City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United Kingdom
COL index 87.6
France
COL index 76.3
London vs Paris — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Paris is 12.9% cheaper than London for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| London | Metric | Paris | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87.6 | Cost of living index | 76.3 | -12.9% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €37,714 | Net at €50,000 gross | €34,014 | -9.8% |
| €2,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,980 | -19.2% |
| €3,333 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,730 | -18.1% |
| €43,053 | PPP — net / COL | €44,579 | +3.5% |
| 24.6% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 32.0% | +30.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United Kingdom = €3,143 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Paris, you would need roughly €47,866 gross in France (≈ €2,737 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (78.0%)
- +Lower rent (€1,980 vs €2,450)
- −High cost of living (index 76)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (69.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, London delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Paris carries a lower cost-of-living index; London has the lighter effective tax burden; Paris wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Paris edges it.
Frequently asked
Is London cheaper than Paris?+
Paris is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: London 87.6, Paris 76.3 — a 12.9% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between London and Paris?+
London sits at 87.6 on our COL index, Paris at 76.3. That works out to roughly 12.9% — Paris being the cheaper of the two.
Is London a good place to live compared to Paris?+
It depends on priorities. London delivers €37,714 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 24.6% effective tax rate. Paris delivers €34,014 at 32.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,450 vs €1,980.
How do salaries compare in London vs Paris?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €37,714/year (€3,143/month) in London and €34,014/year (€2,834/month) in Paris.
Which city has lower taxes, London or Paris?+
United Kingdom has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United Kingdom 24.6%, France 32.0%.