Here’s the twist: a “good” salary is whatever makes you stop comparing yourself to others. That friend from university who posts photos of her “Cozy Notting Hill flat with a garden”? She’s probably earning £90k, but she’s also crying about her £2,400 rent. The bloke in tech earning £150k? He’s still bitter his bonus wasn’t larger. London is a city of financial FOMO.
I have a mate who earns £42,000 and lives like a king because he shares a flat in Zone 4 and doesn’t own a car. Another friend earns £85,000 and lives like a pauper because she has a dog, a gym habit, and an artisan cheese subscription. The secret? It’s not the number; it’s your spending style. A good salary is the one that aligns with your particular brand of financial chaos.
The Final Verdict (Serve Cold, With Sarcasm)
So, what’s the answer? If you’re moving for work, aim for £60,000 to £70,000 if you want to feel like a functioning human. That gets you a studio in a nice-ish area, a modest pub habit, and the ability to see your friends without begging for a loan. Below £50k? You’ll survive, but you’ll also master the art of “free events” and “packing lunch.”
Above all, remember this: London doesn’t care about your salary as much as you think. The city will take your money and give you amazing memories, terrible weather, and a commute that ages you in dog years. A good London salary isn’t about wealth; it’s about having enough left over for a Greggs sausage roll and most of a pint after the bills are paid. Now go forth, earn that cash, and may your Oyster card never run out of credit.
