Is London a good place to live?
London is the world's most international city — a global financial hub, the world's leading centre for theatre and contemporary art, and home to more top-ranked universities than any other city on earth. At €3,023 per month, it is one of Europe's most expensive cities, but salaries are commensurate and no other European city offers the same breadth of career opportunity.
Post-Brexit, EU citizens need a UK visa to live and work in London — the most common route is the Skilled Worker visa, requiring a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor. Despite this friction, London remains Europe's most important business city. The tech scene (particularly in Shoreditch), fintech (in the City), and creative industries are all world-class. The tube network, despite its reputation for complaints, is one of the world's most comprehensive urban transit systems.
Neighbourhoods in London
Shoreditch
East London's tech and creative hub. Street art, excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife. Very central.
Brixton
South London's most diverse and vibrant neighbourhood. Market, live music, and a strong community feel.
Hackney
Trendy, diverse and rapidly gentrifying. Victoria Park, London Fields, and excellent restaurants.
Clapham
Popular with young professionals and Antipodeans. Good transport, lively high street, slightly more affordable.
Rent in London
A one-bedroom apartment in London city centre costs around €1,900 per month — one of Europe's highest. Zone 2 areas like Brixton, Hackney, and Peckham offer better value. Zone 3 (Clapham, Stratford, Walthamstow) drops to €1,400–1,600. Many professionals share flats — rooms in Zone 2 start at €800–1,000.
| Housing | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, city centre | €1900 |
| Internet (unlimited) | €25 |
Food and drink in London
London's food scene is genuinely world-class and remarkably diverse. You can eat extraordinarily well for free to €150+ per person. Borough Market, Maltby Street, and the many street food markets offer exceptional value. A pub lunch costs €12–16. Eating out for dinner averages €20–40 per person. Supermarket shopping at Lidl or Aldi keeps groceries reasonable.
| Food & drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Beer at a bar | €7.00 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | €15 |
| Cappuccino | €4.00 |
Transport in London
The London Underground (the Tube) has 11 lines and 272 stations. A monthly Zone 1–2 Travelcard costs €175. Oyster card pay-as-you-go with a daily cap is often cheaper for irregular users. Cycling has improved dramatically with the Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes) scheme.
| Transport | Price |
|---|---|
| Monthly transport pass | €175 |
Weather in London
Day trips from London
Brighton (1h by train, €15–30 return) is the classic London day trip. Oxford and Cambridge are both under 1h. Bath is 1h30. The Cotswolds are 1h30. Paris is 2h20 by Eurostar. Amsterdam is 4h.
Quality of life in London
Total monthly budget in London
A realistic monthly budget in London for a single expat is €3,023 — rent €1,900, groceries €250, eating out €200, transport €175, phone €25, gym €50, leisure €200.
Frequently asked questions about London
How much does it cost to live in London per month?
A comfortable monthly budget in London is around €3,023, including rent (€1,900), food, transport (€175) and leisure. It is one of Europe's most expensive cities.
Do EU citizens need a visa to live in London?
Yes — post-Brexit, EU citizens need a UK visa to live and work in London. The most common route is the Skilled Worker visa, requiring a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor. Check gov.uk for current requirements.
What is the best neighbourhood in London for expats?
Shoreditch is popular for tech and creative expats; Brixton for culture and diversity; Clapham for young professionals. The right neighbourhood depends heavily on your budget and where you work.
Is London's public transport good?
The Tube is comprehensive but can be crowded and expensive. The monthly Zone 1–2 Travelcard costs around €175. Buses, cycling, and walking are often more efficient for shorter journeys.
Compare London with other cities
See how the cost of living in London stacks up against other European cities.
Compare London with another city
Use the free comparator →