If you are thinking about moving from New York to London, you will have to first get all the information about living costs, the cultural scene, public transportation, and the job market. Even though you’ll be moving overseas, far away from everything you have ever known, you will be surprised just how similar these two are. These modern and cosmopolitan cities are some of the best places to live in the world.
So, what differences can you expect from living overseas in the Big Smoke? Most people will be surprised, but the major differences between the two cities are the weather conditions, living costs, and the efficiency of public transportation. New Yorkers might find it outstanding that art is more accessible and affordable in the home of Big Ben than in their hometown. What is more, one will also have to adjust to the unfamiliar lingo and appropriate behavior.
Is Relocating to London from the Big Apple Worth It?
If you’re asking yourself is it worth to relocate to London and leave behind the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan, long walks in Central Park, and inspiring Broadway musicals, we are here to share with you the benefits of relocating to the home of Big Ben.
If you are looking for an exciting social and cultural scene as well as a capital where you can find employment in a flash, the Big Smoke is a perfect place for you. It’s a thriving metropolis rich in history and character.
The Big Smoke is one of the best cities for living in Europe for younger people. Residents aged between 24-35 make up 24% of the population in the Inner part of the city. The fact that life in the Big Smoke appeals to younger people just goes to show that living in this metropolis is exciting, fun, and full of opportunities to further your career.
Here is Everything You Should Know When Moving From New York to London – From Cost of Living to Weather Conditions
Before you start gathering all your packing supplies and writing down your relocation to-do list, you will first have to know what you can expect from your move to another big city. If you want your move to be efficient, find out everything about the similarities and differences between living in the Big Apple as opposed to living in the Big Smoke. The two cosmopolitan cities have numerous similarities that will most likely allow you to avoid feeling homesick. However, there are slight differences to prepare for as well.
Are the Living Costs Across the Pond Different in Any Way?
You might be wondering, is it cheaper to live in NYC or London? Let’s face it. We are comparing two metropolises that are notoriously expensive. However, if you are looking for apartments to rent, don’t be surprised if you easily find appropriate places to live and move into a home for a lower price than in the Big Apple. Living in the Big Smoke is actually more affordable than living in the Big Apple.
What is more, renters will spend about 35 percent less on comparable-sized apartments in the UK’s capital. One-bedroom apartment in London’s downtown costs around 2,000 dollars (translated to pounds, of course,) whereas you can expect to pay 3,400 dollars for the same apartment in Manhattan. For more information, visit the Numbeo website to find and compare prices between these two metropolises.
For anyone who desires to buy a property, the prices vary depending on the part of the city you are interested in. A large mortgage will be required to purchase a house, but there is a wide array of mortgage deals you can choose from since the country’s real estate market is inundated with advisors and independent mortgage brokers.
London’s Public Transportation Is One of the Best in the World
One of the outstanding characteristics of the UK’s capital is the quick and efficient public transport. You have the opportunity to go wherever you desire, either by Tube or the bus. Also, you can rely on contactless payments, so there is no need to worry whether you forgot your Metrocard or didn’t swipe it properly.
You won’t deal with any awkward and self-conscious excuses because some Tube lines go every minute. However, when you miss a train in the Big Apple, you will probably have to wait 10 minutes for the next one. How many precious minutes have been lost just because you didn’t run at the sound of the train as it entered the station? Living in another country that has a top-notch public transportation system will allow you to stop worrying about missing important meetings or being late.
Also, London’s Job Market is Full of Opportunities
Whether your primary reasons to move are employment opportunities or you want to search for temporary placements, you won’t have any issues deciding on the next career move upon relocating to live overseas in the UK’s capital. In this metropolis, there are many types of businesses that constantly search for fresh talents.
Both in NYC and the Big Smoke, there are many financial giants like major banks, pharmaceuticals, and mining companies, but there is also a booming creative industry in the Big Smoke, as well as advertising and marketing agencies.
However, there is a slight difference when it comes to average salaries. In the Big Apple, the average salary is 57,700 dollars, while in the Big Smoke, the average salary is 50,000 dollars. Even though the salary is slightly lower, the living expenses are also lower, so your lifestyle won’t be tremendously affected, and you’ll be able to go on as you like it.
Watch this video to find out more about working in Europe as an American before ultimately relocating to London.
Prepare to Experience an Exciting and Fascinating Cultural Scene
Both London and the Big Apple are very culturally significant cities, with a lot of theaters, museums, history, art performances, shows, and events. Many fascinating museums and art galleries are free in the Big Smoke. In case the access is not free, they usually offer tickets at a considerable discount.
Art is more accessible in the Big Smoke, so If you don’t want to buy a ticket, you can always go to galleries and museums that are always open to the public. Here is a list of museums and galleries you can visit in the Big Smoke:
- The British Museum,
- The Natural History Museum,
- The Tate Modern,
- The Science Museum,
- The Museum of London.
Are Weather Conditions the Same, or Is London Colder Than NYC?
Don’t worry that you’ll have to adjust to the new country’s overcast and freezing weather. London’s weather conditions are much milder than in NYC. You won’t experience scorching hot days and humidity during the summer, while winters are not so cold, slushy, and snowy. Spring and autumn are definitely the best seasons in the Big Smoke since the mild weather and beautiful landscapes make living here delightful.
