Is 60k a Good Salary in the UK?

“Is 60k a good salary in the UK?” is a pressing question for many aiming to understand their financial standing.

In this article, I’ll explore the value of this salary in relation to the UK’s living costs and lifestyle standards, providing clarity on whether it meets your desired living expectations.

So, in a nutshell, is 60k a good salary in the UK? Yes, £60k is considered a good salary in the UK, being above the national average. On this salary, individuals can generally afford a comfortable lifestyle, cover essential expenses, and save or invest for the future. However, the exact standard of living it provides can vary based on regional living costs, with areas like London being more expensive.

Is 60k a Good Salary in the UK?

Yes, £60k is a good salary in the UK, being above the national average for full-time employees. In 2022, the average salary was £41,866 in London and £29,521 in North East England¹. Typically, a £60k salary is for senior roles, requiring experience. Many start with lower salaries and work their way up.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding if £60k is a good salary in the UK:

1. Location: Living costs vary significantly across the UK. £60k in London, for instance, might not stretch as far as it would in cities like Sheffield or Newcastle due to higher rent and living expenses in the capital.
2. Lifestyle: If you have a luxurious lifestyle or have significant financial commitments, £60k might not be enough. Conversely, if you live frugally, this could be a very comfortable salary.
3. Household Situation: For a single person, £60k is well above the national average and is likely to be considered a good salary. However, for a large family with multiple dependents and a single income source, it might be just sufficient.
4. Comparisons with National Averages: The median full-time salary in the UK was less than £60k, making this figure higher than what many earn.
5. Future Goals: If you’re saving for big future investments, like a house, or have debts to pay off, your perspective on what constitutes a ‘good’ salary might differ.

Overall, in the UK, £60k is often viewed as a good salary, but personal situations can change this view.

What Is 60k After Tax? Evaluating Take-Home Pay

On a £60,000 salary, your take-home pay will be £42,900 after tax and National Insurance. This equates to £3,575 per month and £825 per week. If you work 5 days per week, this is £165 per day, or £21 per hour at 40 hours per week².

Additional pension contributions, student loan repayments, and other payroll deductions would further reduce take-home pay.

Is £60k a Good Salary for My Age?

The average UK salary for all age groups is less than £60k. Earning £60k per year is great, especially for those in their 20s or 30s.

Age	Median Average Yearly
18-21	£20,888
22-29	£28,413
30-39	£35,526
40-49	£37,825
50-59	£35,402
60+	£31,340

Is £60K a Good Salary Where You Live?

In the UK, a salary’s worth varies by location. The North East’s average salary is £29,521, compared to London’s £41,866.

£60k goes further in the North East than in London, allowing for a better lifestyle, vacations, and more savings for retirement.

For those living in London, I have a guide, ‘What Is a Good Salary in London?‘, that may help.

Find more statistics at Statista

Can I Buy a House With a 60k Salary?

On a £60k yearly salary, you could borrow around £270,000 for a house in the UK. Adding a 10% deposit might let you buy a home priced between £270,000 and £330,000.

Saving £800 each month can help you get a £20k to £30k deposit in 2-3 years. It’s advised to spend only 30% of your pay on housing rent, which is £1,100 for a £60,000 salary. In pricier places like London, this might be tight, but in cheaper areas, £1,000 a month is doable.

Keep in mind other home costs like insurance, council tax, and repairs. With a £60,000 salary, a £180,000 mortgage would cost about £1,079 monthly. If you share income with someone, you can afford more.

If you work for yourself or have your own business, lenders may want to see two years of tax returns.

Lastly, location matters. £330,000 might get you just a small flat in London but a two-bed house in the countryside.

What Can You Do With 60k Salary UK?

A £60,000 salary in the UK places you in a higher earning bracket than many, but as with any salary, your comfort and financial flexibility will depend on your personal circumstances, choices, and especially your location.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect and how you could potentially allocate a £60k salary in the UK:

1. Location: As mentioned previously, living costs vary widely across the UK. London is one of the most expensive cities, while other areas can be much more affordable. On a £60k salary, you’d have a more comfortable lifestyle in cities outside of London, but even in London, this salary would provide a reasonably comfortable lifestyle.
2. Housing:
   • In London, you can afford a small flat or share a nicer place with someone. Outside of London, you could rent or even potentially buy a more spacious home.
   • A mortgage could be within reach if you’ve saved for a deposit, especially if purchasing outside of London.
3. Transport:
   • Owning a car, even a newer or more premium model, would be more feasible.
   • Public transportation costs, even season tickets for commuting into cities, would be comfortably covered.
4. Saving & Investments: With prudent budgeting, you should be able to save a good portion of your salary. The exact amount will depend on your expenditures, but saving or investing 20% or more of your income could be achievable.
5. Leisure & Travel: Holidays, dining out, theatre trips, and other leisure activities would be more accessible. International trips, even to more distant or luxury destinations, could be possible with careful budgeting.
6. Utilities & Bills: Regular bills, including utilities, council tax, insurance, phone, and broadband, would be easily manageable.
7. Debts: If you have any, you’d be in a position to pay them down more aggressively, which can save you money in the long run.
8. Education & Training: Pursuing further education, training, or personal development courses becomes more feasible.
9. Giving: With a higher salary, you might consider donating more to charities or supporting causes you believe in.
10. Emergency Fund: As with any salary, having an emergency fund is crucial. On a £60k salary, building and maintaining this fund would be more straightforward.

