I'm thinking of looking into relocating from the US to the UK?

Question

In general, do salaries in the UK keep up with rising living costs?
What are some of the things one should know if they are looking to relocate from America to the UK?
Insurance (health)
Customs...things like that.

Thanks for the info!

Answer 1

well done!!

uk is a great place to live, abeit a little dear...i have visited usa and find somethibg are alot cheaper, such as fuel, but oother thinga are more expensive...it's swing and round abouts!! but, if you live further north than london (!) you'll get a decent 3 bed house for approx £200k. not cheap, that's the only down side...oh, and petrol prices are....abot 88p per litre....about £4.50 per gallon.

health care is free.

i live in the beautiful peak distyrict, derbyshire...rolling hills, castles, empty roads....(sometimes!!) and cornwall/ devon is also beautiful, with the weather being nice further south!!

as for cuystoms, well. not much different from usa. but i'd advise to stay in a suburb out of town as as you go in town you get the chavy (common, rough, unsavory) types...

in the uk, you're never further than 80 miles from the seaside and generally, the people are very diverse and friendly....

but...as alot of americans think... we are not always quaint and polite!! we have balls too!!

Answer 2

Living costs in general tend to rise above salaries, but that said, it depends what sort of job you get, so it isn't always the case.

When you start work in the UK, you pay National Insurance which is deducted from any wages from an employer. These NI contributions entitle you to a state pension and along with tax, fund the welfare state. As such, you do not need private health insurance as the NHS (National Health Service) is the state run health service and is free at the point of use. Because of tax and NI, you do not pay for any health treatment you may require.

Answer 3

It is much more expensive to live in the UK than the US. Salaries dont' really keep up with rising living costs due to the rate house prices are going up. You are better off getting health insurance because the NHS has really long waiting times. It's not all a bed of roses! There are no-go areas in all major cities and quite a few in smaller towns. Yes, we have some amazing scenery but you may get claustrophobic on such a tiny island! You will also have to compete with the other half a million people trying to get in at any one time.

Answer 4

Icame to the UK 6 years ago . Although it was aculture shock - it's the best thing we've done. The weather was probably the most difficult thing to get used to, but now six years down the line, I've learnt to adapt and cannot tolerate a very hot climate.

I don't know what job you do, but professionsals earn decent salaries and lead a comfortable life style. If you have children, you can apply for child benefits. Schools are free (unless you want a private one) and are very good. Health services are free (almost, your National Insurance pays for it) and it's not bad.

Although friendly,I found English people to be quite reserved and withdrawn, but have made some very good friends through my church and children's schools.

One of the greatest benefits of living in the UK is the strong pound. Yes, you earn pounds and spend pounds, but if you are able to save a little, you can have fantastic holidays abroad at next to nothing.

Good luck.

Answer 5

although the headline rates are not that different, higher earning americans find tax higher in the UK .. nice US companies give "tax equalisation" payments to employees posted to UK.

if you are coming to london, the cost of living will also seem high as property and rents are high.

perhaps the most useful thing I can tell you is to think about buying property to live in. Im no property expert but in 30 years I haven't seen anyone coming to the UK even for a year who wouldn't have been better off buying than renting.

Answer 6

England is going downhill. A LOT of people living here.. given the choice... would leave.

It's expensive, it's built up, it's trashy...
England is a lot less social than other countries.
Overrun by chavs.
Majority of the education is far behind places like the USA.
There is nothing special about the place...

England is not a nice place... (in MY opinion... and many others)

I'm sorry but..if you don't like where you live... move to a different area..

Or Australia or New Zealand or something!

Answer 7

I lived there during my university days, and I can say that you wilol find the cost of living difficult. It would be in your best interest to work for an American company- then you'd get paid in dollars and maybe save on the taxes. Also, health care would be covered...otherwise, you'll be paying into a social healthcare system that isn't what you're used to.
Good luck

Answer 8

Sensible people are moving out.This country is going backwards due to a weak government.Crime rates are soaring ,the health service is struggling as is education. If you don't want to work you are ok you'll get a house and money will be thrown at you and you can run around committing crime and just get a smack on the fingers.

Answer 9

You don't need health insurance - we have the NHS - it is free - unless you want private healthcare of course. It is quite expensive to get a house over here - whether you wish to buy or rent. Bills are frequently going up, and cars are getting more expensive to run, and transport is often very overcrowded - in London anyway.

Answer 10

unless you have a trade are a lawyer or doctor stay in the U.S.A its very expensive to live here the wages are crap for every day jobs,taxes are high,think of a third of all you earn if you rent that will take lots of your money then you pay the local council depending on where you live then you pay gas & electric and water charges,you then buy your food to eat and cloths to were,I can tell you theres not a lot left over to enjoy your self with