Compare countries · United Kingdom vs United States
United Kingdom vs United States
United Kingdom(Europe)·
United States(North America)
Across 13 comparable indicators: United Kingdom leads on 6, United States on 2, 5 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
United Kingdom
67.8
Worse than 86% of countries
United States
68.8
Worse than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
United Kingdom
32.1
Worse than 90% of countries
United States
40.7
Worse than 95% of countries
United Kingdom: 21% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
United Kingdom
1.67
Better than 79% of countries
United States
2.39
Worse than 79% of countries
United Kingdom: more peaceful (1.67 vs 2.39).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
United Kingdom
51.7
Worse than 59% of countries
United States
50.8
Worse than 63% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
United Kingdom
0.940
Better than 93% of countries
United States
0.927
Better than 90% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
United Kingdom
$64,606
Better than 86% of countries
United States
$90,027
Better than 95% of countries
United States: 39% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
United Kingdom
81.4 yrs
Better than 81% of countries
United States
78.9 yrs
Better than 75% of countries
United Kingdom: 2.5 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
United Kingdom
72.7
Better than 80% of countries
United States
67.0
Better than 59% of countries
United Kingdom: better-rated healthcare (72.7 vs 67.0).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
United Kingdom
167 Mbps
Better than 73% of countries
United States
308 Mbps
Better than 96% of countries
United States: 84% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
United Kingdom
80/100
Better than 90% of countries
United States
63/100
Better than 64% of countries
United Kingdom: freer press (80 vs 63 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
United Kingdom
6.69
Better than 81% of countries
United States
6.82
Better than 85% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
United Kingdom
700
Better than 94% of countries
United States
700
Better than 94% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
United Kingdom
87.8
Better than 69% of countries
United States
75.8
Worse than 60% of countries
United Kingdom: more pleasant climate rating (87.8 vs 75.8).
Deciding between United Kingdom and United States for real?
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Find your match →Full United Kingdom profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full United States profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.