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Moving to the UK from USA

Costs of Moving, Living and How to Relocate to the UK

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Are you dreaming about moving to the UK or the bustling streets of London from the USA? You’ve come to the right place. A good move starts with understanding the costs, finding the right mover, and getting familiar with your destination. In this article we cover everything you need to know before relocating to England from the US. Keep reading and request your free moving quotes along the way!

How Much Does It Cost to Move to the UK from the US?

The average cost of moving from the US to the UK is typically around $6,300 to $14,800.

If you’re wondering how much it would cost to move to the UK from the US, you should know that factors such as whether you’re moving from the West or East Coast, or the volume of your belongings, directly influence your final price.

Here is a detailed breakdown depending on the volume:

Property SizeAverage 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.

Read about the average moving costs to move from the US to international destinations.

Best International Moving Companies to the UK

Finding a reliable mover for your move to the UK from the USA will make your journey less stressful. Take a look at 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 specialize in relocating to the United Kingdom from the US.

Moving to the UK?
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Cheapest Ways to Move from the US to the UK

Are you looking for the cheapest way to move to England or the UK? Follow these steps:

  1. Declutter: Get rid of useless items to reduce as much as possible the volume of your move, as it directly influences the costs. You can calculate your volume before requesting quotes – it will help you get an accurate price.
  2. Pack Yourself: Avoid paying for extra services such as packing if you have time to do it yourself.
  3. Compare Companies: Request quotes from different movers and read what they can offer to choose the best option.
  4. Off-peak Season: Any time but summer will already drastically reduce the costs.
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UK Immigration Fees and Visa Requirements

As an American citizen, if you plan to immigrate to the UK from the USA, work, or start a business, you will need to apply for a visa. The UK immigration fees depend on your reason for relocating.

UK Visa Options for Americans:

You are required to have basic documents like your passport, proof of finances, and English proficiency to apply for these visas.

For more information, you can check the Official Government page or find your nearest UK embassy in the USA.

Moving to the UK from the USA Checklist

If you’re preparing your move from the USA to the UK, Wales, Edinburgh, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, there are some things you can start planning.

  • Apply for your UK visa: see if you need a visa for the UK
  • Gather all necessary documents
  • Book your flights and secure your housing
  • Choose the right moving company
  • Calculate the volume and cost of moving to the UK from the US
  • Request your moving quotes
  • Arrange health insurance and a bank account in the UK: get your access to the National Health Service (NHS)

Health Insurance in the USA vs. UK

UKUSA
SystemPublicPrivate
CostsFree or lower costsHigh overall costs
CoverageWide range of medical treatmentsDepending on the plan insured
DoctorsRegistration with the local GPNetwork with the insurance plan

Moving from the US to the UK with Pets

The cost of moving pets to the UK ranges from $1,750 to $6,000.

If you want to move to the UK with your dog or cat, you must prepare the following:

  • Identification with a microchip
  • Vaccination against rabies (and the proof documentation)
  • UK Pet Health Certificate issued in the last 10 days
  • Tapeworm treatment – only for dogs – before travelling

You may also need a pet passport. Find all the information on Pet travel from the U.S. to the United Kingdom/Great Britain from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Living in the UK vs the US

Are you still considering whether you should move to the UK from the USA? This section may interest you. Let’s deep dive into the costs, the job market, and understanding the realities of relocating.

Living Costs in the UK vs the USA

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:

MetricUKUSA
Eggs3.80 $3.73 $
Bread1.55 $3.56 $
Restaurant Meal38 $35 $
Cappuccino4 $5 $
Single transport ticket3.18 $2.50 $
Basic utilities322.15 $205.61 $

Where Are the Best and Cheapest Places to Live in the UK?

  • Scotland: For budget-friendly cities with stunning scenery, consider Aberdeen, Inverness, and Perth.
  • North East England: Cities like Sunderland, Durham, and Darlington offer a great quality of life balance.
  • Northern Ireland: Belfast offers a unique blend of energy and history at an affordable cost.
  • Wales: For lively scenery, the capital, Cardiff, can be a great option. Swansea or Wrexham also offer lower living costs and a relaxed lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in the UK vs the US

Pros

 Free and universal healthcare system
 Safety and security
 Excellent public transport
 Work-life balance

Cons

 Expensive living costs in major cities
 Higher taxes
 Milder climate
 Complex immigration process

Finding a Job in the UK as an American

Want to move to London from the US for work?

  1. Start searching in job portals like find a Job, reed.co.uk, totaljobs, jobs.ac.uk
  2. Secure the job position – You’ll need to have an offer confirmed to apply for a visa
  3. Apply for the corresponding visa (usually be Skilled Worker visa)

You are not legally allowed to work in the UK with a tourist visa, but with a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours a week to earn money next to your studies.

Get Ready to Move to the UK

Moving to the UK from the US is a big change, even though the countries share the same language. With the right planning, relocating to England for work, studies, or for family can be a rewarding journey. If you’re left with any additional questions after reading this article, have a look at our FAQs below.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth moving to the UK from the USA?

How much does it cost to move to the UK?

How to get permanent residency in the UK?

How to get a work visa in the UK?

How much would it cost to move to England from America?

What are the visa requirements for moving to the UK?

Can I bring my pet when moving to the UK?