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

Aberdeen vs Newcastle

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

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Newcastle. After living costs, Newcastle professionals have £307/month more disposable income.

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

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Newcastle: £2,517/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Newcastle's £1,767/month.

Q: What salary in Newcastle matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £30,950 in Newcastle delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 61.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Newcastle cheaper to live in?

Newcastle is cheaper (COL 61 vs 73). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Newcastle £750/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 Newcastle the equivalent is 30%.

Newcastle wins on purchasing power. Newcastle foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £307/month more disposable income after rent than their Aberdeen counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Newcastle salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Newcastle wins by

+£307

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Newcastle

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Newcastle retains £307/month more than in Aberdeen — that's £3,684/year extra in purchasing power.

+£307

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

Newcastle

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £750

Rent-to-income 30% — Comfortable

After rent £1,767

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Newcastle	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£750	-29%
Transport	£60	£75	+25%
Council tax	£148	£112	-24%
Groceries	£285	£255	-11%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£1,193	+44%

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 61 for Newcastle, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £30,950 in Newcastle.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£30,950

in Newcastle

Income retention after all essentials

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

Aberdeen 33%

Newcastle 47%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Newcastle £2.32

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Newcastle £1.79

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Newcastle £34/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Newcastle £9.76

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Newcastle — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Newcastle professionals have £307/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 Newcastle? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Newcastle: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Newcastle's £1,767/month.

What salary in Newcastle matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £30,950 in Newcastle delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 61 (Newcastle).

Is Aberdeen or Newcastle cheaper to live in? +

Newcastle is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 61 vs 73 for Aberdeen (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £750/month in Newcastle.

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 Newcastle the equivalent ratio is 30%.