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

Bristol vs Glasgow

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

Bristol pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Glasgow. After living costs, Glasgow professionals have £443/month more disposable income.

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

In Bristol: £2,517/month net. In Glasgow: £2,510/month net. After rent, Bristol leaves £1,167/month vs Glasgow's £1,610/month.

Q: What salary in Glasgow matches Bristol purchasing power?

Approximately £30,650 in Glasgow delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Bristol, based on a COL index of 75 vs 62.

Q: Is Bristol or Glasgow cheaper to live in?

Glasgow is cheaper (COL 62 vs 75). Rent: Bristol £1,350/mo vs Glasgow £900/mo.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Bristol has a rent-to-income ratio of 54% (high pressure). In Glasgow the equivalent is 36%.

Glasgow wins on purchasing power. Glasgow foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £443/month more disposable income after rent than their Bristol counterparts.

Bristol salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Glasgow salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Glasgow wins by

+£443

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Glasgow

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Glasgow retains £443/month more than in Bristol — that's £5,316/year extra in purchasing power.

+£443

per month

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

Glasgow

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £900

Rent-to-income 36% — Stretched

After rent £1,610

Bristol vs Glasgow: what the £443/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)

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

The bigger picture is after rent. Average Bristol rent runs £1,350/month versus £900/month in Glasgow. Once housing costs are factored in, Glasgow workers have £1,610/month disposable income versus £1,167/month in Bristol — that is £5,316/year in real spending power.

Glasgow's rent-to-income ratio of 36% compares favourably to Bristol's 54%.

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

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Bristol	Glasgow	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,350	£900	-33%
Transport	£80	£55	-31%
Council tax	£148	£148	0%
Groceries	£285	£265	-7%
Disposable income remaining	£518	£1,012	+95%

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 75 for Bristol and 62 for Glasgow, a salary of £37,068 in Bristol delivers equivalent purchasing power to £30,650 in Glasgow.

Bristol £37,068 ≈

£30,650

in Glasgow

Income retention after all essentials

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

Bristol 21%

Glasgow 40%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Bristol £2.85

Glasgow £2.36

Transit (single trip)

Bristol £1.90

Glasgow £1.31

Gym membership

Bristol £41/mo

Glasgow £34/mo

Cinema ticket

Bristol £12.00

Glasgow £9.92

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Bristol pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Glasgow — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Glasgow professionals have £443/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 Bristol vs Glasgow? +

In Bristol: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In Glasgow: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Bristol leaves £1,167/month vs Glasgow's £1,610/month.

What salary in Glasgow matches Bristol purchasing power? +

Approximately £30,650 in Glasgow delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Bristol, based on a cost-of-living index of 75 (Bristol) vs 62 (Glasgow).

Is Bristol or Glasgow cheaper to live in? +

Glasgow is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 62 vs 75 for Bristol (London = 100). Rent in Bristol averages £1,350/month (1-bed) vs £900/month in Glasgow.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Bristol earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,350/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 54% (high pressure). In Glasgow the equivalent ratio is 36%.