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London vs Berlin

Berlin runs about 26% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,043 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Exterior of Fotografiska Berlin on Oranienburger Straße showing the front facade of the building. ©PionStudio
Berlin
$3,008/month · Germany
Shaysd · CC BY-SA 4.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Berlin monthly
$3,008
Index 47 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-26%
Berlin relative to London
Rent gap
$1,150
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonBerlin
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Berlin $1,450. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Berlin $558. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Berlin $195. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Berlin $242. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Berlin $327. Cheaper in London.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Berlin $120. Cheaper in Berlin.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Berlin $115. Cheaper in London.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonBerlin
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD3,008 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6347✓
Housing2,600 USD1,450 USD✓
Utilities267 USD242 USD✓
Food617 USD558 USD✓
Transport282 USD195 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD✓327 USD
Lifestyle169 USD120 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD✓4,965 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%✓40.4%
Left over each month1,902 USD1,958 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓2,700 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD1,450 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD2,700 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD7,800 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/10068/100✓
Healthcare84/10084/100
Air quality60/10070/100✓
Public transport92/100✓90/100
Walkability90/100✓88/100
English proficiency100/100✓78/100
Nightlife94/10094/100
Family friendliness72/10078/100✓
Median broadband90 Mbps140 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature12°C11°C✓
Summer high23°C✓25°C
Winter low3°C✓-1°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h1,630 h✓
Annual rainfall600 mm570 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoYes✓
Beach access90 min✓None nearby
CurrencyGBPEUR
Time zoneEurope/LondonEurope/Berlin

Berlin runs about 26% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,043 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in BerlinConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Berlin cheaper?

Berlin runs about 26% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,043 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Berlin compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $4,965 in Berlin, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Berlin?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Berlin scores 68 and 84. London averages 12°C against 11°C in Berlin.