In our extensive interactions with international candidates at Jobs and Visas, one recurring trend consistently emerges when we pose the question, "Where are you seeking employment in the UK?" The response is almost always "London". The allure of the capital city is undeniable, drawing in professionals from around the globe with its vibrant job market and cultural richness. However, as we delve deeper into the nuances of the cost of living across major UK cities, a compelling narrative unfolds, shedding light on the diverse economic landscapes and lifestyle considerations beyond the London-centric perspective.
Before we delve into the specifics, let's briefly outline the facets contributing to the cost of living in our discussion. Here's a rundown of the key factors:
Accommodation
Transportation
Grocery essentials
Utility bills (Electricity, Gas, Water)
Mobile communication expenses
Internet connectivity
Television services
Council Tax
Entertainment and Eating Out
These components form the crux of our analysis, shedding light on the comparative cost of living in various cities. Now, let's explore how these elements play out in different places.
Our cost-of-living estimates are based on the following assumptions:
The calculations are tailored for an individual's living expenses in rented or room-share accommodation.
We utilize the average rent for the city, considering both a 1-bedroom apartment and a room share in a 3-bedroom house or apartment.
Public transport is factored in, assuming the purchase of a monthly travel card. In the UK, cars are not deemed a necessity for many individuals.
Regarding Entertainment and Eating Out, we've taken into account the average annual household spending on eating out in 2023, which amounted to £1,320 per year or approximately £110 per month. Our estimates in this category are slightly generous, with adjustments based on the specific city.
For Television, ownership of a television necessitates payment of the BBC license fee, presently set at £159 per year. We also assume a subscription to Netflix.
Council Tax estimation is more intricate, relying on the average Council Tax for a particular city sourced from counciltaxrates.info.
It's important to note that these figures are provided as a guide only, recognising that individual circumstances may vary.
Instead of relying on average salaries, which can be highly job-specific, we've opted for a more tailored approach by considering the take-home pay for an individual across various gross annual income brackets. Specifically, we've examined scenarios with gross annual salaries of £30,000, £40,000, and £50,000. For context, the average UK salary hovers just below £35,000. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the net income as calculated using gov.uk tax estimator:
£30,000 | £40,000 | £50,000 | |
 Gross Per Month: | £2,500.00 | £3,333.33 | £4,166.67 |
Income Tax | £290.35 | £457.02 | £623.68 |
National Insurance | £145.25 | £228.58 | £311.92 |
Sub Total Tax: | £435.60 | £685.60 | £935.60 |
Take Home Pay: | £2,064.40 | £2,647.73 | £3,231.07 |
These figures illustrate the contrasting take-home pay for individuals with different gross annual salaries in both England and Wales, considering income tax and national insurance contributions.
Cost Comparision: Cities in England
Here's a breakdown of monthly expenses and the disposable income for various cities in the England, considering different accommodation options and lifestyle choices:
These figures provide a comparative view of the disposable income after deducting various expenses for different salaries in these cities.
Cost Comparison: London with cities in Wales
As we delve into the cost of living comparison between London and vibrant Welsh cities like Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and Barry, a compelling narrative unfolds—highlighting Wales as an incredibly affordable and attractive place to call home.
Cost Comparison: London with cities of Scotland
Before delving into the cost comparison, it's crucial to acknowledge that income tax rates in Scotland differ from the rest of the UK. Below, you'll find a table outlining the take-home pay specific to Scotland:
£30,000 | £40,000 | £50,000 | |
 Gross Per Month | £2,500.00 | £3,333.33 | £4,166.67 |
Income Tax | £292.13 | £467.13 | £752.89 |
National Insurance | £145.25 | £228.58 | £311.92 |
Sub Total Tax: | £437.38 | £695.71 | £1,064.81 |
Take Home Pay | £2,062.62 | £2,637.62 | £3,101.86 |
We look into the intricacies of the cost of living in Scotland's major cities—Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee. While the tax rates are marginally higher in Scotland, the cost of living is significantly less when compared with London. Edinburgh is the most expensive city in Scotland
Northern Ireland will follow in our next update.