Illustrative tool
See how far your income could go across 14 expat destinations in 7 regions.
Illustrative only, not financial advice.
The Cost of Living Comparison is a free tool that shows how far a given income could go across 14 popular expat destinations in 7 regions, using illustrative estimates based on aggregated cost-of-living data. It is intended to give internationally mobile UK nationals a comparative starting point before a detailed relocation plan is built with a regulated specialist. Figures are indicative only and do not reflect individual circumstances, healthcare costs, or currency risk.
These figures are illustrative only and are not financial advice. Cost comparisons are based on Numbeo 2026 indices and do not account for individual lifestyle differences, housing costs variation within each country, or exchange rate movements. Speak with a regulated specialist before making any financial decisions.
Equivalent income to maintain your purchasing power in each destination.
Display currency
14 destinations across 7 regions - sorted cheapest-first
| Destination | Equivalent income (£) | vs UK |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | ||
| Kenya | £141,742 | -57.7% |
| South Africa | £114,915 | -47.8% |
| Latin America | ||
| Colombia | £129,143 | -53.5% |
| Mexico | £112,376 | -46.6% |
| Europe | ||
| Portugal | £83,361 | -28.0% |
| France | £54,604 | +9.9% |
| Middle East | ||
| Qatar | £76,755 | -21.8% |
| UAE | £73,696 | -18.6% |
| North America | ||
| Florida, USA | £62,778 | -4.4% |
| New York, USA | £47,691 | +25.8% |
| Asia & Pacific | ||
| Australia | £59,912 | +0.1% |
| Singapore | £46,385 | +29.4% |
| Caribbean | ||
| Barbados | £59,824 | +0.3% |
| Cayman Islands | £43,048 | +39.4% |
Illustrative only, not financial advice.
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Cost of living is one piece of the puzzle. Tax, pensions, and currency exposure matter too.
Questions
Common questions about expat cost of living
How are the cost of living figures calculated?
The figures in this tool are illustrative estimates based on commonly used cost-of-living indices and aggregated data. They cover broad spending categories, housing, food, transport, and lifestyle, and are intended to give you a comparative sense of how far your income could go in different locations. They are not specific to any individual's circumstances and should not be used for financial planning without verification.
Which expat destinations tend to have lower costs of living than the UK?
Many popular expat destinations, including parts of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia), Eastern Europe, and some Middle Eastern countries, typically have lower overall costs of living than the UK, particularly for housing and daily expenses. However, the picture is more complex when you factor in healthcare costs, schooling, currency risk, and tax treatment of foreign income.
How does cost of living affect my financial planning as an expat?
Cost of living directly affects how much income you need to sustain your lifestyle, which in turn affects how long your savings and pensions can support you. For expats drawing down retirement assets or receiving a fixed income (such as a UK state pension), a higher-cost destination can significantly shorten the runway. A cashflow model is the best way to quantify this for your specific situation.
What other financial factors should I consider before relocating?
Beyond cost of living, key financial considerations include: tax residency rules and how they interact with your UK assets and pensions; healthcare access and private insurance costs; currency exchange risk if your income and expenses are in different currencies; pension portability and any restrictions on drawing UK pensions from abroad; and estate planning implications of acquiring assets in a new jurisdiction.
Visit our full FAQThe regulated specialists we introduce can help you understand the full financial picture, from tax to pensions to currency.