JOBS & CAREERS
London salaries: compare the offer with the life it buys
A headline salary becomes meaningful only after tax, pension, housing, commute and the costs tied to the role.
BY LONNOW EDITORIALREVIEWED 1 SEPTEMBER 20266 MIN READ
Start with take-home pay
Use current official tax and National Insurance information, then account for pension contributions and any student-loan deductions.
Add role-specific costs
Commuting days, professional clothing, meals, childcare and after-hours travel can change the real value of an offer.
Compare the whole package
Pension, leave, bonus rules, health benefits, training and flexibility may matter as much as a small salary difference.
Stress-test the budget
Check whether the offer still works if rent, travel or energy costs rise. Keep enough margin for saving and irregular expenses.