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Relocating to Wales from the US isn’t something you do every day, so you want to be well-prepared. This guide on moving to Wales from the US offers hands-on advice and walks you through the moving costs, relocation companies, visas, and tips on living in Wales.
Below, we’ve listed the price ranges for a one-bedroom and three-bedroom house move, using sea freight. We’ve chosen sea freight as it’s the most common and affordable way to move internationally.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | $2,750 – $6,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
When relocating to Wales, the price varies based on a few factors. The total weight and volume are the biggest cost influencers, followed by the chosen services. Packing, storage, and unpacking are extra costs. Most moving companies to Wales include custom clearance and door-to-door delivery. Moving prices can be higher during peak seasons.
Relocating to Wales from the US? Use the volume calculator to estimate your costs.
Curious about what US shipping company ships to Wales, UK? Sirelo’s database of trustworthy, renowned relocation companies helps pick the right removal company for your move to Wales. Filter on location, browse services, and read reviews to see which company best fits your needs.
Here are the 3 best companies for moving to Wales from the US:
As an American, you can visit Wales for up to six months without a visa. This visa-free stay allows for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending meetings or conferences. If you plan to work, study, or move to Wales, you will need a visa. Let’s look at the visa process.
The most common route for Americans wanting to move to Wales is the Skilled Worker Visa, but there are plenty of visa options, including studying, investing, and reuniting with family members. Here are your options:
As most Americans move to Wales on the Skilled Worker Visa, we’ll use that as an example. For this visa, you’ll need a job offer from a UK-based employer that sponsors you. The minimum yearly salary requirement is typically £26,200/year (roughly $33,000) or £10.75/hour (around $13.50 per hour).
Documents include the job contract, certificate of sponsorship (CoS), qualifications proof, a clear criminal record, and bank statements showing at least £1,270 (approximately $1,600) in savings. The application fee ranges from $775 to $1,765, depending on the visa duration, and the immigration health surcharge (IHS) costs at least $785 a year for the duration of the visa.
As long as you comply with the UK’s pet import regulations, you can bring pets from the US!
Whether moving from a more affordable or expensive US state, the cost of living in Wales is generally lower compared to the US. Expect to save on rent, groceries, and restaurants.
When moving from the US to Wales, you’re in luck! Even coming from the relatively cheap city of Houston, you’re still paying less to live in Wales.
The cost of living in Cardiff is around 10% lower compared to Houston. Rent prices are almost 30% less. Compared to New York, living in Wales is significantly cheaper. Rent prices are nearly 73% more affordable, and the overall cost of living in Cardiff is almost 45% less. Below is an overview of the living cost in Wales, UK vs. US.
| Item | Cardiff, Wales | New York, USA | Houston, USA |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $18.32 | $30.00 | $20.00 |
| Pint of Beer | $5.80 | $8.50 | $6.00 |
| Regular Cappuccino | $4.07 | $5.90 | $5.32 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.97 | $5.41 | $3.61 |
| Single Transport Ticket | $2.69 | $2.90 | $1.25 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | $1,206.95 | $4,032.99 | $1,644.48 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | $984.46 | $2,942.81 | $1,207.17 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,831.27 | $5,568.69 | $4,351.24 |
Source: Numbeo
It is! You’ll love living in Wales if you enjoy natural beauty, a slower pace, and a rich cultural scene. Cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport have good amenities and job opportunities, while also being affordable. There’s a good work-life balance and affordable medical care through the NHS. That said, the weather can be damp and unpredictable, and the Welsh language can be tricky, even for English speakers.
Did you decide to say yes to the adventure and move to Wales? How exciting! Use this checklist and make sure you’re fully prepared to move to Wales from the US.
