Cost of Living Comparison
London vs Los Angeles
United Kingdom Europe
Standard lifestyle City center
difference
United States North America
Standard lifestyle City center
London vs Los Angeles: the verdict
London works out about 1% cheaper than Los Angeles for a standard lifestyle -- roughly $70 less every month, driven mainly by food. Los Angeles still comes out ahead on internet speed, so the cheaper city is not automatically the better fit.
Head-to-head breakdown
| Category | London | Los Angeles | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (standard) | $7,670 | $7,740 | London |
| Rent, city centre | $5,700 | $5,700 | Tie |
| Food (standard) | $1,350 | $1,500 | London |
| Public transport | $170 | $100 | Los Angeles |
| Coworking | $450 | $440 | Los Angeles |
| Safety index | 75/100 | 62/100 | London |
| Internet speed | 180 Mbps | 220 Mbps | Los Angeles |
| Healthcare | 88/100 | 87/100 | London |
| English proficiency | 100/100 | 100/100 | Tie |
| Nomad visa | No | No | Tie |
Monthly budget: lean to premium
Which should you choose?
London vs Los Angeles: FAQ
Is London cheaper than Los Angeles?
London is cheaper: a standard month costs about $7,670 there versus $7,740 in Los Angeles, a 1% difference.
How much does it cost to live in London vs Los Angeles?
Budget to premium, expect about $4,370-$9,920/month in London and $4,690-$9,840/month in Los Angeles, covering rent, food, transport and coworking.
Which is safer, London or Los Angeles?
London scores higher on safety (75/100 vs 62/100).
Does London or Los Angeles have a digital nomad visa?
Neither London nor Los Angeles currently offers a dedicated digital nomad visa -- standard tourist or long-stay visas apply.
Which is better for digital nomads, London or Los Angeles?
London rates better for remote work overall (nomad score 74/100, 180 Mbps).
Want a deeper comparison?
Use the full calculator -- add your income, choose your lifestyle and see purchasing power side by side.