At CityCost, we make it easy to see how everyday expenses for a solo nomad stack up from one city to another. We use London as our reference point, giving it an index score of 100.
The index looks at the cost of common items and services – like groceries, dining out, transport, and utilities – but it doesn't include housing costs such as rent or mortgages.
Here's how it works:
- If a city has an index of 110, it means daily expenses are about 10% more expensive than in London (not counting rent).
- If a city scores 60, those same expenses are roughly 40% cheaper than in London.
It's a simple way to compare living costs and get a feel for how far your money might go.
Category
Price
Share
Eating Out
$387
28%
Groceries & Markets
$333
24.2%
Getting Around
$285
20.7%
Clothing & Footwear
$204
14.8%
Sport & Entertainment
$106
7.7%
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$62.9
4.6%
Expense breakdown by category (based on our model)
Eating Out
Groceries & Markets
Getting Around
Clothing & Footwear
Sport & Entertainment
Monthly Utilities & Internet
The pie chart displays data specific to London, United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CityCost Index actually measure?
The CityCost Index focuses on your daily spending – things like groceries, dining out, public transport, and basic utilities. It doesn't include rent or mortgage costs, so you can get a clear picture of how affordable daily life is in different cities. For example, if one city scores 80, you'll likely spend about 20% less on essentials compared to London. It's a handy way to see how far your budget can stretch before you even start looking at housing.
Why is London used as the baseline city?
London is one of the most internationally recognized and well–documented cities in terms of pricing data. By assigning London an index score of 100, it becomes a consistent benchmark that makes global comparisons easy. Whether you're comparing Bangkok, Berlin, or Buenos Aires, you'll instantly see how much cheaper or more expensive daily expenses are relative to London's costs, creating a fair and intuitive reference point for everyone.
How can digital nomads use the index when planning their next move?
Before packing your bags, the index helps you estimate how much your regular lifestyle might cost elsewhere. A higher score signals pricier day–to–day living, while a lower score means your money goes further. Combine that with your expected rent and travel habits, and you can build a realistic monthly budget for each destination. It's a great tool for choosing places that fit your financial comfort zone while still matching your lifestyle preferences.
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