Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) · City comparison · 2026

Birmingham vs London

Q: Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Birmingham or London?

Birmingham pays £37,068 vs £39,068 in London. After living costs, Birmingham professionals have £1,080/month more disposable income.

Q: What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham vs London?

In Birmingham: £2,517/month net. In London: £2,637/month net. After rent, Birmingham leaves £1,667/month vs London's £587/month.

Q: What salary in London matches Birmingham purchasing power?

Approximately £57,050 in London delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Birmingham, based on a COL index of 65 vs 100.

Q: Is Birmingham or London cheaper to live in?

Birmingham is cheaper (COL 65 vs 100). Rent: Birmingham £850/mo vs London £2,050/mo.

Q: What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham?

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham has a rent-to-income ratio of 34% (stretched). In London the equivalent is 78%.

Birmingham wins on purchasing power. Birmingham foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £1,080/month more disposable income after rent than their London counterparts.

Birmingham salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

London salary

£39,068

£2,637/mo take-home

Birmingham wins by

+£1,080

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Birmingham

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham retains £1,080/month more than in London — that's £12,960/year extra in purchasing power.

+£1,080

per month

Birmingham

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £850

Rent-to-income 34% — Stretched

After rent £1,667

London

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £39,068

Net monthly £2,637

Rent (1-bed) £2,050

Rent-to-income 78% — High pressure

After rent £587

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Birmingham	London	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£850	£2,050	+141%
Transport	£65	£185	+185%
Council tax	£118	£165	+40%
Groceries	£265	£320	+21%
Disposable income remaining	£1,079	£-225	-121%

Sources: NHS Employers 2025/26 · Rightmove Q4 2025 · HMRC 2025/26 · Numbeo 2025

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 65 for Birmingham and 100 for London, a salary of £37,068 in Birmingham delivers equivalent purchasing power to £57,050 in London.

Birmingham £37,068 ≈

£57,050

in London

Income retention after all essentials

% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries

Birmingham 43%

London 0%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Birmingham £2.47

London £3.80

Transit (single trip)

Birmingham £1.55

London £4.40

Gym membership

Birmingham £36/mo

London £55/mo

Cinema ticket

Birmingham £10.40

London £16.00

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Birmingham or London? +

Birmingham pays a median £37,068 vs £39,068 in London — a gross difference of £2,000. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Birmingham professionals have £1,080/month more disposable income, making it the stronger city in real terms.

What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham vs London? +

In Birmingham: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In London: gross £39,068 → £2,637/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Birmingham leaves £1,667/month vs London's £587/month.

What salary in London matches Birmingham purchasing power? +

Approximately £57,050 in London delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Birmingham, based on a cost-of-living index of 65 (Birmingham) vs 100 (London).

Is Birmingham or London cheaper to live in? +

Birmingham is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 65 vs 100 for London (London = 100). Rent in Birmingham averages £850/month (1-bed) vs £2,050/month in London.

What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham? +

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £850/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 34% (stretched). In London the equivalent ratio is 78%.