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United Kingdom vs United States · Cost of Living 2025
Cost of Living Comparison · 2025

United Kingdom vs United States
Cost of Living Comparison 2025

United Kingdom and United States have very similar costs of living (within 0%). Both score close on the NYC=100 CoL Index (72 vs 72), making the choice more about lifestyle than budget.

World Bank 2025GlobalCostData Research Updated April 2026NYC Index = 100
🇬🇧
United Kingdom
72.1
CoL Index (NYC=100)
vs
🇺🇸
United States
71.8
CoL Index (NYC=100)
Cheaper option
Cheaper country
United States
0% less expensive
United Kingdom GNI
$61.5k
per capita
United States GNI
$86.0k
per capita
United Kingdom Inflation
3.3%
annual rate
United States Inflation
3.0%
annual rate
Expat Score A
1.1
/ 10
Expat Score B
0.9
/ 10

Side-by-Side Comparison

All indices: NYC = 100 baseline · Lower cost index = cheaper · ✓ = winner per metric

United Kingdom Metric United States
72.1
CoL Index ↓ lower = cheaper
71.8 ✓
28.4 ✓
Rent Index ↓ lower = cheaper
43.2
52.3 ✓
Groceries ↓ lower = cheaper
55.1
68.5
Restaurants ↓ lower = cheaper
67.3 ✓
$61.5k
GNI / Capita ↑ higher = wealthier
$86.0k ✓
3.3%
Inflation Rate ↓ lower = more stable
3.0% ✓
1.1 ✓
Expat Score ↑ higher = better
0.9
Full profile
Cost of Living in United Kingdom →
Full profile
Cost of Living in United States →

Budget Equivalency Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

United Kingdom vs United States cost of living

Is United Kingdom cheaper than United States?
No, United States is approximately 0% cheaper than United Kingdom based on the Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100). United Kingdom scores 72 vs United States at 72. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and housing choice.
How much cheaper is United States than United Kingdom?
United States is about 0% cheaper than United Kingdom overall. This means a $3,000/month budget in United Kingdom is roughly equivalent to $2988/month in United States in terms of purchasing power. Housing, food, and transport all tend to cost less in United States.
How do rent costs compare between United Kingdom and United States?
United Kingdom has lower average rent costs. Rent Index: United Kingdom = 28.4, United States = 43.2 (NYC = 100). City centres are significantly pricier than suburban areas in both countries. Expats typically find the best value by living slightly outside major urban cores.
Which country is better for expats, United Kingdom or United States?
Both United Kingdom and United States have merits for expats. United Kingdom edges ahead on Expat Score. The best choice depends on your priorities: United States offers lower daily costs, while lifestyle, climate, visa requirements, language, and community size are equally important factors for long-term relocation decisions.
Can I live comfortably in United States on $2,000/month?
With a cost of living index of 72 (NYC=100), United States is a moderately priced destination. A $2,000/month budget can cover a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, transport, and leisure in most cities — though major capitals may require more. See the full United States country profile for detailed monthly budget breakdowns.

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Tax Rates Comparison
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2025 · GlobalCostData Research 2025 · OECD Statistics. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.