City Comparison · Updated May 2026
United Kingdom
COL index 87.6
Singapore
COL index 84.8
London vs Singapore — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Singapore is 3.2% cheaper than London for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| London | Metric | Singapore | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87.6 | Cost of living index | 84.8 | -3.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €37,714 | Net at €50,000 gross | €39,450 | +4.6% |
| €2,450 | Rent — 1BR centre | €3,280 | +33.9% |
| €3,333 | Monthly COL (single) | €4,256 | +27.7% |
| €43,053 | PPP — net / COL | €46,521 | +8.1% |
| 24.6% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 21.1% | -14.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in United Kingdom = €3,143 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Singapore, you would need roughly €46,191 gross in Singapore (≈ €3,042 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€2,450)
- −High cost of living (index 88)
- +Favourable tax rate (24.6%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (78.0%)
- −High cost of living (index 85)
- +Favourable tax rate (21.1%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (99.8%)
The verdict
Across the data, Singapore delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Singapore carries a lower cost-of-living index; Singapore has the lighter effective tax burden; Singapore wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Singapore edges it.
Frequently asked
Is London cheaper than Singapore?+
Singapore is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: London 87.6, Singapore 84.8 — a 3.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between London and Singapore?+
London sits at 87.6 on our COL index, Singapore at 84.8. That works out to roughly 3.2% — Singapore being the cheaper of the two.
Is London a good place to live compared to Singapore?+
It depends on priorities. London delivers €37,714 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 24.6% effective tax rate. Singapore delivers €39,450 at 21.1%. Centre 1-bed rent: €2,450 vs €3,280.
How do salaries compare in London vs Singapore?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €37,714/year (€3,143/month) in London and €39,450/year (€3,288/month) in Singapore.
Which city has lower taxes, London or Singapore?+
Singapore has the lower effective rate at €50,000: United Kingdom 24.6%, Singapore 21.1%.