United Kingdom vs United States: Cost of Living, Safety & Quality of Life Comparison 2026

United Kingdom and United States sit close on our overall quality of life index (United Kingdom 7.9/10, United States 7.9/10). The winner depends on which categories matter most to you.

On cost of living, United States scores higher than United Kingdom.

Key scores at a glance

United Kingdom wins 8 of 16 categories we track; United States wins 5, with 3 tied.

Safety — United Kingdom 8.2/10 · United States 7.5/10
Healthcare — United Kingdom 8.5/10 · United States 7.8/10
Cost of living — United Kingdom 5.5/10 · United States 5.8/10

See the full breakdown below.

Country guides: United Kingdom · United States

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💡 Comparison Tips

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Countries that score high in multiple categories often provide the best overall quality of life.

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