How much does moving to London cost?
πΈ It's an expensive process moving to London from abroad. Although there are costs in every category, there are savings to be made along the way if you know where to find them.
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Moving countries certainly isn't free, especially when you are moving to one of the most expensive cities on the planet. However, London is full of opportunity and you will have pounds coming into your wallet in no time making up for the costs. If you're having a tough time working through the costs, just know that the feeling you will have wandering the historic streets is absolutely priceless.
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What are the expenses?
Expenses range from the big to the small and across all different categories. There is a lot to pay for when moving to London and you should only start your move when you're financially secure enough to do so.
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Passport renewals π
To make an international move, your passport needs to be valid while you're away. Make sure your passport is valid, if not, renew it.
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Visa fees π¬π§
You'll likely need to apply for a visa when moving to London from aboard. Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the length of your stay.
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Transportation βοΈ
Whether it's by plane, train, or automobile, you need to get to London and transportation costs are always a significant expense.
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Shipping and storage costs π¦
If you're bringing furniture or other possessions with you, you'll need to arrange for shipping or storage. This can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of items to move.
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Temporary accommodation π¨
When you first get to London you will need a place to stay while you search for your new home. The 3 main options include; Air BnB, hostels/hotels or staying with friends.
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Housing costs π
London is known for its high cost of living, and housing is one of the largest expenses. You'll need to budget for rent, a security deposit, and other housing-related costs for setting up your new flat.
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Cost of living πΈ
London is a vibrant and exciting city, but it can also be expensive to live in. You'll need to budget for food, transportation, entertainment, and other living expenses.
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Healthcare costs π₯
If you're moving to London from abroad, you may need to purchase health insurance or pay for medical expenses out of pocket.
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How do I save money when moving to London?
There's no getting around it, when moving to London you will need to spend money, a lot of money. The costs are high but at the end of the day living in London is worth the price tag.Β However, these tips will help make sure you have as many pounds as possible in your pocket so you can spend them on important London things (like pub roasts, drinks in soho, West End theatre tickets and sausage rolls).
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Stay in outside zones π‘
London has many different neighbourhoods with varying levels of cost, zone 1 central London being the most expensive. When setting up, staying in or living in areas zoned 3-5 ensuring you spend less on accommodation.
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Consider house sharing π
House sharing is the most cost-effective way to reduce your rent and other living costs. Check out the 'House sharing in London explained' blog for more advice.
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Look for free or low-cost activities π
London has many free or low-cost activities, such as museums, parks, and galleries. Take advantage of these options and save money while still enjoying life in your new city.
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Bring less stuff π§³
Shipping possessions to London is very expensive, so consider bringing less stuff with you when you move.
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Purchase a Migrate account π
For just Β£25, Migrate will make sure you save more than the access costs when moving to London. Paid Migrate accounts give you access to special discounts and loads of money saving recommendations. You don't know what you don't know, that's why Migrate is here to help.
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