To make the most of a £60k salary:

• Budgeting: Continue to keep track of your finances. Knowing where your money goes can help you save more and allocate funds to the right places.
• Investing: Consider speaking to a financial advisor to explore investment opportunities. This could help grow your wealth over time.
• Avoid Lifestyle Inflation: Just because you earn more doesn’t mean you should spend more. Avoid the trap of increasing your expenses just because your income has increased.
• Plan for Retirement: Ensure you’re contributing sufficiently to pension schemes, especially if employer matching is available.

Here’s a good video that discusses average salaries in the UK:

How to Budget a £60k Salary?

Budgeting a £60k salary involves carefully planning your expenses, savings, and investments to ensure you live comfortably while also securing your financial future.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you budget your salary:

1. Calculate Your Monthly Take-Home Pay:
   • After tax deductions, National Insurance, and any pension contributions, determine your monthly net income.
2. List Your Fixed Expenses:
   • Housing: Rent or mortgage payments.
   • Utilities: Gas, electricity, water, internet, and phone bills.
   • Insurance: Health, car, life, and property insurance.
   • Loans and Debt Payments: Student loans, credit card payments, etc.
   • Transportation: Car payments, fuel, public transport costs, and maintenance.
   • Subscriptions: Gym memberships, streaming services, magazines, etc.
3. Determine Your Variable Expenses:
   • Groceries and Dining: Weekly grocery bills and eating out.
   • Entertainment: Movies, outings, hobbies, etc.
   • Clothing: Monthly or seasonal shopping expenses.
   • Healthcare: Any out-of-pocket medical expenses.
   • Miscellaneous: Gifts, charity, personal care, etc.
4. Set Saving and Investment Goals:
   • Emergency Fund: Aim for 3-6 months of expenses for unforeseen circumstances.
   • Retirement: Contribute to your pension or a personal retirement account.
   • Investments: Money set aside for ISAs, stocks, or other investment vehicles.
   • Short-term Goals: Holidays, gadgets, or other purchases you’re saving for.
5. Track and Review:
   • Use Budgeting Tools: Consider using budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or traditional methods to track spending.
   • Regularly Review: At least once a month, check your spending against your budget to ensure you’re on track.
6. Allocate for Leisure and Fun:
   • Remember to budget for fun activities, hobbies, and relaxation. It’s essential for mental well-being and motivation.
7. Cut Unnecessary Expenses:
   • If you find you’re consistently overspending in an area, identify if there are expenses you can cut or find cheaper alternatives.
8. Plan for Unexpected Costs:
   • It’s always a good idea to have a small buffer in your budget for unexpected costs that might arise.
9. Increase Your Income:
   • Look for opportunities to boost your income, whether through side hustles, freelance work, or seeking promotions at your current job.
10. Annual Review:
    • Once a year, do a comprehensive review of your budget. Consider changes in your life, goals, inflation, etc.

Remember, the main aim of budgeting is to spend less than you make. This helps you enjoy now and save for the future. Always update your budget and focus on your money goals.

Is 60k a Good Salary in the UK? – Final Thoughts

A £60k salary in the UK is generally seen as good and can cover basic costs like housing, utilities, and transport. This salary also allows for savings and future planning.

Still, personal needs, location, and choices can change how far it goes. It’s key to check if £60k meets your own goals and lifestyle.

Always be smart with your money, watch your spending, and get expert advice if unsure. With careful planning, you can use your £60k well and aim for lasting financial health.

FAQs

More salary guides:

• Average salary in the UK
• Is 30k a good salary in the UK?
• Is 40k a good salary in the UK?
• Is 50k a good salary in the UK?
• Is 70k a good salary in the UK?

Sources:

1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/416139/full-time-annual-salary-in-the-uk-by-region/ ↩︎
2. https://www.reed.co.uk/tax-calculator/60000 ↩︎
3. https://blogs.bath.ac.uk/iprblog/2019/07/01/whither-the-middle-class/ ↩︎
4. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8456/ ↩︎