What Americans moving to London need to know (2024)

FAQs

What to know as an American moving to London? ›

Moving to London as an American can be relatively straightforward, thanks to strong US-UK relations and a common language. However, ease of relocation can vary depending on factors such as visa type, job prospects, and housing availability. Planning and research are key to a smooth transition.

Both nations have a cost of living that varies greatly depending on where you live. However, you can expect that there will be a higher cost of living in the US than the UK. Data shows that the cost of living is 0.49% lower in the UK than the US. This difference is even greater in cities that are expensive to live in.

While the entirety of the UK has been experiencing a cost of living crisis since late 2021, it is estimated that London is 27% more expensive to live in than the rest of the UK. Recruitment firm Reed found in a survey that Londoners estimated a salary of around £65,000 as the minimum required to live comfortably.

How Much Money Do You Need to Move to London? To be safe, you should have 10 to 15,000 US Dollars in savings just to pay for your move to London from America. Then you need a bit of a cushion of savings so you aren't moving to London on your last dollar.

London's job market has bounced back, it's diverse and vibrant now, but the cost of living is still incredibly steep compared to other UK cities. Since 2021 the city, if not the country, has been experiencing a severe cost of living crisis. This crisis is something that has affected all residents.

One current Londoner recounted their experience of moving to the capital aged 35: "I'm 40. Moved to London from rural North East Scotland when I was 35. Absolutely love it, have made career strides I could never have dreamed of back home, and I'm out a lot. You're not even remotely too old."

Can I retire in the UK as a US citizen? ›

Although the UK government recently closed its retirement visa program, it's still possible to retire in the UK through other visa types. Here's how to do so and how to weigh the financial implications of retiring outside the United States. A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement, wherever it may take you.

Moving to the UK from the USA Checklist

Business visas, family visas and work visas are some of the specific UK visa categories. US citizens are required to select the right visa for them and then get a residence permit to spend their time in the UK.

Which postcodes do Americans moving to London tend to favour, and why? UA St John's Wood is a high-value part of town, so many Americans look at nearby Swiss Cottage or West Hampstead. Egham and Cobham in Surrey are popular for a more suburban lifestyle.

Yes, Americans can move to the UK without a job if they're eligible for a student visa, ancestry visa, or spousal visa. A lot of the other jobless visas are mainly eligible for Commonwealth nations, so the US isn't included, but there are definitely ways for US citizens to move to the UK without a job.

Some individuals can obtain permanent residence from family connection with a British citizen or through spending time in the UK on a work or business permit. There are other ways to immigrate to the UK, including if an individual is seeking asylum or has been granted refugee status.

The average cost of moving to London from the US is between $3,000 and $7,000. The size of your home, the time of the year you move, and your current location will eventually affect the total cost of your move.

It's not always easy to find friends in London - especially if you're new to the city. Despite being home to over 10 million people, the Capital can sometimes feel a pretty lonely place. We've pulled together some useful tips on how to meet people from Londoners who know our city best.

Any type of work in London would require a work visa, but the process is a lot simpler for short-term jobs and internships. Transitions Abroad and Go Abroad are both great resources to find work opportunities for each, including if you're looking for jobs in London as a recent American graduate.