Food Prices in London vs New York: What You Really Pay

When it comes to food prices, the cost of eating daily in two of the world’s biggest cities. Also known as grocery and dining costs, it’s not just about how much you spend—it’s about what you get for it. If you’ve ever compared a loaf of bread in London to one in New York, you know it’s not as simple as exchange rates. The real difference shows up in your weekly shop, your lunch break, and your weekend dinner out.

Grocery costs, what you pay for milk, eggs, and vegetables at the local store. Also known as supermarket prices, it’s where most people feel the pinch first. In London, a liter of whole milk runs about £1.10, while in New York, it’s closer to $1.30. Sounds close, right? But then you look at a dozen eggs: £2.50 in London, $3.50 in New York. A pound of chicken breast? £5.50 in London, $7.25 in New York. And don’t get started on cheese. British cheddar is cheaper than American cheddar, but imported Italian cheeses? That’s where London starts to win.

Eating out, the cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Also known as dining out expenses, this is where the gap widens. A simple burger and fries in London? Around £14. In New York? $18. A three-course dinner for two with wine? £80 in London, $120 in New York. The difference isn’t just in the bill—it’s in the portions. London portions are smaller, but the quality often matches. New York gives you more food, but you’re paying for the location, the buzz, the service. And don’t forget taxes: New York adds sales tax on top of everything. London adds VAT, but it’s already baked into the price you see.

Then there’s coffee. A latte in London? £3.50. In New York? $4.75. But here’s the twist: in London, you’ll find £2.50 coffee at independent cafes in Peckham or Hackney. In New York, you’re lucky to find a decent latte under $4.50 outside of Manhattan. The cheapest meals in both cities come from street vendors and markets—kebabs in London, halal carts in New York. Both cost under £5 or $6. But if you’re eating vegan? London’s got more budget options under £5, thanks to places like The Little London Vegan’s favorite spots. New York has plenty, but they’re often tucked away in neighborhoods you need to know about.

The real question isn’t which city is more expensive—it’s which one gives you more value for your money. London wins on consistency: you know what you’re paying, and most places don’t nickel-and-dime you with service charges. New York gives you volume and variety, but you pay extra for convenience, speed, and the city’s energy. If you’re budgeting for a month, London’s food costs are easier to predict. New York’s can spike fast if you’re eating in tourist zones.

What you’ll find below are real, firsthand reviews from people who’ve eaten in both cities—on student budgets, on work lunches, on weekend splurges. You’ll see where the cheapest vegan donuts are, how much a dim sum basket costs in Chinatown versus Soho, and why a simple pasta dish can cost twice as much in one place as the other. No fluff. No marketing. Just what people actually pay, where they eat, and why it matters.