Lets also add that tha UK isn`t the cheapest of places to live in the world.
As oil seems to be the current topic of the airline world, lets say that petrol in the north London area ranges from 117.9p-120.9p a litre.
UK house prices were erm high.. check out UK house estate agent websites, so renting? See the renting sites. Check out supermarket sites will give you a idea of our food prices. Car prices, check the UK sites especially vers the US ones.
Then convert those prices into US $ (yes I`m looking at those who live in the western US) or those who like to bang on regarding market rates.