Teaching in London vs Outside London — Salary and Cost of Living Comparison

Many Nigerian teachers moving to the UK wonder whether they should teach in London or outside London.

While London offers higher salaries, the cost of living is significantly more expensive than in other UK regions.

This guide provides a detailed salary comparison and cost of living breakdown between teaching in London vs Outside London to help you make the best decision.

Teacher Salaries – London vs. Other UK Regions

The UK government sets different salary scales depending on where a teacher works.

London salaries are higher to reflect the increased cost of living.

Qualified Teacher Salary (QTS)

• Inner London: £38,766 – £49,084.
• Outer London: £35,500 – £46,001.
• London Fringe: £32,700 – £44,615.
• Rest of England: £31,650 – £43,685.

Unqualified Teacher Salary (without QTS)

• Inner London: £25,831 – £36,460.
• Outer London: £24,415 – £35,052.
• London Fringe: £21,933 – £32,172.
• Rest of England: £20,598 – £31,191.

💡 Key Takeaway:

• Inner London teachers earn the highest salaries, but living costs are also higher.
• Teachers outside London earn less, but housing and daily expenses are lower.

Cost of Living — London vs. Outside London

While London pays teachers more, it is also one of the most expensive cities to live in.

Here’s a comparison of key expenses.

Housing Costs (Rent & Utilities)

• Inner London:
  • Rent £1,800 – £2,500/month.
  • Utilities £250 – £400/month.
• Outer London:
  • Rent £1,300 – £1,800/month.
  • Utilities £200 – £350/month.
• Outside London:
  • Rent: £600 – £1,200/month.
  • Utilities: £150 – £250/month.

💡 Key Takeaway:

• Renting outside London is up to 50% cheaper than in London.
• Council tax and utility bills are also lower outside the capital.

Transportation Costs

• Inner London:
  • Monthly public transport pass £160 – £250.
  • Fuel £1.50 – £1.70 per litre.
• Outer London:
  • Monthly public transport pass £120 – £160.
  • Fuel £1.45 – £1.65 per litre.
• Outside London:
  • Monthly public transport pass £60 – £100.
  • Fuel £1.40 – £1.60 per litre.

💡 Key Takeaway:

• London transport is expensive, but well-connected.
• Owning a car is cheaper outside London, where public transport is less extensive.

Food & Groceries

• London:
  • Monthly grocery cost £300 – £500.
  • Eating out £12 – £20 per meal.
• Outside London:
  • Monthly grocery cost £200 – £400.
  • Eating out £8 – £15 per meal.

💡 Key Takeaway:

• Supermarket prices are similar across the UK, but eating out is cheaper outside London.

Work-Life Balance – London or Outside London?

Pros of Teaching in London

✅ Higher salary – Teachers earn more to compensate for the cost of living.
✅ More job opportunities – A greater number of schools and career growth opportunities.
✅ Vibrant lifestyle – Cultural events, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Cons of Teaching in London

❌ High cost of living – Expensive rent, transport and daily expenses.
❌ Longer commuting times – Public transport is crowded and driving is challenging.
❌ More competition for jobs – Higher demand means tougher job applications.

Pros of Teaching Outside London

✅ Lower living costs – More affordable housing, transport and expenses.
✅ More relaxed lifestyle – Less crowded, quieter environments.
✅ Closer community feel – Schools in smaller cities/towns often have a stronger teacher-community relationship.

Cons of Teaching Outside London

❌ Lower salaries – Teachers outside London earn less.
❌ Fewer job openings – Fewer international recruitment opportunities.
❌ Limited transport options – Fewer buses and trains compared to London.

Which Option is Best for Nigerian Teachers?

💡 Choose London if:
✔ You want a higher salary and can manage the higher living costs.
✔ You prefer a fast-paced lifestyle with more career opportunities.
✔ You don’t mind crowded transport and small apartments.

💡 Choose Outside London if:
✔ You want a lower cost of living and affordable housing.
✔ You prefer a quiet lifestyle with shorter commutes.
✔ You don’t mind earning a lower salary in exchange for better work-life balance.

Teaching in London vs Outside London

London vs. Outside London Comparison:

• Salary: Higher in London (£38,766+ starting) vs. lower outside London (£31,650+ starting).

• Rent & Utilities: Expensive in London (£2,000/month) vs. affordable outside London (£800 – £1,500/month).

• Transport: High cost in London (£160/month) vs. lower cost outside London (£60 – £100/month).

• Job Availability: More schools and jobs in London vs. fewer job openings outside London.

• Work-Life Balance: Fast-paced and longer commutes in London vs. relaxed and shorter commutes outside London.

Conclusion

📌 If higher earnings and career growth are your priority, London is the best option.
📌 If saving money and work-life balance matter more, outside London is better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ready to Start Your Teaching Career in the UK?

• 👉 UK SCHOOLS OFFERING VISA SPONSORSHIP

• 👉 SEE HOW NIGERIAN TEACHERS CAN GET QTS

• 👉 RELOCATION COSTS FOR NIGERIAN TEACHERS MOVING TO THE UK

GOOD LUCK.

Do you have something to say about this post on teaching in London vs Outside London? Comment below and get a reply soon!