Everyone I know in London who is < 30 (I moved here 7 years ago) has the same notion, that it is temporary. The wages are so good here, so long as you don't bl

Everyone I know in London who is < 30 (I moved here 7 years ago) has the same notion, that it is temporary. The wages are so good here, so long as you don't blow it on a £2k pcm flat in a tendy part of town you can save a lot of money, very quickly. Myself by having a 35-50min (depending on traffic and my exhuastion!) I find my accomodation costs are comparatively very low, despite still getting a London weighted income. This means I can not only service my modest flats mortgage easily, but am also buying a place in the middle of the mountains, so I can be a hermit. Last time I looked outside of London, I would earn less than half what I get in London. I'm happy living in Zone 4 (where 1 is the central area), which means my rent is cheap. Going for a meal out or similar probably costs less than up north. At least comparing it to Manchester / Leeds / Lake District. However, it is very non-terminal. I think five more years, then rent my London place, move either to subberbs and expensive commute, but house. Or hopefully, give up working for someone else all together. Not only did I meet my business partner via London network of friends, but also I built enough of a cash pile to be able to work full time on it. None of those things would have happened if I was on £35k with £700pcm costs. I'll take £150k with £1200pcm every time.