Moving Abroad2 min check

Cost of Living Comparator

Estimate how your monthly cost of living might change after moving — across rent, food, utilities and transport.

Short answer

Cost-of-living differences between London and major expat destinations: Sydney +5–10%, Auckland −5%, Dubai −15% (no income tax = +30% net), Singapore +20% rent, similar groceries, Lisbon −35%, Madrid −30%, Berlin −25%, Toronto −10%, New York +25%. Rent dominates the difference (40–55% of household spend in expensive cities).

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How it works

The comparator uses Numbeo, Mercer and ECA cost-of-living indices to estimate the equivalent monthly spend for the same lifestyle in each city. It splits the answer into rent, groceries, transport, eating out, utilities and childcare so you can see where the money goes.

Worked example

£4,500/month London lifestyle = ~£3,200/month equivalent in Lisbon, ~£4,800 in Sydney, ~£5,600 in New York, ~£3,800 in Dubai (but tax-free salary makes net position much better).

Who should use this

•People comparing 2-3 potential destinations
•Negotiating an expat package
•Checking 'real' value of a foreign salary offer
•Retirees deciding where to settle

Common mistakes

×Comparing gross salary not net (Dubai/Monaco crush UK on tax)
×Forgetting school fees if leaving the state-school system
×Ignoring private healthcare costs in the US/Singapore
×Underestimating depreciation of UK rental income vs foreign costs

Frequently asked questions

Is Dubai really cheaper?▾

Day-to-day costs are similar to London, but no income tax means a ~30% net pay rise on the same gross salary.

What about Portugal?▾

Lisbon and Porto are ~35% cheaper but the Non-Habitual Resident tax regime closed to new entrants in 2024.

Hidden costs I'll miss?▾

Health insurance, schooling, car (US/AU/NZ require one), and visiting family flights.

Related calculators

Moving Abroad Cost Calculator →Tax Residency Checker →Visa Eligibility Checker →International School Fees →