Aberdeen vs Cambridge
Aberdeen wins on purchasing power. Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £443/month more disposable income after rent than their Cambridge counterparts.
After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen retains £443/month more than in Cambridge — that's £5,316/year extra in purchasing power.
Aberdeen vs Cambridge: what the £443/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)
On paper, Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) roles pay £0/year more than Cambridge. But take-home after tax and National Insurance tells a different story — Aberdeen workers keep £2,510/month versus £2,517/month in Cambridge.
The bigger picture is after rent. Average Aberdeen rent runs £1,050/month versus £1,500/month in Cambridge. Once housing costs are factored in, Aberdeen workers have £1,460/month disposable income versus £1,017/month in Cambridge — that is £5,316/year in real spending power.
Aberdeen's rent-to-income ratio of 42% compares favourably to Cambridge's 60%.
For foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s prioritising financial freedom, Aberdeen delivers significantly more disposable income despite comparable gross pay.
Cost-of-living equivalence
Based on a cost-of-living index of 73 for Aberdeen and 87 for Cambridge, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £44,200 in Cambridge.
Income retention after all essentials
% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries
Everyday costs
Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025
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