Boston
London

Boston vs London — Cost of Living Comparison

Boston
United States
VS
London
United Kingdom
Similar cost of living

Boston

$3,700

avg. monthly cost

Population

675,647

Safety

53/100

Quality

66/100

Cost
88
Safety
53
Life
66

London

$3,850

avg. monthly cost

Population

8,982,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

70/100

Cost
92
Safety
55
Life
70

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Similar cost of living

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Boston

$3,700

estimated per month

London

$3,850

estimated per month

Difference

+4.1%

Monthly savings

$150

Yearly savings

$1,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$78,041

+$3,041/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBostonLondonDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,800.00$2,200.00
-21.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$2,000.00$1,550.00
-22.5%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$5,400.00$3,900.00
-27.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$3,500.00$2,600.00
-25.7%
ItemBostonLondonDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$22.00$18.00
-18.2%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$100.00$80.00
-20.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$12.00$9.00
-25.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.35$1.30
-3.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$4.20$1.40
-66.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.00$1.80
-64.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$4.60$3.20
-30.4%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$13.50$8.50
-37.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$2.50
-54.5%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.85$1.40
-24.3%
ItemBostonLondonDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$90.00$185.00
+105.6%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.40$3.50
+45.8%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$2.60$4.50
+73.1%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.00$2.20
+10.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.05$1.85
+76.2%
ItemBostonLondonDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$185.00$250.00
+35.1%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$50.00$25.00
-50.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$65.00$38.00
-41.5%
ItemBostonLondonDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$240.00$75.00
-68.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$195.00$95.00
-51.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$52.00$12.00
-76.9%
ItemBostonLondonDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$65.00$55.00
-15.4%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$16.00$16.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$5.25$4.50
-14.3%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$8.00$7.50
-6.2%
ItemBostonLondonDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$52.00$78.00
+50.0%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$42.00$42.00
0.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$92.00$95.00
+3.3%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Boston vs London

Is Boston or London more expensive?
London is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 92 compared with 88 for Boston.
How much cheaper is Boston than London?
Living in Boston is around 4% cheaper than London, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Boston and London?
Boston scores 88 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while London scores 92 — where New York City equals 100.