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

Leeds vs Reading

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

Leeds pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Reading. After living costs, Leeds professionals have £450/month more disposable income.

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

In Leeds: £2,517/month net. In Reading: £2,517/month net. After rent, Leeds leaves £1,617/month vs Reading's £1,167/month.

Q: What salary in Reading matches Leeds purchasing power?

Approximately £44,950 in Reading delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Leeds, based on a COL index of 66 vs 80.

Q: Is Leeds or Reading cheaper to live in?

Leeds is cheaper (COL 66 vs 80). Rent: Leeds £900/mo vs Reading £1,350/mo.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Leeds has a rent-to-income ratio of 36% (stretched). In Reading the equivalent is 54%.

Leeds wins on purchasing power. Leeds foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £450/month more disposable income after rent than their Reading counterparts.

Leeds salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Reading salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Leeds wins by

+£450

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Leeds

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Leeds retains £450/month more than in Reading — that's £5,400/year extra in purchasing power.

+£450

per month

Leeds

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £900

Rent-to-income 36% — Stretched

After rent £1,617

Reading

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

Leeds vs Reading: what the £450/month gap means for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)

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

The bigger picture is after rent. Average Leeds rent runs £900/month versus £1,350/month in Reading. Once housing costs are factored in, Leeds workers have £1,617/month disposable income versus £1,167/month in Reading — that is £5,400/year in real spending power.

Leeds's rent-to-income ratio of 36% compares favourably to Reading's 54%.

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

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Leeds	Reading	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£900	£1,350	+50%
Transport	£65	£85	+31%
Council tax	£112	£150	+34%
Groceries	£270	£290	+7%
Disposable income remaining	£1,035	£502	-51%

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 66 for Leeds and 80 for Reading, a salary of £37,068 in Leeds delivers equivalent purchasing power to £44,950 in Reading.

Leeds £37,068 ≈

£44,950

in Reading

Income retention after all essentials

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

Leeds 41%

Reading 20%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Leeds £2.51

Reading £3.04

Transit (single trip)

Leeds £1.55

Reading £2.02

Gym membership

Leeds £36/mo

Reading £44/mo

Cinema ticket

Leeds £10.56

Reading £12.80

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Leeds or Reading? +

Leeds pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Reading — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Leeds professionals have £450/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 Leeds vs Reading? +

In Leeds: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In Reading: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Leeds leaves £1,617/month vs Reading's £1,167/month.

What salary in Reading matches Leeds purchasing power? +

Approximately £44,950 in Reading delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Leeds, based on a cost-of-living index of 66 (Leeds) vs 80 (Reading).

Is Leeds or Reading cheaper to live in? +

Leeds is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 66 vs 80 for Reading (London = 100). Rent in Leeds averages £900/month (1-bed) vs £1,350/month in Reading.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Leeds earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £900/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 36% (stretched). In Reading the equivalent ratio is 54%.