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Find out everything about moving to the United Kingdom – costs of moving, living, how to prepare your visa and some advice before leaving the USA.
Factors such as whether you’re moving from the west or east coast, or the volume of your belongings will directly influence your final price. See the following table for a detailed breakdown depending on the volume:
| Property Size | Average cost |
| Studio | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $10,000 – $14,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | $14,000 – $18,000 |
| 3 Bedroom | $18,000 – $22,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $22,000+ |
These estimated costs can be applied whether you’re moving to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, as there isn’t a significant difference in pricing.
Find the top international movers for your move to the UK below. Read about their services, reviews and request free quotes to compare.
Not sure which moving company to choose for your move to the UK? Directly request free quotes below. We’ll get you in touch with the companies that best suit your needs.
To find the cheapest movers to move, you can follow these steps:
As an American citizen, if you plan to stay longer than 6 months, work or start a business you will need to apply for a visa, independently of your situation.
Some general requirements apply to most cases:
However, based on your specific situation, you can face different requirements.
The most common visa you can obtain as an American is the Skilled Worker visa, being eligible for a job from a UK employer registered to sponsor you for the visa. These are some of the conditions you’ll also need to meet:
If you’re staying for less than a year, you will have to apply for a Short-term study visa. In case of staying longer, then you can apply for a Student visa. Some of the documents you’ll need are:
For a Short-term visa, you’ll need to present your accommodation and travel plans and proof of the paid course fees or enough money to do so.
For a Student visa, an official acceptance letter from the educational institution (called Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) confirming your enrollment will also be required.
Requirements for Doing Business in the UK
To open a business in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa. The most popular is the Innovator Founder visa, which allows you to start an innovative business idea. You must follow these requirements:
If you’re moving to the UK to live with your partner, parents, child or other relatives, you can apply for a Family visa. To prove your relationship, you will need to provide some personal documents (date of birth, passport, criminal record, proof of personal savings, etc.) and your partner’s details as well.
For more information, you can check the Official Government page or find your nearest UK embassy in the USA.
If you’re moving to Wales, Edinburgh, England, Scotland or Northern Ireland from the USA, there are some things you can start planning.
| UK | USA | |
| System | Public | Private |
| Costs | Free or lower costs | High overall costs |
| Coverage | Wide range of medical treatments | Depend on the plan insured |
| Doctors | Registration at the local GP | Network by the insurance plan |
If you want to move to the UK with your dog or cat, you must prepare the following:
You may also need a pet passport. Find all the information on Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain from the UK government or Pet travel from the U.S. to the United Kingdom/Great Britain from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The price will vary on the pet size, and services taken and you also have to consider the additional costs such as the microchip, vaccination or getting the documentation needed.
If you’re still considering if you should move to the UK, this section can interest you. Let’s deep dive into the costs, the job market and understanding the realities of relocating.
According to Numbeo, London is cheaper than America. Consumer prices in 2024 are 16.3% lower than in the United States. The average living costs, including rent, can be around $1,050 – $1,700.
Here’s a breakdown of some daily costs:
| Metric | UK | USA |
| Eggs | 3.80 $ | 3.73 $ |
| Bread | 1.55 $ | 3.56 $ |
| Restaurant Meal | 38 $ | 35 $ |
| Cappuccino | 4 $ | 5 $ |
| Single transport ticket | 3.18 $ | 2.50 $ |
| Basic utilities | 322.15 $ | 205.61 $ |
There’s no right answer on which country is better to live in. However, you can balance some pros and cons and choose what could be best for you.
How to Work and Get a Job in the UK as an American
Foreigners can apply for jobs in the UK, in fact, many companies especially search for them in industries with shortages. As long as you’re eligible and skilled for the position, you can apply for them.
On the other hand, your options to move to London or any other city in the UK without a job are limited, as you could only stay temporarily through:
Since the United Kingdom is primarily an English-speaking country, Americans have an advantage when seeking opportunities. Here are some national portals to begin your research:
Popular portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed or Jooble can also be helpful.
With careful planning and research, moving to the UK from the US can be a smooth transition. Enjoy a cup of tea and explore Big Ben with the right preparation.
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