

Not to mention having the possibility to manage over 50 different currencies from the same account. It automatically converts currency at the real, mid-market rate the moment you spend, with just a tiny conversion fee to pay. Besides that, you can get a Wise international debit card for low-cost spending in 175 countries.

With a quick service, and low fees to transfer your funds, this can be a much better deal than relying on your home bank. To get the best deal, it's a good idea to consider using an exchange service like Wise, which applies the same real mid-market exchange rate you’ll find online through Google. Even if your bank says it offers fee-free money exchange, you can be sure that they are taking their piece in the exchange rate they use. One major factor that adds expense for expats in the UK, is the cost of converting cash to sterling from your home currency. Meal for 2 (mid- range restaurant, three courses) Comparing basic cost of livingġ bedroom flat in city centre (monthly rent) This should give you an idea of general pricing for day to day expenses. It compares some of the basic costs (in GBP) all across the UK as well as three major countries. You can find out the exact value of your money in GBP, using an online currency converter - but here’s a rough guide at the time of writing, compared to a few major currencies:¹Īdditionally, you might find the following chart helpful. It's also sometimes referred to as sterling. The official currency in the UK is the pound (GBP or £ on currency exchanges). How expensive is the UK in comparison to the EU, the USA and Australia?

Here’s a quick guide to the cost of living in the UK. Wherever you're headed, and no matter whether you’re retiring, temporarily relocating or moving to the UK for good, it’s helpful to have a picture of what life there will cost as an expat.

And don’t forget, there’s more to the United Kingdom than England.Ĭonsider Cardiff in Wales, Glasgow or Edinburgh in Scotland, or Belfast in Northern Ireland. If you're working on a tighter budget, you can get a lot more for your money in one of the major regional cities, or a smaller town. Many of them choose a life in the capital, London, where it’s quite expensive, but you'll also find the highest paid jobs here. The United Kingdom hosts large numbers of expats - some of whom arrive for just a short time, while others choose to make Britain their permanent home. Travelling to Australia Austria Bangladesh Belgium Brazil Bulgaria Canada Chile China Colombia Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kenya Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Mexico Monaco Morocco Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey Ukraine Vietnam The UAE The UK The US.Life in Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Brussels Canada China Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong India Indonesia Ireland Italy Japan Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Pakistan Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Russia Singapore South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Sydney Thailand Vietnam The UAE The UK The US.
