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

Birmingham vs Bristol

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

Birmingham pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Bristol. After living costs, Birmingham professionals have £500/month more disposable income.

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

In Birmingham: £2,517/month net. In Bristol: £2,517/month net. After rent, Birmingham leaves £1,667/month vs Bristol's £1,167/month.

Q: What salary in Bristol matches Birmingham purchasing power?

Approximately £42,750 in Bristol delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Birmingham, based on a COL index of 65 vs 75.

Q: Is Birmingham or Bristol cheaper to live in?

Birmingham is cheaper (COL 65 vs 75). Rent: Birmingham £850/mo vs Bristol £1,350/mo.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham has a rent-to-income ratio of 34% (stretched). In Bristol the equivalent is 54%.

Birmingham wins on purchasing power. Birmingham foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £500/month more disposable income after rent than their Bristol counterparts.

Birmingham salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Bristol salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Birmingham wins by

+£500

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Birmingham

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham retains £500/month more than in Bristol — that's £6,000/year extra in purchasing power.

+£500

per month

Birmingham

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £850

Rent-to-income 34% — Stretched

After rent £1,667

Bristol

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,350

Rent-to-income 54% — High pressure

After rent £1,167

Birmingham vs Bristol: what the £500/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)

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

The bigger picture is after rent. Average Birmingham rent runs £850/month versus £1,350/month in Bristol. Once housing costs are factored in, Birmingham workers have £1,667/month disposable income versus £1,167/month in Bristol — that is £6,000/year in real spending power.

Birmingham's rent-to-income ratio of 34% compares favourably to Bristol's 54%.

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

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Birmingham	Bristol	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£850	£1,350	+59%
Transport	£65	£80	+23%
Council tax	£118	£148	+25%
Groceries	£265	£285	+8%
Disposable income remaining	£1,079	£518	-52%

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

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 65 for Birmingham and 75 for Bristol, a salary of £37,068 in Birmingham delivers equivalent purchasing power to £42,750 in Bristol.

Birmingham £37,068 ≈

£42,750

in Bristol

Income retention after all essentials

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

Birmingham 43%

Bristol 21%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Birmingham £2.47

Bristol £2.85

Transit (single trip)

Birmingham £1.55

Bristol £1.90

Gym membership

Birmingham £36/mo

Bristol £41/mo

Cinema ticket

Birmingham £10.40

Bristol £12.00

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Birmingham or Bristol? +

Birmingham pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Bristol — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Birmingham professionals have £500/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 Birmingham vs Bristol? +

In Birmingham: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In Bristol: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Birmingham leaves £1,667/month vs Bristol's £1,167/month.

What salary in Bristol matches Birmingham purchasing power? +

Approximately £42,750 in Bristol delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Birmingham, based on a cost-of-living index of 65 (Birmingham) vs 75 (Bristol).

Is Birmingham or Bristol cheaper to live in? +

Birmingham is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 65 vs 75 for Bristol (London = 100). Rent in Birmingham averages £850/month (1-bed) vs £1,350/month in Bristol.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £850/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 34% (stretched). In Bristol the equivalent ratio is 54%.