In NYC, people experience harsh winters and very hot summers, so moving to London from New York can be more challenging. This is not the case in the UK’s capital since the weather conditions don’t fluctuate that much. However, it’s true that there can be rainy and gloomy days during winter, so packing coats and umbrellas should be on your moving abroad checklist.
What Is Being a True Londoner Really Like?
If you’ve decided to move across the world and become a true Londoner, you will have to know how to behave like one. In every city, there is a specific type of behavior and manners that are acceptable and known. Follow our tips on how one has to behave in order to become a true Londoner.
You should be aware of some differences in the language that true Londoners use. Don’t be surprised if you have to say “taxi” instead of “cab,” a toilet instead of the restroom, the underground instead of the subway, and the lift and not the elevator. Also, you will have to train your ear to discern the talk in Cockney rhyming slang, which might appear as a specific form of culture shock. It might be difficult at first, but since the UK is one of the friendliest countries in the world, you will find people who will help you get accustomed to the speech variations.
The British have to stand in queues a lot and are pretty serious about them. Whether you want to get on a bus or buy something in a boutique, you must not jump ahead if there is a line.
A person visits the city for the first time and doesn’t know that you shouldn’t stand on the left side of the escalator. The unwritten rule that everyone knows is that the right side of the escalator is for standing, and on the left side, one can walk up and down.
You might not know when you first move, but there is a cheaper alternative to buying tickets for the bus and the Tube. It will be much easier and less costly to get around the metropolis if you obtain an Oyster card.
A true Londoner has a pub. You have to find one where you will spend your Sundays. There are many interesting pubs, from more modern ones to more traditional and historical ones. Every Sunday, they prepare a roast. If you want to meet new people and experience British culture, make sure to go to London’s pubs.
What Do You Need to Do in Order to Move to the UK from NY?
If you’re asking yourself, “how do I permanently move to the UK from the USA?” do not worry. We will share tips on how to prepare for a successful move and contact the right overseas shipping company. There are certain tasks that have to be done before ultimately packing your belongings and leaving NYC. Make sure you follow our tips to prepare for the move properly.
First, Get a Residence Permit and a UK Visa When Relocating Across the Pond
If you’re wondering, “can I live in the UK as a US citizen” we have the right answer. If you are an American citizen, you will need to obtain a visa to move permanently to the UK. However, for people who have to travel to the UK for a short-term visit, they don’t need a visa for the first six months. But, without a visa, you cannot work.
There are numerous immigration options you can choose from. Before applying for a visa, search for one that would serve you the best. There are – a Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, Minister of Religion visa, International Sportsperson visa, and Intra-company visa.
Find the Most Reputable International Movers That Will Guide You Through the Entire Move
You will be moving internationally, and you want to avoid relocation mistakes as much as possible. There is nothing worse than landing in a foreign country only to see that your stuff have been damaged during transit. That is why you have to search the Internet and ask friends and family members for recommendations before deciding to hire one.
Contact at least three different companies and request free in-home estimates. In this way, you will compare the costs of each company and ask any questions about relocation insurance, shipping overseas, packing service, and (often forgotten) storage service so you can decide on the best choice.
There are two options to choose from when deciding to invest in international relocation services. If you want to transport your belongings as fast as possible, invest in international relocation by air, but if you’re looking for a cheaper solution, invest in international moving by sea.
Cancel Utility Services in Your Name
Most people tend to forget to complete important tasks before relocating. Among the most important tips is to make sure to contact your utility providers and inform them of your move. The most vital thing to do is to make sure that they terminate services in your name, such as electricity, water, gas, TV, internet, and waste removal. Also, there is a chance you can do everything online – simply filling in a form would be enough to terminate all services.
You Will Have to Open a Bank Account Before You Leave
Without a bank account, you won’t have a chance to find an apartment to rent, but without an address, you cannot open a bank account, so many confused people ask – is it possible for an American to move to London at all? The answer is – yes, and even if this obstacle seems impossible to solve before the relocation, there are potential solutions to this issue.
The first potential solution is to find a bank in the US that will assist you. There is a chance some US banks are partnered with UK banks or have a branch there. This means that you can open a bank account in NYC, which will be valid when you move overseas.
Another option is to check for a UK bank that can provide you with an international account. Sometimes, non-residents can open accounts from other countries but in UK banks. Some of the banks that expat communities most often go to are Barclays, Lloyds Bank, and HSBC.
But, do US citizens living in the UK pay US taxes? Yes, even though you will relocate across the world and earn an income in the UK, you are still required to file your US taxes because you are still a holder of dual citizenship.
Are You Ready to Pack up Your Things and Move to the UK’s Capital
Relocation can be stressful and full of surprises, but when you get a chance to live in one of the best European countries in the world, you cannot but feel excited. There are certain differences between NYC and the home of Big Ben, like different living costs, weather conditions, and patterns of behavior, but overall, both cities share the same energy. For those wondering what’s the easiest country to move to from the US, the answer just might be the UK. If you love the rich cultural scene, diversity, and the hustle and bustle of NYC, you will have the time of your life in the UK’s capital.
