London vs Berlin — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| London | Berlin | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 85 | 70 |
| Rent index | 88 | 62 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | £2,200 | 1.300 € |
A £35,000 lifestyle in London needs about
28.824 €
in Berlin (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
London
By far the UK's most expensive city; rent dominates the gap to the rest of the country.
Berlin
Cheaper than Munich but rents have risen fast over the last decade.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the United Kingdom calculator and Germany calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is Berlin cheaper than London?
Berlin has an overall cost-of-living index of 70 versus London's 85, so it is cheaper by roughly 18%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in Berlin to match London?
To maintain a £35,000 lifestyle from London, you'd need roughly 28.824 € in Berlin, based on cost-of-living parity (before tax differences).
Estimate only — not tax advice. Figures are estimates based on publicly available tax rules and may not reflect your full circumstances. See our methodology & sources (last reviewed June 2026). Always confirm with an official tax authority or a licensed adviser before making decisions.