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

Aberdeen vs Brighton

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

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Brighton. After living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £343/month more disposable income.

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

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Brighton: £2,517/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Brighton's £1,117/month.

Q: What salary in Brighton matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £41,650 in Brighton delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 82.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Brighton cheaper to live in?

Aberdeen is cheaper (COL 73 vs 82). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Brighton £1,400/mo.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen has a rent-to-income ratio of 42% (stretched). In Brighton the equivalent is 56%.

Aberdeen wins on purchasing power. Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £343/month more disposable income after rent than their Brighton counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Brighton salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Aberdeen wins by

+£343

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Aberdeen

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen retains £343/month more than in Brighton — that's £4,116/year extra in purchasing power.

+£343

per month

Aberdeen

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,460

Brighton

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,400

Rent-to-income 56% — High pressure

After rent £1,117

Aberdeen vs Brighton: what the £343/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)

On paper, Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) roles pay £0/year more than Brighton. But take-home after tax and National Insurance tells a different story — Aberdeen workers keep £2,510/month versus £2,517/month in Brighton.

The bigger picture is after rent. Average Aberdeen rent runs £1,050/month versus £1,400/month in Brighton. Once housing costs are factored in, Aberdeen workers have £1,460/month disposable income versus £1,117/month in Brighton — that is £4,116/year in real spending power.

Aberdeen's rent-to-income ratio of 42% compares favourably to Brighton's 56%.

For foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s prioritising financial freedom, Aberdeen delivers significantly more disposable income despite comparable gross pay.

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Brighton	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£1,400	+33%
Transport	£60	£80	+33%
Council tax	£148	£155	+5%
Groceries	£285	£295	+4%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£447	-46%

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

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 73 for Aberdeen and 82 for Brighton, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £41,650 in Brighton.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£41,650

in Brighton

Income retention after all essentials

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

Aberdeen 33%

Brighton 18%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Brighton £3.12

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Brighton £1.90

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Brighton £45/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Brighton £13.12

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Brighton? +

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Brighton — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £343/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 Aberdeen vs Brighton? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Brighton: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Brighton's £1,117/month.

What salary in Brighton matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £41,650 in Brighton delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 82 (Brighton).

Is Aberdeen or Brighton cheaper to live in? +

Aberdeen is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 73 vs 82 for Brighton (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £1,400/month in Brighton.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen earning £37,068 takes home £2,510/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,050/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 42% (stretched). In Brighton the equivalent ratio is 56%.