Cost of Living Calculator – US vs UK
Adjust your monthly expenses to compare the cost of living in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Housing (Monthly Rent)
$1200
Groceries
$300
Dining Out
$150
Utilities
$150
Transportation
$75
Here’s a comprehensive table comparing the cost of living between the United States and the United Kingdom, based on the provided data:
| Category | United States | United Kingdom | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,454 | $2,292 | 7% lower in UK |
| Cost of living (family) | $5,738 | $5,537 | 3.5% lower in UK |
| Rent (single person) | $1,565 | $1,425 | 9% lower in UK |
| Rent (family) | $2,755 | $2,546 | 7.6% lower in UK |
| Food expenses | $624 | $534 | 14.4% lower in UK |
| Transport expenses | $102 | $168 | 64.7% higher in UK |
| Monthly salary after tax | $4,635 | $3,442 | 25.7% lower in UK |
| GDP per capita | $81,695 | $48,867 | 40.2% lower in UK |
| Life expectancy | 77.4 years | 82.1 years | 4.7 years higher in UK |
| Utility costs | Higher | Lower | ~50% higher in UK |
| Internet costs | Higher | Lower | 47% cheaper in UK |
| Gasoline prices (per gallon) | $3.45 | $8.18 | 137% higher in UK |
| Healthcare | Private insurance | National Health Service | Subsidized in UK |
| Education costs (private) | Higher | Lower | Varies by institution |
| Overall cost of living index | Higher | 7.73% lower than US | UK more affordable |
Key Takeaways
- Overall Cost: The UK is generally more affordable, with a cost of living index 7.73% lower than the US2.
- Housing: Rent prices are lower in the UK, with both single-person and family accommodations costing less2.
- Food and Transport: Food expenses are lower in the UK, but transport costs are significantly higher2.
- Salaries: Monthly salaries after tax are considerably lower in the UK, which may offset some of the cost savings2.
- Healthcare: The UK offers subsidized healthcare through the National Health Service, potentially reducing overall healthcare costs1.
- Utilities and Internet: While utility costs are higher in the UK, internet services are significantly cheaper13.
- Education: Private education costs tend to be lower in the UK, though this can vary by institution3.
- Gasoline: Fuel costs are substantially higher in the UK, which contributes to higher transport expenses1.
- Life Expectancy: The UK has a higher life expectancy, which may be attributed to factors such as healthcare accessibility2.
It’s important to note that costs can vary significantly depending on specific locations within each country, particularly between urban and rural areas. Additionally, individual lifestyle choices and personal circumstances will impact the actual cost of living experienced by residents in either country13.