| Tomato(1kg) | £2.69 | £4.66 |
| Potato(1kg) | £1.20 | £2.74 |
In short, compared with the cost of living in New York, London is more affordable in terms of food. However, the food culture of both cities is quite wonderful, combining a variety of delicacies from all over the world. You can freely choose according to your budget and taste preferences.
Cost of Living in London vs NYC: Student Accommodation
In the comparison of the cost of living New York vs London, a large part focuses on rent. For people who attend university in these two cities, it is also extremely important to choose a suitable student apartment. The following is a comparison of housing spending in London and New York.
| Cost of Accommodation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | London（Average Per Month) | NYC(Average Per Month) |
| Apartment (1B) in City Centre | £2208.07 | £2,967.47 |
| Apartment (1B) Outside of Centre | £1,654.81 | £1,853.33 |
| Apartment (3B) in City Centre | £4,120.97 | £6,012.52 |
| Apartment (3B) Outside of Centre | £2,750.79 | £3,822.38 |
| Student Apartment | £800–£1,500 | £960–£2,800 |
| Basic Utilities(Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage） | £239.09 | £134.00 |
| Internet(60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £31.93 | £46.33 |
Student Accommodation in London
As an international metropolis, the price of student apartments in London is mostly related to the location of residence. The closer you live to the city centre, the more expensive the rent will be. Generally speaking, the price of an apartment in Zone1 is as high as £700 to £1,200 per month. For students with limited budgets, they generally choose apartments located in Zone 2 or Zone 3, and the rent is about £500 to £800 per month. If you live in a suburb like East or South London, you only need to pay £400 to £600 a month in rent.
It should be noted that housing expenditure not only includes the rent, but also the cost of the water and electricity grid, which is usually not included in the rent and requires an additional payment, about £80 to £150 per month, depending on the size of the room and the usage of the tenant. Then choosing a student accommodation in London with a rent including water and electricity grid fees will not only save trouble but also be more cost-effective.
Student Accommodation in New York City
The price of student housing in New York is generally higher. The monthly rent for student apartments in Manhattan is usually between $1,500 and $3,000 (£1,200-£2,400), while the rent in Brooklyn and Queens in the outer city is slightly cheaper, at about $900 to $2,000 (£720-£1,600) per month. Under the influence of high rents, more students will choose to share a house. Apartments in New York usually do not include water grid fees, which requires an additional monthly cost of about $100 to $200 (£80-£160) for water and electricity and $40-70 (£32-£56) for internet.
Cost of Living in London vs NYC: Transportation
So how about the comparison of transportation expenses in London vs NY? Living in these two internationalised metropolises, whether you attend university, go to work or travel on a daily basis, you need to choose transportation. The following is a comparison of transportation in living expenses in London and New York.
| Cost of Transportation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | London | NYC |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £ 3.00 | £ 2.12 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £ 186.09 | £ 96.53 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £ 4.40 | £ 3.65 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | £ 2.50 | £ 1.59 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | £ 1.43 | £ 0.68 |
London's Public Transportation
London’s public transportation is very developed and is known as one of the most complete public transportation in the world. Whether it is the underground (tube), bus or bicycle rental system, it is widely popular.
- Underground(Subway)
The London Underground is especially popular in the city centre. The one-way ticket price for adults is about £3, while students can use the “Student Oyster Card” and other discounts, or use Contactless to pay for greater discounts. The price of a monthly ticket and a 7-day pass is usually between £100 and £160, depending on your region. - Bus
London’s bus routes are also widely covered, and the ticket price is cheaper than that of the subway. The adult ticket price is about £1.65, and the “daily cap price” system is adopted, that is, you only need to pay up to £4.95 to ride unlimited times a day. For students, if they choose the right transportation card, it will be cheaper to travel by bus. - Bicycle
The Santander bicycle rental system is also very convenient and affordable to use. You only need to pay £2 for the first 30 minutes, and after more than 30 minutes, you need to pay an additional fee for every half hour.
- Underground(Subway)
New York's Public Transportation
New York’s transportation system is equally complex and diverse. In addition to the subway, taxis, buses and shared bicycles are common travel options. However, the cost of transportation in New York is generally high, especially for taxis and taxi apps.
- Underground(Subway)
The New York subway covers all major areas in and around Manhattan. The one-way ticket price is $2.65 (£2.12), while the monthly ticket is about $127 (£101.60), which is suitable for frequent travellers. However, some old lines of the New York subway are not well maintained, and delays may occur. - Bus
The fare of buses in New York is the same as that of the subway. It is more suitable for short-distance or connected to subway stations, but it often faces traffic jams. - Taxi
Taxis in New York are higher, starting at $2.50 (£2). The charge is about $0.5 (£0.4) for each additional 0.2 miles. There will be an additional charge during the peak hours. If you choose taxi-ailing software such as Uber or Lyft, it will be slightly cheaper. - Bicycle
New York’s bicycle-sharing system is similar to that of London, and the cost of renting a bicycle is $12 (£9.6) per day. Or 4 dollars (£3.2) per hour.
