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Thu, 05 Mar 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 Nearly 4m Londoners below income for decent living

Analysis shows that most private renters live with less than what is needed for day-to-day life.

* Nearly 4 million Londoners live below the minimum income level needed for a decent standard of living.
* Analysis shows that: + 1.1 million children and over a third of pensioners (3.7% of London's population) earn less than the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) + Private renters make up 40% of those living below MIS, with many relying on expensive private rental market due to lack of social housing
* The cost of living in London has doubled since 2014, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the UK.
* A couple with two children needs to earn: + £37,000/year in urban UK (outside London) + £46,900/year in outer London + £49,500/year in inner London to afford a decent life
* Researchers warn that incomes continue to be stretched and there is little indication of improvement for those on the lowest incomes.
* The report concludes that policy changes and funding are needed to address the housing crisis and prevent further decline.