Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
London vs Leeds

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

London
$138,701
/ year
+64%
difference
Leeds
$84,364
/ year
Bottom line: London wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Leeds
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$138,701✓ higher
$84,364
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$89,697✓ higher
$54,558
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$214,477✓ higher
$130,454
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$94,317✓ higher
$57,368
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$92,467✓ higher
$84,364
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.00×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$70,861✓ higher
$43,101
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$169,437✓ higher
$103,059

What if you move from London to Leeds?

Gross salary change
$54,337
64% decrease
Take-home change
$36,949
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$8,103
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

London$138,701
P10: $70,861Median: $138,701P90: $169,437
Leeds$84,364
P10: $43,101Median: $84,364P90: $103,059

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Data Engineer earn more in London or Leeds?

The median Data Engineer salary in London is £109,574/yr compared to £66,648/yr in Leeds. London pays 64% more in gross terms.

Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in London or Leeds after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $92,467/yr in a median-cost city, vs $84,364/yr for Leeds. London offers stronger real purchasing power.

What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in London vs Leeds?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in London takes home approximately $94,317/yr, vs $57,368/yr in Leeds. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.