Last update: Oct 2026 Canada 383.8K

Cost of Living in London

For one person, living costs in London are estimated at $2,300 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $34 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in London

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in London actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $2,300 monthly including rent, or $1,038 excluding housing.

$2,300 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,321 with rent, or $1,770 without housing.

$3,321 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,341 including rent, or $2,503 for daily expenses alone.

$4,341 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$20.81 CA$29.45
$13.88 CA$19.64
$34.70 CA$49.10
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$62.0 CA$87.7
$49.60 CA$70.2
$84.5 CA$120
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.35 CA$17.48
$10.45 CA$14.79
$14.12 CA$19.98
Cappuccino
$3.82 CA$5.41
$2.16 CA$3.06
$5.76 CA$8.15
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.10 CA$2.98
$1.51 CA$2.14
$3.43 CA$4.85
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.15 CA$3.04
$1.78 CA$2.52
$2.50 CA$3.53
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.39 CA$9.04
$4.97 CA$7.03
$7.10 CA$10.05
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.21 CA$8.78
$5.52 CA$7.81
$7.59 CA$10.73
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.86 CA$2.63
$1.03 CA$1.46
$2.71 CA$3.84
White Bread (500g)
$2.57 CA$3.64
$1.60 CA$2.26
$3.12 CA$4.42
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.00 CA$5.66
$2.16 CA$3.06
$4.70 CA$6.65
Eggs
$3.67 CA$5.19
$2.81 CA$3.97
$4.91 CA$6.95
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.08 CA$14.27
$4.99 CA$7.05
$19.58 CA$27.71
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.45 CA$16.20
$5.67 CA$8.03
$21.90 CA$30.99
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.74 CA$20.86
$10.37 CA$14.68
$16.78 CA$23.74
Apples (1kg)
$4.31 CA$6.09
$1.43 CA$2.03
$7.90 CA$11.17
Banana (1kg)
$1.17 CA$1.66
$0.89 CA$1.26
$1.79 CA$2.53
Oranges (1kg)
$3.77 CA$5.33
$2.57 CA$3.64
$13.78 CA$19.49
Tomato (1kg)
$4.06 CA$5.74
$1.41 CA$2.00
$4.93 CA$6.97
Potato (1kg)
$3.16 CA$4.47
$1.09 CA$1.54
$4.26 CA$6.03
Onion (1kg)
$3.06 CA$4.33
$2.61 CA$3.70
$4.60 CA$6.51
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.49 CA$3.52
$2.08 CA$2.95
$2.78 CA$3.93
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.47 CA$2.08
$0.69 CA$0.98
$1.76 CA$2.49
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$12.08 CA$17.09
$8.17 CA$11.56
$14.78 CA$20.91
Wine (Bottle)
$12.41 CA$17.56
$10.43 CA$14.75
$13.90 CA$19.67
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.46 CA$3.48
$1.76 CA$2.49
$2.94 CA$4.17
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.78 CA$3.93
$2.09 CA$2.96
$3.28 CA$4.64
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.34 CA$3.31
$1.79 CA$2.54
$2.51 CA$3.55
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$79.0 CA$112
$70.6 CA$99.9
$79.0 CA$112
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.42 CA$3.42
$2.42 CA$3.42
$2.60 CA$3.67
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.67 CA$2.36
$1.67 CA$2.36
$1.67 CA$2.36
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$22.36 CA$31.64
$22.36 CA$31.64
$35.49 CA$50.2
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19 CA$1.68
$0.90 CA$1.28
$1.25 CA$1.77
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.4K CA$38.8K
$27.4K CA$38.8K
$27.4K CA$38.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$22.9K CA$32.5K
$17.6K CA$24.9K
$29.3K CA$41.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$138 CA$195
$98.4 CA$139
$281 CA$398
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$39.00 CA$55.2
$27.96 CA$39.56
$55.9 CA$79.1
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$55.7 CA$78.9
$42.42 CA$60.0
$84.8 CA$120
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$37.53 CA$53.1
$21.09 CA$29.84
$56.3 CA$79.6
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$28.91 CA$40.91
$24.04 CA$34.01
$31.30 CA$44.29
Cinema Ticket
$10.40 CA$14.72
$9.01 CA$12.75
$12.48 CA$17.66
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$410 CA$580
$335 CA$474
$1,558 CA$2,205
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$20.4K CA$28.9K
$17.7K CA$25.1K
$21.5K CA$30.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$52.8 CA$74.7
$34.96 CA$49.46
$66.4 CA$94.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$38.41 CA$54.4
$20.89 CA$29.56
$41.78 CA$59.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$82.2 CA$116
$63.9 CA$90.4
$89.5 CA$127
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$88.7 CA$125
$69.8 CA$98.8
$106 CA$150
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,241 CA$1,756
$1,058 CA$1,497
$1,452 CA$2,054
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,125 CA$1,592
$1,040 CA$1,471
$1,247 CA$1,765
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,042 CA$2,890
$1,862 CA$2,635
$2,529 CA$3,579
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,700 CA$2,406
$1,584 CA$2,242
$1,998 CA$2,827
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,473 CA$4,915
$2,863 CA$4,051
$3,626 CA$5,131
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,551 CA$5,025
$3,551 CA$5,025
$3,738 CA$5,289
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,866 CA$4,055
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.72
3.5
6

