Real Living Wage vs National Living Wage
Current pair (one set site-wide): UK Living Wage £13.45/hr · London Living Wage £14.80/hr. The legal National Living Wage remains £12.71/hr for workers aged 21+ from 1 April 2026.
Source: Living Wage Foundation — What is the real Living Wage?, 2025–26 rates announced 22 October 2025, implement by 1 May 2026. Figures checked 30 August 2026. This is not a legal minimum and is not HMRC-endorsed.
Annual gross earnings
£26,437
Hourly rate
£12.71/hr
Weekly gross
£508.40
Monthly gross
£2,203
Est. net/mo
£1,880
Statutory vs Living Wage (40 hrs/wk)
| Standard | Hourly | Weekly gross | Annual gross | Est. take-home/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Minimum Wage (18–20) | £10.85 | £434.00 | £22,568 | £1,647/mo |
| National Living Wage (21+) | £12.71 | £508.40 | £26,437 | £1,880/mo |
| UK Living Wage (Foundation) | £13.45 | £538.00 | £27,976 | £1,972/mo |
| London Living Wage (Foundation) | £14.80 | £592.00 | £30,784 | £2,140/mo |
Net figures assume tax code 1257L, no pension, England/Wales/Northern Ireland, 2026/27 bands. Foundation rates are voluntary.
London Living Wage
The London rate covers workplaces in Greater London boroughs. It is £14.80 per hour for workers aged 18+ — £2.09/hr above the statutory National Living Wage.
On a 40-hour week that is about £4,347 extra gross a year (about £2,140 take-home per month versus £1,880 on NLW).
The former standalone /london-living-wage-calculator/ URL now redirects here.
Use the London button in the calculator above. Check whether a workplace postcode is in a London borough on GOV.UK find your local council.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real Living Wage in 2026?
The Living Wage Foundation’s 2025–26 rates, announced on 22 October 2025, are £13.45 per hour across the UK and £14.80 per hour in London. Accredited employers are asked to implement them by 1 May 2026. They are voluntary, not the legal minimum.
What is the difference between the real Living Wage and the National Living Wage?
The National Living Wage (£12.71/hr from 1 April 2026) is the statutory minimum for workers aged 21+. The real Living Wage is a higher, voluntary rate for workers aged 18+, independently calculated from living costs by the Living Wage Foundation.
How much do you earn a year on the UK Living Wage?
At £13.45/hr for a 40-hour week you earn £27,976 gross per year. After income tax and National Insurance, take-home is about £1,972 per month (£23,662 a year).
Is my employer legally required to pay the real Living Wage?
No. Employers are only legally required to pay the National Living Wage (£12.71/hr for 21+). Paying the Foundation rate is voluntary, though accredited Living Wage employers commit to it for staff and regular contractors aged 18+.
About this guide
This calculator is maintained by UKMinimumWage.co.uk using published GOV.UK rates for 2026/27. Last updated August 2026. This site is not HMRC-endorsed.