London is the most expensive city in the UK by quite a long way, and the 18th most expensive city in the world. In fact this is recognised by employers, and for most national jobs, eg in the public sector, there is a special 'London weighting' which means that if you work in the capital you automatically get paid more. But even with the extra payment, more and more workers find that they can't afford to live in London and have to commute.

The main difference between London and the rest of the UK is the cost of housing. For example, a 1 bedroom flat in a desirable area can cost over £350,000, which in many parts of the UK would buy you a detached house with a garden. Apart from the cost of property, everyday living can also be more expensive, as it tends to be in captial cities, but on the other hand there are also good bargains to be found.