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
London $2,300
Accommodation & Living
$1.1K
Groceries & Markets
$357
Eating Out
$311
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$233
Clothing & Footwear
$118
Getting Around
$99
Sport & Entertainment
$58

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,241 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,125 outside the center. At 43% of the average salary ($2,866), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $2,866, while typical expenses reach $2,300. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $3,451.

Expect to spend about $357 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $62.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $79.0 per month.

Cost Highlights

London is more expensive than 75% globally but cheaper than 58% within North America.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
01:07 1:07 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
383,822
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to CAD – Canadian Dollar Converter

Canadian Dollar exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 1.42 CAD (1 CAD = 0.707 USD). 1 EUR = 1.59 CAD (1 CAD = 0.628 EUR).

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London Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in London - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the overall affordability of London, Canada stack up for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
London, Canada strikes a practical balance for long stays without the sticker shock of Canada’s coast hubs. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you’ll notice reasonable housing options, a comfortable pace, and a solid mix of cafes, groceries, and services. Cost of Living in London, Canada tends to be more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, while still offering reliable healthcare, safety, and community amenities. Seasonal shifts hit energy costs and entertainment choices, but you’ll find walkable neighborhoods with affordable dining and a compact downtown core. Plan around monthly rent if you’ll stay several weeks, and explore shared accommodations. Tip: Map out a flexible budget that accounts for housing, food, transport, and occasional activities.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking in London, Canada?
In London you approach housing with a mix of rental markets: older character homes in neighborhoods like Wortley Village and more contemporary rentals near the core. For a digital nomad, long-term stays in a furnished unit or an apartment with a flexible lease can keep expenses predictable. Grocery stores range from big chains to farmers markets, and you’ll find a diverse dining scene from casual to specialized cafés. Public transit is reliable for city travel, and biking is common in milder months. When weighing the London, Canada living cost, compare neighborhood walkability, utility inclusions, and access to coworking spaces. Tip: Start with a weekend scouting plan to visit several districts before settling in.
What strategies help maintain quality of life in London, Canada while budgeting for different seasons and neighborhoods?
London offers a solid quality of life if you build a simple budgeting framework around predictable costs and flexible routines. Use a 50/30/20 approach for housing, needs, and discretionary spend, and set a cushion for heating in winter. Seasonal pleasures shift from riverside strolls in spring to patio dining in summer and cozy cafés in fall. Choose neighborhoods by your rhythm: Wortley Village for strolls and cafés, downtown for coworking and nightlife, or the east end for affordable options and community vibe. Practical savings come from cooking at home, buying in-season produce, and sharing housing with roommates during longer stays. Tip: test a neighborhood for a full week to gauge daily routine viability.
How much does it cost to live in London per month?
Plan for roughly $2,300 a month in London if you're renting, or around $1,038 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in London in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in London come to around $2,300 including rent, or roughly $1,038 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Is the average income in London enough to cover living costs and save?
At $2,866 take-home, most residents in London can cover the $2,300 monthly cost of living. Those earning $3,451 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in London?
Where you live in London makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,241; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,125. Overall, the market runs from $1,125 to $1,241 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in London?
A monthly transit pass in London goes for roughly $79.0, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in London?
Childcare averages $410 monthly at a private kindergarten in London. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $2,500 a month enough for London?
Living on $2,500 in London means careful planning, since monthly costs average $2,300. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is London a good place to retire?
Retirees thrive in London – living costs average around $2,300 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

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