London vs Paris
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
London
Paris
The Verdict
Living in Paris costs 2.7% less than London. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in London, you would need $73,043 in Paris.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in London has the same purchasing power as $73,043 in Paris.
Conversely, $75,000 in Paris equals $77,009 in London.
Living in London vs Paris
Housing Costs
London's housing index of 162 is higher Paris's 155, translating to median home prices of $695,000 vs $695,000. The $0 difference in home prices means roughly $0 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,400/mo in London compared to $1,800/mo in Paris, a monthly difference of $600.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 92 in London and 98 in Paris. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in London vs $466/month in Paris. London offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $348/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 112 in London and 108 in Paris. Monthly utility bills average approximately $448 in London vs $432 in Paris. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 78 in London and 85 in Paris. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $55,000 in London and $48,000 in Paris. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $47,826 and $42,857 respectively. London residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,283/month to housing in London vs $1,120/month in Paris. In London, median rent of $2,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Paris, median rent of $1,800/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 20 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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