Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 16 / 20

  Central London’s dense mixed-use layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make many areas easily walkable for daily needs.

  Sources:

  • SafeStreets – How Walkable Is London?
  • Walkability index for London (Whitehall II Study)
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 10 / 10

  London is a major rail hub with multiple large termini and extensive national and international rail connections.

  Sources:

  • National Rail – Stations in London overview
  • Department for Transport – Rail network maps (London and South East)
  • Network Rail – London rail network
• Public Transitⓘ 10 / 10

  Transport for London runs an integrated network of Underground, Overground, buses, trams and DLR covering most of Greater London.

  Sources:

  • Transport for London – Maps
  • Transport for London – About TfL
  • UITP – London public transport case study
• Affordability 2.7 / 10
• Safetyⓘ 6 / 10

  Numbeo shows London with a moderate safety index and UK police data report notable but declining crime in some categories.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – London Crime and Safety Index
  • Metropolitan Police – Crime data dashboard
  • Office for National Statistics – Crime in England and Wales (London tables)
• Air Qualityⓘ 5 / 10

  London often exceeds WHO PM2.5 guidelines, though EEA and local monitoring show gradual improvement from policies like the ULEZ.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air Quality in London city page
  • WHO – Ambient air pollution database (United Kingdom, London)
  • London Air – King’s/Imperial monitoring network
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 8 / 10

  Numbeo rates London’s quality of life as high, reflecting strong health care, amenities and income despite high living costs.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Quality of Life in London
  • Mercer – Quality of Living Survey (London profile)
  • ONS – Personal well-being and life satisfaction, UK and London
• Food Cultureⓘ 10 / 10

  London has numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and a highly diverse culinary scene promoted by the city’s tourism board.

  Sources:

  • MICHELIN Guide – London restaurants
  • Visit London – Food and drink in London
  • VisitBritain – London food and drink
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 8 / 10

  Extensive public transport, congestion charging and low-emission zones make living in central London feasible without a car.

  Sources:

  • Transport for London – Plan a journey
  • Transport for London – Congestion Charge
  • Transport for London – Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €3,300 – €4,300
• Monthly transit pass €195

Food guide

London’s food culture blends classic British dishes with vibrant global influences, reflecting the city’s diverse communities and dynamic markets. Historic pubs, traditional cafés, and street-food-led markets like Borough Market sit alongside innovative restaurants and international cuisines, making London one of Europe’s most eclectic food capitals.

Signature dishes

• Full English BreakfastA hearty plate of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, often with black pudding.
• Fish and ChipsDeep-fried battered fish served with thick-cut chips, often with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
• Sunday RoastRoast meat (often beef), potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding with gravy, served on Sundays.
• Pie and MashA meat pie served with mashed potatoes and traditional liquor or gravy, popular in old-school cafés.
• Beef WellingtonBeef fillet coated with pâté and duxelles, wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden.
• Sticky Toffee PuddingRich sponge cake made with dates, drenched in toffee sauce and often served with custard or ice cream.
• Salt Beef BagelWarm bagel filled with tender salt-cured beef, mustard and pickles, popular at markets and delis.
• Curry (London-style)Indian and Bangladeshi curries served in dedicated curry houses, especially around Brick Lane and Whitechapel.

Where to eat

• Borough Market food marketHistoric market near London Bridge with over 100 stalls offering British produce and global street food.
• Dishoom Covent Garden restaurantModern Bombay café-style restaurant known for Indian small plates and brunch, popular with locals and visitors.
• Poppies Fish & Chips Spitalfields restaurantRetro-style chippy serving classic fish and chips, often recommended as a quintessential London experience.
• The Jugged Hare gastropubTraditional British gastropub noted for game dishes and roasts, near the City of London.
• Regency Café caféIconic art-deco café famous for classic full English breakfasts and traditional British café fare.
• M. Manze Pie & Mash (Tower Bridge Road) restaurantOne of London’s oldest pie-and-mash shops, serving traditional pies with mash and liquor.

Markets & food shopping

• Borough Market
• Brick Lane Market
• Broadway Market
• Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle)