Planning a move to the UK is exciting. But, it also comes with practical considerations, and cost is one of the most important. Understanding what you’ll need to pay upfront, and what life will cost once you arrive, will help you budget realistically and avoid surprises.
This guide breaks down the key expenses involved in moving to the UK, and how they can vary depending on whether you’re moving alone, with family, with pets, or on a sponsored visa.
For an accurate picture of the costs involved, we recommend you carry out your own research tailored to your specific circumstances. This guide is not financial advice.
Upfront costs of moving to the UK
Before you can move, there are several one-off costs to consider. These vary depending on your visa type, where you’re coming from, and your personal situation.
Visa fees
Visa application fees depend on which visa type you need and whether you seek help from an immigration specialist to help with your application.
Skilled Worker visa: £719 to £1,519 (depending on length and role)
Innovator Founder visa: £1274
Student visa: £524
Each dependant (children and partners) application will also have its own costs.
If you are sponsored by a UK employer, they may cover all or part of your visa application fee and the Immigration Skills Charge, which can save you several thousand pounds.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Most visa applicants must pay the IHS, which grants access to NHS healthcare. The fee is currently £1,035 per person, per year. This applies to every dependant included on the visa.
Students and children under the age of 18 must pay £776 per year.
Some sponsored workers in health and social care are exempt from the IHS.
Flights
Flights vary by location, season and luggage options. If you need to cut costs, it’s worth checking flight comparison sites like Skyscanner.
Initial and long-term accommodation
When you arrive in the UK, you may need somewhere to stay temporarily whilst you find long-term accommodation.
You can find somewhere more budget-friendly, like a hostel, or if you need to find somewhere more suitable for a family, you can look for properties on Airbnb.
When you find somewhere to stay on a more permanent basis, you typically need to provide the first month of rent plus a deposit (equalling about 5 weeks of rent).
Additional costs for pets
If you’re moving to the UK for an extended period, you probably want to bring along your pets, which involves its own set of costs.
We’ve written a full guide on bringing pets to the UK and what costs you need to look out for.
You should also factor in ongoing pet care, such as food, insurance, vet checks, and possible pet-friendly accommodation premiums (some landlords charge higher deposits for pets).
Cost of living in the UK
Once you’re settled, monthly outgoings depend on location, family size, and lifestyle. Here is a list of the general outgoings for UK residents:
- Rent and housing
- Council tax (around £1500+ per year)
- Utilities such as gas, electricity, and water (starting from around £100)
- Internet
- Public transport
- Driving, which includes tax, fuel, insurance and maintenance)
- Food and essentials
- Childcare
- TV licence (£174.50 per year) or streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon)
- Phone bill
It’s important to note that energy costs fluctuate throughout the year. Bills can spike to £500+ in winter months, especially in older properties with poor insulation.
There are also lifestyle and entertainment costs to consider, depending on what you’d like to do during your time in the UK. This could include:
- Museums
- Gym membership
- Eating out
- Cinema and theatre
- Clubs
- Shopping
It’s easy to overlook social spending, but including it makes your budget more realistic.
Currency exchange and banking fees
International money transfers and currency exchange fees can reduce the value of your funds when paying deposits or sending money home.
Services like Wise or Revolut can work out cheaper than banks.
Can I use cryptocurrency in the UK?
Cryptocurrency is legal in the UK, and many people hold digital assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. However, it is not widely accepted as a direct form of payment for everyday expenses like rent, groceries or utilities. Most landlords, employers and service providers will expect payment in pounds sterling.
If you hold funds in cryptocurrency, you can convert them into pounds through a UK-based exchange or digital banking service once you arrive. Keep in mind that exchange rates and fees can vary, and you may also need to declare your holdings for tax purposes if you are trading regularly.
For visa applications, the Home Office will not usually accept cryptocurrency accounts as proof of funds, so you should ensure the required money is available in a recognised bank account.
Regional cost differences
Location is the single biggest factor affecting cost. London and the South East are the most expensive, while the North of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are generally cheaper.
Choosing your location carefully can make a major difference to your budget, especially for families needing more space.
Employer sponsorship
Employer sponsorship can reduce your costs significantly. Depending on your contract, your sponsor may:
- Pay or reimburse your visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Cover relocation costs such as flights, shipping and temporary housing
- Provide a housing allowance or help you find accommodation
This support is common in sectors with skills shortages (healthcare, education, technology), so always ask your employer what assistance they offer.
What happens if I don’t have enough money?
It’s vital to understand that having enough funds isn’t just practical; it’s often a legal requirement for your visa.
Many UK visas require you to prove you have a minimum level of savings, usually by showing bank statements covering the 28 days before you apply. For example, Skilled Worker visa applicants must show at least £1,270 in personal savings, and Student visa applicants must show they can cover tuition plus living costs.
If you can’t show these funds when you apply, your visa may be refused.
Even if your visa is granted, arriving without enough money can quickly cause difficulties, such as being unable to pay deposits, rent, or transport costs before you start work. This can lead to serious financial stress and, in some cases, the risk of breaching your visa conditions if you can’t support yourself.
Planning ahead and building a financial buffer is the safest way to protect both your move and your immigration status.
Having a smooth start to your move
Moving to the UK can be life-changing, but having a clear picture of the financial side makes it much less stressful.
Costs will vary depending on your family size, your pets, and whether you have employer sponsorship, but forward-thinking will help you start your new chapter with confidence.
If you’re preparing for a move and want support with the legal side, our immigration team can guide you through the process.
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