- Underground(Subway)
Cost of Living in London vs NYC: Health Care
Medical insurance is a topic of concern to every resident. The medical services in London and New York are relatively developed, but the systems are different, and the medical costs are also different.
London's Medical System: NHS-oriented
London’s medical system mainly relies on the British National Health Service System (NHS), which is one of the largest public health care systems in the world.
- The NHS provides almost free medical care to all people who live legally in the UK. International students with valid visas need to pay an immigrant health surcharge (IHS) of about £470 per year when applying for a visa, and can enjoy comprehensive NHS medical services, including hospital treatment, medical consultation, emergency and mental health services.
- The NHS will provide free family doctor (GP) services, and routine check-ups and health consultations can be provided by registering a local GP. International students only need to pay £9.35 a year for medicine.
- The emergency service is free of charge. It should be noted that dental treatment and ophthalmic services are not entirely included in the NHS. The cost of dental services in the NHS is relatively high, ranging from £20 to £200, depending on the type of treatment. In addition, the cost of glasses or contact lenses is also at your own expense.
New York's Medical System: Private Medical Care
New York’s medical system is quite different from London’s. The U.S. medical system mainly relies on private insurance and hospitals.
- Although some public medical services are also provided, overall, the cost of medical care in New York is relatively high. Most international students need to purchase medical insurance. If they purchase medical insurance through a school, they usually need to pay $1,500 to $3,000 (£1,200-£2,400), depending on the university and the type of insurance plan chosen.
- These insurances usually cover basic hospital treatment, outpatient treatment and emergency services. It should be noted that the coverage of different insurance plans is different, and you need to understand clearly before purchasing.
- Emergency services in the United States are not cheaper, and even with insurance, they need to pay between $500 and $2,000 (£400–£600). The average cost of a regular doctor’s appointment without insurance is between $100 and $300 (£80-£240). Without insurance, the price of drugs is often very high. Even with insurance, students need to pay $10 to $50 (£8-£40) for out-of-paid drugs.
- Dental and ophthalmology services in New York are usually included in the standard medical insurance, requiring additional insurance or out-of-charge. The cost of dental treatment ranges from $100 to $500 (£80-£400), and the cost of eye examination and glasses is also between $100 and $300 (£80-£240).
Quality of Life: London vs NYC—Which is Better for Students
1.Safety
- In recent years, the issue of youth gang violence in downtown London needs attention. Avoiding walking alone in unfamiliar neighbourhoods at night can effectively reduce the risk of crime. Of course, living in a safe student accommodation in London also helps. The public security management in London is generally well done. The police attach great importance to community safety, and public security is guaranteed.
- In recent decades, the public security situation in New York has improved significantly. However, in some areas of New York, such as the Bronx and Harlin, there is still a possibility of crimes such as robbery and theft. The rapid response of the community police measures have greatly improved public security.
2. Weather
- London is oceanic climate with mild changes in the four seasons; the temperature in summer is 15-25 degrees Celsius, and the temperature in winter is 2-8 degrees Celsius; precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, and drizzle and cloudy days are relatively common, adding a wet and cold atmosphere to the city.
- The four seasons in New York are distinct, and the extreme seasonal changes are more obvious; the temperature in summer is 30-35 degrees Celsius, and the temperature in winter is -5 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius; the climate is pleasant in spring and autumn.
3. Air Quality
- The air quality in London has improved in recent years. This is due to a series of environmental protection policies and traffic control measures adopted by the government. However, since London is a densely populated city, factors such as traffic congestion, industrial emissions and dust from construction sites still lead to poor air quality in local areas, especially in the city centre and busy areas.
The air quality situation in New York is relatively complicated. Overall, the air pollution value in New York City is at the lower-middle level among large cities in the United States. New York’s air quality is often affected by factors such as traffic emissions, construction sites and industrial pollution.
4. Public Facilities
London’s public facilities focus on green and service quality.
- Educational facilities: London is rich in educational resources which are suitable for students with all kinds of needs. Public libraries are very common, providing free reading resources and learning environments. Many public libraries also regularly organise cultural activities such as lectures.
- Leisure facilities: There are many parks and green spaces in downtown London, such as the famous Hyde Park and Hampton Palace Gardens, which provide a place for residents to breathe fresh air, exercise and socialise. Many public leisure facilities are open to the public, such as various sports fields, swimming pools, basketball courts, etc. Many communities have their own sports clubs, and residents can conveniently exercise and exercise.
- New York’s public facilities pay attention to the coexistence of modernisation and diversification.
- Educational facilities: New York has many well-known universities and colleges. For basic education, New York City’s public school system covers the majority of residents. New York’s libraries and community education facilities are also rich, especially the New York Public Library, one of the largest public libraries in the world, providing free lending services to the public.
- Leisure facilities: There are many public parks in New York City, the most famous of which is Central Park. It is a huge green space, offering various leisure activities such as running, cycling and boating. In addition, public sports facilities in New York are also very complete. There are open basketball courts, tennis courts, etc. in every community in the city.
