Moving to United Kingdom: Cost of Living, Salaries, Jobs & Taxes (2026)
Quick facts, monthly costs, job market overview and practical residency steps for relocating to United Kingdom.
Planning to move to the United Kingdom? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about living and working in the UK post-Brexit: from visa requirements and job opportunities to cost of living and cultural integration.
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United Kingdom is in Western Europe, with its main hub in London. It’s known for a specific mix of lifestyle, work culture and affordability — and it can be a strong option for expats depending on your income level and priorities.
Key Numbers (2026)
Capital
London
Population
67.2 million
Language
English
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
EU Member
No (left in 2020)
Time Zone
GMT/BST
Quick Links
Cost of Living
The UK, especially London, has a high cost of living. Here's what you can expect:
Housing (Monthly)
- 1-bedroom flat in London city: £1,500-2,500
- 1-bedroom flat in London suburbs: £1,000-1,500
- 1-bedroom flat in other cities: £600-1,200
- 3-bedroom house in London: £2,500-4,000+
- 3-bedroom house other cities: £1,000-2,000
- Utilities: £150-300
- Internet: £25-35
Food & Groceries (Monthly)
- Basic groceries for one person: £200-300
- Restaurant meal (mid-range): £15-25
- Coffee in a café: £3-4
- Pint of beer: £5-7 (London), £3-5 (elsewhere)
Transportation
- Monthly travel card (London zones 1-2): £140
- Monthly bus pass (other cities): £50-70
- Taxi start: £3-4
- Petrol (1 litre): £1.45-1.65
Job Market
The UK job market is diverse with opportunities in:
- Creative Industries
- Education
- Professional Services
Average Annual Salaries (Gross)
- Software Developer: £35,000-70,000
- Financial Analyst: £40,000-80,000
- Marketing Manager: £35,000-60,000
- Teacher: £25,000-41,000
- Nurse: £24,000-37,000
Note: London salaries are typically 20-30% higher than the national average.
Taxes & Net Salary
Taxes depend on your income and employment type. Use the country comparison tool to estimate tax burden and typical net salary outcomes.
Visa & Immigration
Post-Brexit, EU and non-EU citizens need visas to work in the UK:
Main Visa Routes
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Need job offer from licensed sponsor
- Minimum salary requirement
- Job must be eligible skill level
- English language requirement
- Global Talent Visa
- For leaders in academia/research, arts/culture, digital technology
- No job offer needed
- Need endorsement from relevant body
- Student Visa
- Offer from approved education provider
- Proof of funds
- English language requirement
- Graduate Visa
- For international graduates
- 2-year work permission
- 3 years for PhD graduates
Visa Costs
- Skilled Worker Visa: £625-1,423
- Healthcare Surcharge: £624 per year
- Student Visa: £348
- Graduate Visa: £715
Healthcare
The UK has the National Health Service (NHS):
- Universal healthcare system
- Free at point of use for residents
- Immigration Health Surcharge required for visas
- Private healthcare also available
- High standard of medical care
Education
Educational options include:
- State schools (free for residents)
- Private schools (£12,000-45,000/year)
- Universities (£9,250/year for UK students, £20,000-30,000 for international)
- Language schools
- Vocational colleges
Lifestyle & Culture
Pros
- English-speaking environment
- Multicultural society
- Rich cultural scene
- Strong public services
- Good work-life balance
- Historical heritage
Challenges
- High cost of living
- Weather (frequent rain)
- Housing costs in popular areas
- Post-Brexit adjustments
Best Cities for Expats
London
The capital and most international city:
- Largest job market
- Cultural hub
- Diverse communities
- Highest salaries
- But: Highest living costs
Manchester
Northern powerhouse known for:
- Tech scene
- Media industry
- More affordable living
- Strong cultural scene
Edinburgh
Scottish capital offering:
- Financial sector
- Tech jobs
- High quality of life
- Beautiful architecture
Bristol
Southwest hub featuring:
- Creative industries
- Tech companies
- Good work-life balance
- Close to countryside
Practical Tips
Housing
- Start search early (competitive market)
- Budget for deposit (usually 5-6 weeks rent)
- Consider commute times
- Check council tax bands
Banking
- Major banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest
- Digital banks: Monzo, Starling, Revolut
- Need proof of address
Transportation
- Get Oyster card in London
- Consider railcard for train travel
- Download transport apps
Daily Life
- Register with GP (doctor)
- Get National Insurance number
- Consider contents insurance
Is the UK Right for You?
The UK is ideal if you want:
- English-speaking environment
- Strong job market in various sectors
- Multicultural atmosphere
- Rich cultural experiences
- Good education system
Consider challenges like:
- High cost of living
- Complex visa process
- Weather conditions
- Post-Brexit adjustments