Sovereign

Is £40,000 a Good Salary in London?

An honest, data-driven analysis of purchasing power, lifestyle affordability, and tax impact for 2026.

The Verdict

Within Typical Range

We estimate median professional income in London at roughly £48,500. At £40,000, you sit within this standard range, allowing for a balanced lifestyle.

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Estimated Monthly Allocation

Monthly Net Income
£2,543
Housing & Utilities
£1,144

Target 30-35% of net. Covers rent/mortgage in outer districts.

Groceries & Transport
£890

Core living expenses adjusted for London CPI.

Lifestyle & Leisure
£381

Dining out, entertainment, and personal care.

Savings & Investment
£127

Remaining allocation for long-term wealth.

Other salary checks in London

Jump to adjacent income bands to stress test lifestyle outcomes.

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Compare £40,000 across peer hubs

Same salary, different macro-region hubs to benchmark opportunity cost.

Adjust the Numbers

Salary FAQs

What does £40,000 translate to after tax in London?
Our deterministic engine estimates roughly £30,514 per year (~£2,543 monthly) after United Kingdom income taxes and mandatory social contributions for a single filer.
Can £40,000 comfortably cover housing in London?
Allocating about £1,144 (45% of monthly net income) keeps housing and utilities within the recommended 30–35% band even in prime districts.
How much could I save earning £40,000 in London?
Following the Sovereign allocation, you could direct roughly £127 per month (5% of take-home pay) toward investments, reserves, or debt payoff.