You’ve likely heard many things about what counts as a “good” salary in the UK. Some say 50k is pretty much, but some say you need at least 100k to live comfortably in London. The truth is, it depends on your location and lifestyle. With 65k salary, you can live in most UK cities.
In this article, we will explore the different aspects of living on a £65,000 salary and also give you a view of other aspects that come into play.
Is 65k a good salary in the UK ?
A salary of £65,000 is considered a good income In the UK. It is quite higher than the average UK salary of £34,963. By earning £65,000, you would be among the top 10% earners in the UK.
A £65,000 salary can provide a comfortable lifestyle in most areas of the UK. With this salary, you could afford a home, a reliable car, and other necessities. After all these staff, you would have some disposable income. It can be used to enjoy life or invest in your future.
Is 65k a good salary in London?
London is known for its high cost of living. Yet, a salary of £65,000 is considered a good salary for a single person. But, it is a decent salary for families. This salary provides sufficient income to cover all the expenses of a single person. For a family, it could also be a reasonable income to support the household. Yet, a family should mind their expenses to live a comfortable life in London.
What is 65000 after tax?
The 65,000 is 46,753 after tax. In this tax calculation, we don’t involve any other income or deductions. Like student loans, pensions, or any other deductions. The Govt. provides tax-free income up to £12,570. So, you don’t need to pay tax on £12,570 of your income.
Therefore, a 65k salary person comes under the 40% tax bracket. The following table explains in detail of your tax deduction. Please note that this is an estimate table. Calculate your own tax here.
| Yearly | Monthly | Weekly | Daily | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | £65,000 | £5,417 | £1,250 | £250 |
| Taxable Salary | £52,430 | £4,369 | £1,008 | £202 |
| Income Tax | £13,428 | £1,119 | £258 | £ 52 |
| National Insurance | £4,819 | £402 | £93 | £ 18 |
| Take-Home | £46,753 | £3,896 | £899 | £180 |
How does 65k compare to the UK average salary?
£34,963 is the national average salary of the UK. That means, 65k is almost doubled the average salary in the UK. In expensive cities like London, £65,000 and up is needed to live comfortably. While in smaller towns, £35,000 can provide a nice standard of living. This difference is due to different living expenses. The following table showcases the average salaries across different regions of the UK.
| Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £34,963 |
| London | £44,370 |
| South East | £36,560 |
| Scotland | £35,518 |
| East | £34,833 |
| South West | £33,450 |
| North West | £33,036 |
| West Midlands | £33,003 |
| Northern Ireland | £32,879 |
| Wales | £32,371 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | £31,920 |
| East Midlands | £31,634 |
| North East | £31,200 |
Is £65k a good salary for your age?
Guess what? Your £65k salary is like a rockstar in the UK’s age-group salary game! We peeked at the median income for different age ranges, and guess what? You’re like, £65,000 ahead of the pack! Even the 40-somethings, who are crushing it with a median of £39,491, can’t touch your impressive earnings. Check out the table below for the full scoop on average salaries in 2023 – you’ll be the envy of all the age brackets!
| Age Group | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|
| 16-17 | £9,969 |
| 18-21 | £20,437 |
| 22-29 | £29,120 |
| 30-39 | £36,405 |
| 40-49 | £39,491 |
| 50-59 | £36,834 |
| 60+ | £32,530 |
Is a 65k salary enough to live in the UK?
Yes, a 65k salary is enough to live comfortably in most parts of the UK. 65k is a very high salary in the UK, compared to the average of £34,963. For a single person, it is a very good salary, but it is a decent salary for families. However, your actual ability to live on a 65k salary will depend on your lifestyle and location.
For larger families or in London, you need extra income to raise children. But in many cases, 65k can be enough if you spent and saved strategically.
If you do proper budgeting with a 65k salary, it is possible to raise a family in the UK. The key is keeping your fixed costs as low as possible. So you have enough remaining for other essentials. Like occasional treats or family outings.
How do we budget for a 65k salary person?
Here are some monthly expenses that you might have on a 65k salary in the UK.
Housing expenses
Housing expenditure is the most significant expense to live in the UK. In London, tenants can expect monthly payments exceeding £1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Besides, residing outside of London generally results in lower rental costs.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs can include vehicle maintenance and public transportation. The actual transportation costs depend on your location and travel needs. The average monthly cost of public transportation in London is £250, while in other cities it is £200.
