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

Aberdeen vs London

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

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £39,068 in London. After living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £873/month more disposable income.

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

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In London: £2,637/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs London's £587/month.

Q: What salary in London matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £50,800 in London delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 100.

Q: Is Aberdeen or London cheaper to live in?

Aberdeen is cheaper (COL 73 vs 100). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs London £2,050/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 London the equivalent is 78%.

Aberdeen wins on purchasing power. Aberdeen foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £873/month more disposable income after rent than their London counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

London salary

£39,068

£2,637/mo take-home

Aberdeen wins by

+£873

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Aberdeen

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen retains £873/month more than in London — that's £10,476/year extra in purchasing power.

+£873

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

London

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £39,068

Net monthly £2,637

Rent (1-bed) £2,050

Rent-to-income 78% — High pressure

After rent £587

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	London	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£2,050	+95%
Transport	£60	£185	+208%
Council tax	£148	£165	+11%
Groceries	£285	£320	+12%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£-225	-127%

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 100 for London, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £50,800 in London.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£50,800

in London

Income retention after all essentials

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

Aberdeen 33%

London 0%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

London £3.80

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

London £4.40

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

London £55/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

London £16.00

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £39,068 in London — a gross difference of £2,000. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Aberdeen professionals have £873/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 London? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In London: gross £39,068 → £2,637/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs London's £587/month.

What salary in London matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £50,800 in London delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 100 (London).

Is Aberdeen or London cheaper to live in? +

Aberdeen is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 73 vs 100 for London (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £2,050/month in London.

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 London the equivalent ratio is 78%.