Community Events
#8
of 124 cities
23 events on luma
Current value
United Kingdom
How do salaries and expenses in London compare to San Francisco?
This shows how far a software engineer's salary goes in London compared to San Francisco, taking into account both salary differences and cost of living.
Community Insights
NewLondon offers a world-class lifestyle at a high financial cost. For software engineers, it acts as a premier career accelerator in Europe, offering access to top-tier companies and a vibrant startup scene specifically in Fintech. However, the financial trade-off is stark: you will likely earn significantly less and save less than your peers in the US or Switzerland. The city is perfect for those who prioritize experiences, culture, and travel over maximizing a bank balance. The housing market is a major friction point, often requiring compromises on space and quality.
The sentiment is a mix of love for the city and frustration with the economy. Transplants often rave about the social life and "energy" of London but frequently complain about the "rental rat race" and the feeling of being "poor" despite a high-status job. Many treat it as a 5-10 year chapter to build a career and travel before moving to a lower-cost area or back home to settle down.
Rankings
Community Events
#8
of 124 cities
23 events on luma
Current value
Net Income
#29
of 124 cities
$86,251/yr
Current value
Comfortable Weather
#44
of 124 cities
50/100 weather score
Current value
How affordable is housing for a software engineer in London compared to San Francisco?
Enter your annual gross salary (before taxes) to see what you would need to earn in London to maintain the same standard of living.
Culture seekers and early-to-mid career engineers who want to accelerate their growth in a global hub. It is ideal for those who value walkability, public transport, and easy access to Europe over having a large house or a car. If you are from a region with a weaker tech scene, London is a massive upgrade in opportunity.
Savings maximizers and homebodies. If your primary goal is FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) or buying a large detached house quickly, you will likely be frustrated by the high taxes and cost of living. Engineers accustomed to US salaries often find the pay cut hard to swallow. Those prone to depression from lack of sunlight should also seriously reconsider.
Updated 11/29/2025
0–10 composite (higher is better) combining temperature comfort, sunshine hours, rainy-day count, and humid days. See methodology for weighting and data sources.
London has 23 Luma events listed.
55% fewer events than San Francisco.
Purchasing Power
#64
of 124 cities
Tax Rate
#66
of 124 cities
32%
Current value (lower is better)
Pollution Score
#83
of 124 cities
58.1/100
Current value (lower is better)
Home Affordability
#94
of 124 cities
≈13.3 yrs to buy 80m²
Current value
Safety Index
#96
of 124 cities
44.5/100
Current value
Cost of Living
#116
of 124 cities
79/100
Current value (lower is better)