Grocery Expenses
Grocery expenses are an essential part of daily life. But the actual cost can vary depending on your personal preferences and diet. In London, the average monthly expenditure on groceries amounts to £350. However, outside the city, it is slightly lower at £280.
Utility Bills
Utility bills cover electricity, water, council tax, and broadband services. The expenses associated with utility bills are influenced by location and personal preference. Typically, a single person expects to pay approximately £150 per month for utilities. But for a family utility bills may be around £180 per month.
Other Expenses
With a 65k salary, you will have no trouble covering additional expenses. Like home insurance, service charges, council tax, mortgage or rent. Moreover, you will be able to include vacations with this salary.
Can I afford a house with a 65,000 salary in the UK?
It is possible to buy a house with a £65,000 salary. In general, you can borrow up to 4.5 times your annual salary. So, with a 65k salary, you can borrow up to £290,000. However, keep in mind that this is a general guideline. Lenders assess your financial stability and credit score before approving a mortgage. Your credit score is a key factor in determining the mortgage amount. A good credit score will help you get a mortgage with favorable terms.
When buying a house, it is important to deposit at least 10% of the loan price. This will reduce the amount of money you need to borrow from a lender. It will also lower your monthly mortgage payments. Saving for a deposit can take time, but it is worth it in the long run.
Average House Price in the UK
- In Northern cities like Liverpool or Manchester, the average house price is around £150,000.
- In the Midlands, cities like Birmingham or Leicester have average house prices of £170,000-£200,000.
- In Southern England, especially in London, property prices jump to £300,000 or more.
Additionally, it’s important to account for other costs involved in purchasing a house. Like property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and renovations. These extra costs depend on the size and condition of the property. You can check the actual house price here.
How much monthly rent can I afford on a 65k salary?
In generally recommended that you spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on housing. Thus, you can spend between £1,000 to £1,600 per month on rent. Remember, this is just a general guideline. Actual monthly rent expenses depend on your location and personal preferences.
For example, if you have student loans or car repayment, you need to spend less on rent.
Rent prices in different areas of the UK
In the lower range, a one-bedroom flat outside of London should be within your budget. Yet, you can also find a two-bedroom flat in some areas. Inside London, rent is a considerably higher site. Therefore, you need at least £1,400 per month for a modest one-bedroom.
If you are a single person, you can also go for a flat share with a roommate. It can help you to reduce the rent price from £500 to £700 per month.
In the high range, up to £1,600 per month, you’ll have more options. A modern two-bedroom apartment, a small house, or even a three-bedroom place with a garden is possible, especially outside of London.
Can I buy a car on a 65k salary?
Yes, you can buy a car with a 65k salary in the UK. But, which car you can afford will depend on your financial goals and personal preferences. In generally recommended that you spend no more than 35% of your gross annual income on a car. That means you can spend up to £22,750 in a car.
You should also consider other expenses related to car ownership. Like insurance, fuel, maintenance, and road tax.
For buying a car, you should follow the 20/4/10 rule. This rule suggests making a down payment of 20% of the car’s value and financing it for not more than four years. Also, it recommended not to spend more than 10% of your monthly income on transportation costs. Following this rule helps ensure that you maintain a healthy financial balance while purchasing a car.
Is it possible to raise a family on a 65,000 salary?
Yes, it is possible to raise a family on a 65k salary in the UK. But it requires careful financial planning and budgeting. However, the actual answer depends on your lifestyle and location.
For raising a family, you should consider prudent budget planning. You should check utility bills, transportation costs, grocery, entertainment and housing expenses.
Govt. also provides support to raise children. The UK government offers free education and healthcare services through the NHS. These benefits significantly reduce the financial burden associated with a family.
The estimated cost to live in the UK
- Rent: £1200 per month
- Grocery: £400 per month
- Utility: £300 per month
- Transport: £250 per month (public transport)
- Eating Out: £300 per month
- Council Tax: £200 per month
Conclusion
In conclusion, here the truth is about whether 65k is a good salary in the UK. In the end, a salary of 65k can allow many people to live comfortably, especially outside of London. However, a lot depends on your own personal circumstances and spending habits. If you have a family to support or live in an expensive city like London, 65k may be a decent salary for you.
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