What in the World offers you glimpses of what our journalists are observing around the globe. Let us know what you think:whatintheworld@nytimes.com

The cost of living in London is now so high that it takes nine-tenths of an average person’s income just to cover the rent for an average apartment, never mind luxuries like, say, food or clothing or taxes.

And if you fancy living in a fashionable neighborhood like Kensington and Chelsea, think again: Every penny of the $38,960 an average Briton makes in a whole year would be swallowed up by your landlord in just eight months.

These figures come from a recent report by CBRE, a global real estate advisory firm, which says London’s residential rents are the highest in the world: £2,083 (about $3,020) a month for a typical two-bedroom apartment.