Cost of Moving to California from UK
The average cost of moving to California from the UK ranges from £2,600 to £8,300 and takes approximately six to ten weeks using sea freight.
Moving to California is faster when shipping with air freight, but most people opt for sea transportation as it’s significantly cheaper. Below are the average costs of moving to California for different households using sea freight. The final price depends on the exact distance, volume, seasonality, and additional services such as packing or insurance.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | £2,600 – £3,600 |
| Three-bedroom house | £6,100 – £8,300 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
Are you relocating to California from the UK soon? Plan ahead, declutter, and compare quotes to find the best match for your needs. Calculate your approximate costs with our volume calculator.
Best Removals to California from the UK
When relocating to California from the UK, you want to find the best partner to help you move. But with so many movers, which one do you pick? Browse Sirelo’s database and filter on location, services, and more. Then select your favorite relocation companies to California, read their reviews, and give them a ring to get a first impression and to ask any questions.
To get started, here are the 3 best companies for moving to California from the UK:
7.3
194
London
11 ratings as Good Price
11 ratings as "Good Price"
9.8
50
Birmingham
2 ratings as Good Communication
2 ratings as "Good Communication"
Moving to California with Pets
Your pets will love their daily dose of sunshine, running on the beach, and exploring all the new parks. Follow these guidelines when moving to California with pets to ensure a smooth process.
- Obtain a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian 10 days before moving to California.
- The UK is a rabies-free country, but it’s recommended to vaccinate your pet against rabies at least 30 days before travel.
- While not mandatory, it’s advised to microchip your pet for a safer relocation.
- Check the airline’s rules for traveling with pets, such as IATA-approved travel crates.
California Work Visa for UK Citizens
Simply packing your bags and jetting off to go live and work in California from the UK… if only it was that simple! Let’s look at the visa options and processes to legally work in California.
How to Work in California
You need a visa to work in California as a UK citizen. These are your options:
- H-1B Visa: For specialised professionals in IT, engineering, and academia with a bachelor’s degree or higher. The US employer applies on your behalf and with an annual cap, this visa can be competitive.
- L-1 Visa: For Brits transferring to the US office with the same employer. You must have worked in the company for one year in a managerial, executive, or specialised role.
- E-2 Visa: For treaty country nationals, like the UK, with substantial capital in an American business. You need a business plan and proof of investment.
- O-1 Visa: For people with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. You have to show (inter)national acclaim in your field and provide extensive documentation. An employer or agent needs to file a petition on your behalf.
- F-1 Visa: This visa allows students to study and live in the US full-time, but generally does not permit them to work off-campus without special authorisation.
- Family visa: If you have close relatives in the US, they can sponsor your application.
How to Get a Work Visa in California
In most cases, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) files a petition on your behalf. After approval, you can apply for a work visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in the UK. This includes an interview and a completed DS-160 form. Once your interview gets approved, you’ll receive your visa to move and work in the US.
How Do Taxes Work in California?
Depending on your residency status and financial circumstances, you might have to file taxes in both the US and the UK after moving to California. Here’s a breakdown of how taxes work in California.
- You’re a tax resident if you have a Green Card or meet the Substantial Presence Test, which generally means you’ve spent over 183 days in the US over the past three years.
- California has a progressive income tax ranging from 1% to 13.3%. High earners have one of the highest state tax rates in the US. Wages, interest, dividends, and rental income generated in California are all taxable.
- UK expats file federal tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The progressive tax rates range from 10% to 37%. Through the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), you may exclude up to $120,000 (£95,000) of foreign income.
- To avoid double taxation, you can claim credits for UK-paid taxes.
- If you moved permanently to California and are a non-resident in the UK, you’ll only pay UK taxes on income earned there.
- If you work in California, you’ll pay into US Social Security only (UK-US Totalization Agreement).
- The federal taxes and state taxes are due on April 15 each year.
Living in California vs. UK
While the West Coast is known for year-round good weather, lovely beaches, and endless career prospects, moving to California does come with high living costs and cultural challenges. We’ll explore the cost of living in California vs London, UK below.
Average Cost of Living in California vs. UK
California is among the US states with the highest cost of living, but how much does it really cost moving to Los Angeles from the UK? Surprisingly, the cost of living is almost the same.
Be prepared to spend a lot more on groceries and restaurants, but overall, you’ll have 21% more purchasing power in Los Angeles compared to London. Plus, the average monthly salaries are higher in the US compared to the UK.
| Item | London, UK | Los Angeles, US |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £20.00 | £20.02 |
| Pint of Beer | £6.00 | £7.21 |
| Regular Cappuccino | £3.75 | £4.46 |
| Eggs (dozen) | £3.52 | £3.87 |
| Single Transport Ticket | £2.80 | £1.50 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | £2,205.32 | £1,1959.62 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | £1,614.38 | £1,655.36 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | £3,252.58 | £3,852.25 |
Source: Numbeo
Best Places to Live in California
Between the diverse landscapes and buzzing cities, it’s no wonder that many Brits are drawn to the Golden State. When considering relocating to California from the UK, evaluate the living costs, expat communities, and overall quality of life. Here are the best places to live in California.
- San Diego: Laid-back, family-friendly, and beautiful beaches! While San Diego doesn’t have as many British expats as LA, this coastal city is a popular choice for foreigners.
- San Francisco: This city attracts a diverse international crowd, including Brits. With a booming tech industry and cultural scene, San Fran has beautiful sights and a progressive culture.
- Los Angeles: LA is expensive but super dynamic, with access to beaches, entertainment, and endless possibilities. There’s a huge British expat community and many British pubs to meet other expats.
- Irvine: This Orange County city was voted the wealthiest and safest in the US. There are good schools, beaches, and well-planned communities.
- Mill Valley: Just north of San Francisco, Mill Valley has low crime rates and plenty of parks, ensuring a high quality of life for expats.
Pros and Cons of Living in California
Pros
Sunny weather year-round
Silicon Valley tech hubs
Diverse landscapes
World-class outdoor sports
Endless career prospects
Melting pot of cultures
International entertainment and and communities
Vibrant British expat groups
Cons
High housing prices
Expensive and privatized healthcare
Highest state income tax
Potential dual tax obligations
Eight-hour time difference
Limited public transport
Traffic congestion
Fast-paced and individualistic culture
Natural disasters
Checklist: How to Move from UK to California
Still need some advice on moving to California from the UK? There’s a lot to consider and arrange when moving overseas, which leaves many feeling overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve prepared this moving abroad to California from the UK checklist. Follow along a seamless move!
- Decide on the right US visa for your purpose
- Start the application process yourself or via your employer
- Attend the interview, get approved, and wait for your US visa
- Declutter and pack your belongings
- Hire a moving company and ship your belongings overseas
- Find the best place to live in California
- Arrange temporary or permanent housing
- Open an American bank account
- Deepen your knowledge of US taxes and double taxation
- Research and arrange (private) health insurance
- Register with the local municipality
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