Moving to England From US Guide

World-renowned academic institutions, excellent job opportunities and historic landmarks make England a popular destination for American expats. Each region has its own charming history and culture, and the island’s small size makes it easy to explore. 

Moving to England from the US is straightforward when you partner with Atlas International. From visa rules to mastering the local lingo, here’s what you need to know before starting your English adventure.

Premove Essentials: From Visas to Vocabulary

Alongside an international moving checklist, understanding the following nuances can make moving to England seamless.

The Visa Journey: Your Path to England

Unless you qualify for British citizenship, applying for a UK visa is the only route to working and living in England and the rest of the UK. The most common visa types used by American citizens are:

• Skilled Worker visa: You may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa if you receive an offer of employment from an approved UK company or body willing to act as your sponsor. To qualify, your job must appear on the list of eligible occupations and pay at least £38,700 per year or the established going rate. 
• Health and Care Worker visa: The Health and Care Worker visa works similarly to the Skilled Worker visa and is for qualified doctors, nurses and health or social care professionals. 
• Family visas: Family visas allow spouses of UK and Irish citizens to live in the UK. 
• Student visas: American students can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if they have a formal offer from an approved university. 

How much money you need to move to the UK depends on your visa type. Family visa holders must demonstrate a qualifying combined household income of £29,000 per year or more, plus £3,800 per year for one child and £2,400 per year for subsequent children. You may also be eligible if you meet the minimum cash savings threshold for a Family visa.

You can apply for a UK visa online. Fees vary by visa type — use the visa application fee checker to determine your costs. 

Understand the Cost of Living in England

The average private rent in England is around £1,276 per month, although where you plan to live can dramatically affect how much you pay. As of February 2024, the average house price in England is £298,000. Like rents, English house prices vary significantly by region. Some of the most popular cities expats choose to live in are: 

• London: Although the cost of living in London is significantly higher than average at £3,825 for a family of four, not including housing costs, Londoners typically earn more than those in any other region in England. The city offers a lively lifestyle for expats, with excellent public transport links, numerous free museums and attractions and diverse job opportunities. 
• Manchester: Famous for its lively music and sports scene, Manchester is home to numerous multinational companies in the creative, business and financial sectors. The cost of living in Manchester is slightly higher than the national average at £2,910 for a family of four, not including rent.
• Birmingham: Often referred to as England’s second city, Birmingham produces the largest GDP of any British city besides London. Its concentration of major companies provides plenty of employment opportunities for expats. Those looking for an affordable alternative to London may find the cost of living in Birmingham more manageable, with most families spending around £2,502 per month before rent. 

American expats may be pleasantly surprised by the cost of essentials in the UK. The cost of living in the UK is around 13.5% lower than in the US. Excluding housing costs, single Brits spend an average of £808.50 per month on bills, food and discretionary expenses, or approximately £2,732 per month for two adults and two children. 

Cost of Health Care

The National Health Service (NHS) is a significant advantage of moving to England. After paying the healthcare surcharge (£776 per year for students and children and £1,035 per year for other applicants), you can use NHS services without paying a fee.

Understanding British Culture and Language Nuances

Although the British and American cultures have numerous similarities, English people tend to greet strangers more formally than Americans and are often more reserved when interacting with people they don’t know well. However, social norms vary by region, and you’ll notice differences in culture, accent and informal vocabulary across relatively short distances. 

Life in England: Adjusting to Your New Surroundings

After moving to your new English home, you’ll need to register with your local council to pay council tax and set up accounts with utility providers. You'll also need to register with a General Practitioner to access NHS services. 

Joining social groups and attending local events can help you integrate with your new community. Many cities, towns and small villages in England have their own Facebook groups to keep locals informed. Town Hall notice boards and coffee shop pinboards are also great sources of local knowledge, and many pubs have their own thriving communities with regular social events. 

Atlas International: Your Moving Partner to England

Atlas International has over 60 years of experience supporting individuals and families moving to England from the US. Our network of global moving partners has exceptional knowledge of English moving regulations and customs arrangements, and our comprehensive international moving services cover everything you need for a straightforward transition. Here’s our step-by-step formula for a successful move abroad:

• Contact Atlas International: Contact our international relocation experts at least 90 days before you plan to move to England to get a free, no-obligation quote. 
• Receive an estimate: After your initial consultation, we’ll ask you to complete a premove survey so we can estimate the cost of your international moving package more precisely. 
• Packing: Our team of expert packers will provide packing materials and carefully pack, document and seal your belongings. 
• Loading: Next, the Atlas International team will expertly load your packed belongings into lift vans or larger shipping containers and transport them to the port or airport. 
• Transportation: After reaching the shipping location, our team will load your belongings onto a ship or aircraft to take them to England. 
• Customs clearance: Local customs authorities will clear your belongings at the destination port before handing them over to a hand-picked moving team. 
• Delivery: Following customs clearance, your belongings will be delivered to your new home. We can even unpack them for you or arrange local storage if you want us to.

Begin Your English Adventure With Atlas International

Atlas International is ready to ease your relocation to England and help you plan your move with confidence. Contact us today to receive a personalized quote and international moving plan.