5. Cultural Life
London:the Fusion of History and Modernity
- Museums and art galleries: The world’s top museums and art galleries, such as the British Museum, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery, etc., provide rich art and historical exhibitions. Many museums are open to the public free of charge, making London a paradise for cultural lovers. Whether it is the relics of ancient civilisation or the pioneers of contemporary art, museums and galleries in London can give people a chance to appreciate the charm of art around the world.
- Theatre and music performances: The West End of London is a world-renowned theatre and musical centre, performing classic plays such as Les Miserables, Cat and The Lion King. In addition, London also has many concert halls and small theatres, offering various styles of music performances and dance plays to meet the needs of different audiences. The annual London Film Festival is also a not-missable event for fans.
- Nightlife and bar culture: London’s nightlife is dominated by bars and restaurants, and its unique underground music culture and night performances provide young people with rich entertainment options. Jazz bars, electronic music clubs and street art performances in the city make up London’s unique nightlife landscape.
New York: Vitality and Diversity
- Broadway and musicals: Broadway is one of the most famous theatre districts in the world and is a holy place for plays and musicals. Classic masterpieces such as Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera often attract thousands of audiences. Similar to the West End of London, Broadway in New York offers high-level performances, but compared with London, New York’s theatre performances are more focused on innovation and modern themes.
- Museum and art exhibition: Cultural venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of Art in New York display a variety of works from ancient art to modern art, from classic to pioneer. New York’s museums also keep pace with the times, regularly holding some cross-border art exhibitions or popular culture exhibitions, making the perfect combination of art and popular culture.
- Nightlife and street culture: New York’s nightlife is uniquely vibrant around the world. From Manhattan to Brooklyn, there are bars, restaurants, nightclubs and Latin dance venues. Especially in Brooklyn, a large number of independent music and underground art venues have emerged, attracting young people and creative groups. New York’s street culture is equally vibrant. From street graffiti to subway concerts, the city has maintained its infinite vitality.
Conclusion
When comparing the cost of living in NYC vs London, it is clear that both cities have their own advantages and challenges, especially for students.
London is relatively affordable in terms of rent, public transportation and medical care, especially international students can enjoy free medical services through the NHS. However, the cost of housing in London is still very high, especially in the city centre, and the changeable weather may have some impact on life.
New York offers more options in terms of entertainment, shopping and career opportunities, but high rents, especially in popular areas such as Manhattan, are a major challenge for students to face. Although New York’s public transportation system is very convenient and culturally rich, medical costs are high and additional budgets are required to purchase insurance.
FAQ
How much is the London cost of living vs New York?
The cost of living in NYC is generally higher than in London, especially in terms of rent, groceries, and dining out. However, London can be more expensive for public transport and some services. Both cities have a high cost of living but in different areas. The total monthly cost of London is about £1,620–£2,610, and NYC is about £1,942–£4,302.
Is it more expensive to live in NYC or London for international students?
In general, the life expenses of NYC is much higher for international students than that of London, especially when it comes to rent, healthcare, and daily living costs. NYC is generally more expensive for international students compared to London. The biggest differences come in rent costs, healthcare (due to expensive insurance), and dining out. While both cities offer high-quality public transportation and cultural experiences, students in London can benefit from the affordable healthcare provided by the NHS and slightly lower living costs in certain areas.If affordability is a key concern, London may be the better choice, especially for students who need to balance a tight budget.
Is rent more expensive in NYC or London?
NYC tends to be slightly more expensive when it comes to rent, particularly in areas like Manhattan and some parts of Brooklyn. However, outer boroughs and shared accommodation can offer more affordable options.
London rents, especially in central areas, are not far behind NYC, but for a similar standard of living, rent prices in outer London can often be more affordable than comparable areas in NYC. Additionally, rent in London’s shared accommodations can be cheaper than NYC, making it a more cost-effective option for students or individuals looking to share apartments.
Ultimately, both cities offer high rent costs, but NYC is generally considered more expensive than London, especially in terms of central locations and larger apartments.
Which city is richer: NYC or London?
NYC is likely the richer city in terms of overall economic size, financial dominance, and real estate value. Its economy is larger, and its financial market plays a more prominent global role. New York also has a higher average income and attracts more international investment in finance, real estate, and technology.
London is also extremely wealthy and influential, particularly in finance, technology, and culture, but its GDP is slightly smaller, and its real estate market has been more affected by global events like Brexit.
Is NYC or London better to live in as a student?
If you’re looking for affordability, London might be a better choice due to lower rent and healthcare costs.
If you’re drawn to career opportunities, especially in finance or media, NYC might offer an edge with its global networking potential.
Ultimately, both cities offer great opportunities, and your decision will depend on your academic goals, career aspirations, and the type of experience you’re seeking as a student.
Is New York or London safer?
New York City has made tremendous progress in reducing violent crime, but still experiences occasional incidents of petty crime, particularly in crowded areas.
London has lower overall violent crime rates than NYC, though it faces challenges with knife crime in certain areas. The city also offers a high level of public safety through its well-managed police forces and visible presence.
