Paris vs London — Cost of Living
Rent, overall costs and the equivalent salary you'd need to keep your lifestyle.
| Paris | London | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost index | 80 | 85 |
| Rent index | 78 | 88 |
| 1-bed city-centre rent | 1 500 € | £2,200 |
A 40 000 € lifestyle in Paris needs about
£42,500
in London (cost-of-living parity, before tax)
Paris
France's highest salaries and rents by a wide margin.
London
By far the UK's most expensive city; rent dominates the gap to the rest of the country.
Remember that cost of living is only half the story — tax differs too. Check take-home pay with the France calculator and United Kingdom calculator, or use the interactive comparator.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Is London cheaper than Paris?
London has an overall cost-of-living index of 85 versus Paris's 80, so it is more expensive by roughly 6%, driven largely by rent.
+What salary do I need in London to match Paris?
To maintain a 40 000 € lifestyle from Paris, you'd need roughly £42,500 in London, 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.