Salary Comparison

UX Researcher Salary:
London vs Los Angeles, CA

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

London
$114,831
/ year
-26%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$155,394
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics โ€” higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? โ†’
Metric
London
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$114,831
$155,394โœ“ higher
Entry Level
0โ€“2 years experience
$74,261
$100,493โœ“ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$177,566
$240,289โœ“ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$78,085
$104,500โœ“ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$76,554
$112,604โœ“ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50ร—
1.38ร—โœ“ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$58,666
$100,493โœ“ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$140,277
$240,289โœ“ higher

What if you move from London to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
+$40,563
26% increase
Take-home change
+$26,415
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$36,050
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 1.00ร—). Full methodology โ†’

Salary Range Comparison

London$114,831
P10: $58,666Median: $114,831P90: $140,277
Los Angeles, CA$155,394
P10: $100,493Median: $155,394P90: $240,289

Frequently Asked Questions

โ–ถDoes a UX Researcher earn more in London or Los Angeles?

The median UX Researcher salary in London is ยฃ90,716/yr compared to $155,394/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles pays 26% more in gross terms.

โ–ถIs a UX Researcher salary worth more in London or Los Angeles after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $76,554/yr in a median-cost city, vs $112,604/yr for Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

โ–ถWhat is the take-home pay for a UX Researcher in London vs Los Angeles?

After estimated taxes, a UX Researcher in London takes home approximately $78,085/yr, vs $104,500/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.