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

Glasgow vs Oxford

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

Glasgow pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Oxford. After living costs, Glasgow professionals have £543/month more disposable income.

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

In Glasgow: £2,510/month net. In Oxford: £2,517/month net. After rent, Glasgow leaves £1,610/month vs Oxford's £1,067/month.

Q: What salary in Oxford matches Glasgow purchasing power?

Approximately £50,800 in Oxford delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Glasgow, based on a COL index of 62 vs 85.

Q: Is Glasgow or Oxford cheaper to live in?

Glasgow is cheaper (COL 62 vs 85). Rent: Glasgow £900/mo vs Oxford £1,450/mo.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Glasgow has a rent-to-income ratio of 36% (stretched). In Oxford the equivalent is 58%.

Glasgow wins on purchasing power. Glasgow foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £543/month more disposable income after rent than their Oxford counterparts.

Glasgow salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Oxford salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Glasgow wins by

+£543

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Glasgow

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Glasgow retains £543/month more than in Oxford — that's £6,516/year extra in purchasing power.

+£543

per month

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

Oxford

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,450

Rent-to-income 58% — High pressure

After rent £1,067

Glasgow vs Oxford: what the £543/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)

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

The bigger picture is after rent. Average Glasgow rent runs £900/month versus £1,450/month in Oxford. Once housing costs are factored in, Glasgow workers have £1,610/month disposable income versus £1,067/month in Oxford — that is £6,516/year in real spending power.

Glasgow's rent-to-income ratio of 36% compares favourably to Oxford's 58%.

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	Glasgow	Oxford	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£900	£1,450	+61%
Transport	£55	£80	+45%
Council tax	£148	£155	+5%
Groceries	£265	£300	+13%
Disposable income remaining	£1,012	£392	-61%

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 62 for Glasgow and 85 for Oxford, a salary of £37,068 in Glasgow delivers equivalent purchasing power to £50,800 in Oxford.

Glasgow £37,068 ≈

£50,800

in Oxford

Income retention after all essentials

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

Glasgow 40%

Oxford 16%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Glasgow £2.36

Oxford £3.23

Transit (single trip)

Glasgow £1.31

Oxford £1.90

Gym membership

Glasgow £34/mo

Oxford £47/mo

Cinema ticket

Glasgow £9.92

Oxford £13.60

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Glasgow pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Oxford — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Glasgow professionals have £543/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 Glasgow vs Oxford? +

In Glasgow: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Oxford: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Glasgow leaves £1,610/month vs Oxford's £1,067/month.

What salary in Oxford matches Glasgow purchasing power? +

Approximately £50,800 in Oxford delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Glasgow, based on a cost-of-living index of 62 (Glasgow) vs 85 (Oxford).

Is Glasgow or Oxford cheaper to live in? +

Glasgow is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 62 vs 85 for Oxford (London = 100). Rent in Glasgow averages £900/month (1-bed) vs £1,450/month in Oxford.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Glasgow earning £37,068 takes home £2,510/month. With median 1-bed rent of £900/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 36% (stretched). In Oxford the equivalent ratio is 58%.