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Planning a move to New York? Then check out our article about moving to NYC from the UK. We’ll talk about costs, checklists, jobs and more even free removal quotes so you can move to New York stress free.
Below is a rough estimate of how much moving to NYC from London can cost depending on your household’s size:
| Household size | Cost |
| 1 bedroom | £2,200 – £3,100 |
| 2 bedrooms | £2,900 – £4,000 |
| 3 bedrooms | £5,000 – £6,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | £5,400 – £7,400 |
| 5 bedrooms | £7,700 – £10,300 |
Disclaimer. These prices are only estimates and are not final. Your move will differ in price depending on distance, volume and your individual needs.
It’s important to note that the higher the volume of your move the higher the costs will be. Check out our page on container shipping costs to get more details.
You can influence the cost of your move to New York from the UK by considering the following factors, which can bring the price up or down:
As a reference, the distance from London to NYC is 5,585 kilometres. For those unfamiliar with the geography of America, New York is in the northeastern region of America.
However, if you’re planning to move there, it can be more complex than just a flight. It can be slow and costly, as transporting your belongings can take 4-8 weeks on average.
If you are bringing your pets abroad, make sure they meet the U.S. regulations:
It’s not compulsory to vaccinate your dog or cat against rabies, however, it’s recommended. Don’t forget to check if your airline has any specific criteria for transporting pets.
Find more information on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service official website on Bring a Pet From Another Country into the United States (Import).
If you’re wondering if you need a visa to go to New York, the answer is yes. To live in America, you will need to apply for a visa.
In any case, you should prepare your valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), medical documentation, education certificates, insurance coverage, and shipping documents.
Depending on your circumstances, you can apply for a work, family, study or business/investor visa. For detailed information, check our visa page below:
When moving to New York with your children and/or spouse, there are various visa options available based on your situation:
As a family moving to the big city, you should also prepare for cultural adjustments, the education system and finding a school and secure health insurance, between others.
The following checklist will help you organize everything when moving to New York:
The US healthcare system is primarily private. While many employers offer coverage, it is essential to select an insurance plan that meets your specific needs.
To know more about healthcare in the USA check out our page on healthcare in the USA.
Notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to declare your new residency to ensure you’re taxed correctly and avoid overpayments. If you continue to receive income from the UK (properties or investments), informing will also help you avoid double taxation due to existing treaties.
Open a US bank account to manage all your expenses. You will be required proof of identity, funds, visa status, and residency.
Before you move, make sure to review and cancel any subscriptions or utilities you won’t need at your new home. Remember to change your mailing address so that your mail is sent to your new location. This can be done with the redirection page from Royal Mail
Understanding the living costs in New York and the lifestyle of the dream city is key to a smooth transition.
According to Numbeo, life expenses in New York (including rent) are 41% higher than in London. Housing, groceries, and leisure activities are the main expenses that will affect your budget.
We gathered some of the main costs of living in NYC vs. London in the table below:
| Expense | NYC | London |
| Milk (1L) | £1.27 | £1.28 |
| Egg (12) | £4.40 | £3.50 |
| Cappuccino | £4.78 | £3.75 |
| Restaurant Meal | £57.00 | £40.00 |
| One-way Transport Ticket | £2.35 | £2.80 |
| Basic Monthly Utilities | £147.00 | £239.00 |
| 1-bedroom apartment rent | £2,191 | £3,267 |
Source: Numbeo
New York has 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Bronx.
Each of them is like a city with its unique aspects and sites. Manhattan is by far the most expensive, with the Bronx on the lower end. The boroughs are just a subway ride away, except for Staten Island, where you may need to take a ferry.
When renting a property, you will need to pay one month’s rent along with a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent upfront. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that landlords typically require a clean financial record when renting accommodation in New York, as credit checks are common.
Securing employment should be your top priority for entering the country. Remember that an American employer must offer you a job before you can apply for a work visa and live in New York.
The job market is intensely competitive, offering numerous opportunities for skilled individuals and those open to flexibility in their job search. Key industries include finance and insurance, real estate, and mass media and journalism.
You can start your job hunting through the following job portals: NYTimes, LinkedIn, SimplyHired or by an Employment Agency or head-hunter.
Well, this is the end of the article. By now, you likely have a good idea of what moving to New York entails. But, for those who don’t feel well prepared just yet, check out the articles we’ve picked for you below. We wish you luck with your move to New York.
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