I would imagine language and culture play a significant role as well. If English is the language of banking business, then living in a place where English is spoken all around you would be a big consideration.

Isn't Paris also cheaper?

I've lived in both cities : housing definitely is cheaper in Paris than London (although not as cheap as say, Berlin). The rest, marginally so.

Taxes are through the roof.

Not as much as you'd think compared to the UK, when it comes to income tax for example. In the UK, you hit the 40% bracket from £43K, in France that's only at €71K ! Granted, France has a 30% bracket from 26-71K€, in the UK it's 20% from £11-43K.

Capital gains taxes are slightly higher in France, so is corporation tax for big companies (much higher), and there are definitely higher labour taxes on French salaries, but there's no comparison in terms of what public services you get for that money (it includes unemployment insurance, child benefits, comprehensive health care, and a state pension you can actually live on, amongst other things)

The France has a multi-layered tax system.

The 41% is one of the layers.

Before it there is a 20-25% layer that doesn't depend on your income ;)

And it goes on...

I'm not sure what you mean by "20-25% layer", but there are other taxes besides income tax in the UK too : National Insurance contributions, Dividend Tax, Capital Gains Tax, etc.

Overall, it's definitely less in the UK, but not enough to warrant saying French taxes are "through the roof" compared to them.

In the UK. The income tax and the NI are both applied at the same time as a percentage of your gross salary. (Basically 20+11% or 40+2% if on the high tax bracket).

In France. The taxes are layered. There is your gross salary, then one tax is applied (25%)... then another tax is applied (11-45%) on what's left ... then it keeps going on.

Compared to London?

I think most people don't like French people, because they are arrogant, have a hostile attitude and are not welcoming and they refuse to speak the world's no. 1 business/internet language which is English (subjective, but I'm sure most people would agree).

EDIT: This was an extreme sarcastic comment in response to the original comment above: > "Paris is more beautiful and enjoyable (subjective, but I'm sure most would people would agree)"

It was my intent to play an extreme stereotype in response to the comment from above, because I found it funny to be honest how someone can even say that. Anyways, continue downvoting...

This does not correspond to experiences I had in Paris at all, many young people speak english quite well, are open minded and friendly.

> many young people speak English quite well, are open minded and friendly

Entirely true, but not a contradiction. Maybe things will be different in the future.

Everyone speaks English fine in Paris.

"Everyone" is a strong word, I know people from Paris that live in London and struggle. I'm sure the number of people that speak english is rising every year, but definitely not "Everyone"

That's an old stereotype. I go there often, and, in my experience, it doesn't hold anymore.

* based on the cartoon stereotypes this guy saw as a kid...

* based on you disliking this comment, despite having no idea what its sources.

ever lived a month or two in Paris?

Mention this on HN though, and get down-voted - Have an upvote from me to counter nationalistic downs.