London vs Scranton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
London
Scranton
The Verdict
Living in Scranton costs 27.8% less than London. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in London, you would need $58,696 in Scranton.
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 $58,696 in Scranton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Scranton equals $95,833 in London.
Living in London vs Scranton
Housing Costs
London's housing index of 162 is higher Scranton's 65, translating to median home prices of $695,000 vs $195,000. The $500,000 difference in home prices means roughly $32,496 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $2,400/mo in London compared to $1,025/mo in Scranton, a monthly difference of $1,375.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 92 in London and 98 in Scranton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in London vs $466/month in Scranton. 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 102 in Scranton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $448 in London vs $408 in Scranton. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 78 in London and 90 in Scranton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $55,000 in London and $49,500 in Scranton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $47,826 and $55,000 respectively. Scranton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,283/month to housing in London vs $1,155/month in Scranton. In London, median rent of $2,400/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 97 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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