Nottingham vs London

Cost of living, weather and lifestyle comparison.

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Cheaper: Nottingham
Better Weather: London
Lifestyle: London
Overall: Nottingham

Cost of Living (2025 data) Nottingham

Nottingham London
Average Rent £1,008 £2,286
Average House Price £194,014 £542,304
Average Monthly Energy Bill £93.70 £163.60
Average Monthly Food Cost £66.70 £63.50
Average Salary £3,259 £4,641

The affordability gulf between Nottingham and London is striking. Virtually every major household expense — housing, utilities, groceries — is substantially lower in Nottingham. It is worth noting that average salaries in London are around 35% higher, which partially offsets the difference in living costs. For anyone prioritising financial comfort, Nottingham has an overwhelming advantage.

Weather (2025 data) London

Nottingham London
Sunshine Hours 1373 1533
Rainfall 612mm 604mm
Average Temperature 13.82°C 15.00°C

London has a slight edge over Nottingham in terms of overall weather. London receives around 160 more hours of sunshine per year. The difference is modest, but over the course of a year it contributes to a marginally more pleasant climate.

Want to know more about the weather and weather history? Then visit our sister site https://uk-historic-weather.co.uk

Lifestyle & Location London

Lifestyle is an area where London clearly shines. Standout features include Major Airport Nearby, Strong Rail Links, Large City. It provides a richer overall package of amenities, character and livability. That said, Nottingham has its own draws such as Student Population, Affordable Housing. This is likely to be a major consideration for anyone weighing up a move.

Nottingham
  • Large student population (lifestyle)
  • Lower than average housing costs (economic)
  • Population 331,077
London
  • Within close distance of a major airport (transport)
  • Good rail connectivity to major cities (transport)
  • Above average salaries (economic)
  • Major UK city (size)
  • Population 9,089,736

Nearest Premier League Football Club

Nottingham

Finding nearest club…

London

Finding nearest club…

Location

Nottingham
London

Who Should Choose Each?

Choose Nottingham if:
  • More affordable overall (salary-adjusted)
  • Lower rent costs
  • More affordable house prices
  • Student Population
  • Affordable Housing
Choose London if:
  • Higher average salaries
  • More sunshine
  • Warmer average temperature
  • Major Airport Nearby
  • Strong Rail Links
  • Large City
  • High Salaries

Overall Score

Nottingham
London

Final Verdict

Nottingham comes out ahead overall.

The verdict goes to Nottingham, driven primarily by its edge in affordability with lifestyle providing additional support. It is a meaningful gap, though not a chasm — London still has genuine strengths and would suit people whose priorities lean towards what it does best.