Key Takeaways
- Average international moving cost to the UK: $6,300 to $14,800 depending on location, volume, and transport type.
- Visa required for Americans: Common options include Skilled Worker, Student, Innovator Founder, and Family Visas. Fees range from £490 to £1,036 plus healthcare surcharge.
- Cost of living: Consumer prices in the UK are ~16% lower than the US, but rent in London is significantly higher.
- Healthcare system: The UK offers public healthcare (NHS) with lower overall costs compared to the USA.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to the UK from the US?
Summary: The cost to move to the UK from the US typically ranges from $6,300 to $14,800, depending on where you move from, the volume of belongings, and whether you choose air or sea freight.
| 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+ |
*The costs have been updated in September 2025.
For moving to
London, costs may be higher due to congestion charges and delivery fees in the city. By using our
volume calculator, you can receive more accurate cost estimates.
Related article
Read about the average moving costs to move from the US to international destinations.
Top International Moving Companies from the US to the UK
Summary: Choosing a trustworthy international mover will make your relocation less stressful. Compare services, accreditations, and pricing.
Pay attention to the following when choosing your top international movers for your move to the UK:
- Transparent pricing
- Accreditations from moving associations (FIDI, IAM)
- Experience in customs & provide insurance
Fill in our form below and receive up to 5 free quotes from moving companies that specialize in relocating to the United Kingdom from the US.
How to Move to the UK on a Budget: 4 Smart Tips
Summary: These four cost-saving tips will help find the cheapest way to move to the UK.
- Declutter: Only keep the essential and irreplaceable items, the more you bring the higher the costs.
- Pack Yourself: Pack yourself to avoid extra costs.
- Compare Companies: Always compare moving quotes to find the best deal.
- Avoid Peak Season (May to September)
UK Visa Requirements for American Citizens
Summary: All Americans relocating to the UK require a visa. Your purpose—work, study, family—determines the type.
Visa Options:
For more information on the requirements, you can check the Official Government page or find your nearest UK embassy in the USA.
UK Immigration Fees for Americans: What Will It Cost?
| Visa Type | UK Government Fee (2025) |
| Skilled Worker Visa | £715 |
| Student Visa | £490 |
| Innovator Founder Visa | £1,036 |
Healthcare surcharge may also apply: £624/year.
Ultimate Moving to the UK Checklist (from the USA)
Summary: Prepare for your UK relocation in phases—visa, packing, travel, and arrival logistics.
3 Months Before Moving:
- Apply for your UK visa & gather your documents: see if you need a visa for the UK.
- Calculate your volume and get your moving quotes.
1 Month Before Arrival:
- Book your flights and secure your housing.
- Start decluttering and packing up your house.
Arriving to the UK:
- Arrange health insurance and a bank account in the UK: get your access to the National Health Service (NHS).
- Register as a citizen at the local authority.
Sign up and receive our tips for moving house internationally & other guides
Sirelo uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. For more information check our
privacy policyThank you for subscribing
Health Insurance: USA vs UK NHS System
Summary: Healthcare in the UK is public and more affordable than in the USA. You must register with a local GP to access services.
| UK | USA |
| System | Public | Private |
| Costs | Free or lower costs | High overall costs |
| Coverage | Wide range of medical treatments | Depending on the plan insured |
| Doctors | Registration with the local GP | Network with the insurance plan |
Moving from the US to the UK with Pets
Summary: Pet relocation costs $1,750–$6,000. Prepare microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate.
Checklist for moving with pets:
- 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
Find all the information on Pet travel from the U.S. to the United Kingdom/Great Britain from the USDA.
Living in the UK vs the US
Summary: The UK offers lower consumer costs, especially outside of London. Lifestyle and taxation also differ.
Living Costs in the UK vs the USA
Summary: Consumer prices are ~16.3% lower in London compared to the US. Rent and utilities vary by region.
| 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 $ |
Where to Live in the UK: Best Cities for Expats
Summary: From scenic Scotland to vibrant Wales, these UK cities offer quality living at affordable costs.
- Scotland: Aberdeen, Inverness, and Perth.
- North East England: Sunderland, Durham, and Darlington.
- Northern Ireland: Belfast
- Wales: Cardiff, Swansea or Wrexham.
Is It Worth Moving to the UK from the USA?
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
How to Find a Job in the UK as an American
Summary: Use local job platforms and secure a job before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
- Use job portals like find a Job, reed.co.uk, totaljobs, jobs.ac.uk
- Secure the job offer before your Skilled Worker visa application
- On a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours a week
Get Ready to Move to the UK
With the right planning, relocating to England for work, studies, or 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.
Back
Network of 500+ movers
150,000 moves annually
