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Moving to America from the UK

Costs, Checklists, and More

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Moving to America from the UK is a big change and task. Check out this comprehensive guide with information on the cost of removals to the USA, an extensive checklist, and free removal quotes to make your move to America as simple as possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to America from the UK?

The cost of moving a to America ranges from around £1500 to £8900.

Below you can find the moving costs from London to some of the major US cities to help give you some more clarity on the cost to move to the USA.

City1-bed house3-bed house (20ft container)4-bed house (40ft container)
New York£1500£4500£8000
Los Angeles£2500£5000£8500
Miami£2700£5200£8700
Houston£2800£5400£8900
Chicago£2600£5100£8600

Disclaimer: These costs are estimates and can change based on several factors

If you’re still curious to understand the factors that will affect the price read our page on international moving costs. Generally, we recommend sea freight for moving over air freight due to the large price difference.

Not sure how much stuff you have? Use our handy furniture volume calculator to do the hard work for you.

Top 2 Transport Types for Moving to America

  • Door-to-Door: Zero logistical stress for you. The moving company will take care of everything including customs in both countries.
  • Door-to-Port: You are in charge of taxes and duties and providing the necessary customs forms.

International Removal Companies UK to USA

Looking to book a removal to America? Finding the right company with a proven track record of successful moves. Check out the 2 removal companies from the UK to the USA:

  1. PSS International Removals

Pros

 Communication
 Professional
 Price

Cons

 Communication
  1. Mercia Movers & Storers

Pros

 Professional
 Friendly
 Efficient

Cons

 Careless with furniture

Get Free Removal Quotes

Fill in the form below and find up to 5 removal companies for your removal to the USA to save time and money on your move.

Removals to the USA? Find a Removal Company Today!
Select the size of your household to receive free removal quotes, today!

Moving from the UK to the USA Checklist

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Following the checklist below will ensure your international removal process is as smooth as possible.

Before You Move from the UK to the USA

  1. Prepare Important documents

Before you start your move from the UK to the USA, check that these documents are safe and valid:

  • Visa and Work Permits
  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
  • University Degree(s)
  • Police Background Check
  • An inventory of your belongings for customs declaration
  1. Check USA Visa Requirements

Check what USA visa you require, including work visas which we will enter later in the article.

Moving to the USA? Secure your visa first! Read our helpful guide below.
  1. Packing
Moving to the USA? Read our helpful guide to becoming a packing expert.
  1. Shipping a Car from the UK to the USA

If you want to bring your car to the USA it must meet the following criteria before moving to America:

  • Must meet the fuel emission requirements.
  • Complete an EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7.
  • Apply for an International Driving Permit or state-issued driving license if you’re planning on driving longer than 3 months.

Check out our page on shipping your car overseas to get a complete idea of costs and documents.

  1. Moving to the USA with Pets 
  • Have a valid pet passport.
  • Be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Must not show any evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans.

For more information, you can check the CDC website.

After You Move to America

  1. Get your Social Security Number (SSN)

This is imperative for anyone living in the USA. An SSN essentially is proof of residency, and you’ll need one when working in America.

Unfortunately, you can’t apply before you arrive in the States. Apply at your local Social Security Administration office.

  1. Health Insurance in the US

The US does not have free healthcare like the UK. The average annual premium for healthcare in the USA is:

  • £6500 for a single person.
  • £19000 for a family.

Check out our page on healthcare in America for more details.

  1. Bank Account

Open a new local bank account to save on currency exchange fees. Below you can find popular banks in the US:

  1. Currency Exchange

Check out our page on transferring money abroad and use international money transfer services to avoid extra exchange fees.

Working in the USA

Applying online is a popular way to search for a job, the most popular job portals in the USA are:

Check out our expat blog on moving to New York for work.

Facts About Working in the USA

  • Workweeks are usually 40 hours with common overtime.
  • Holidays are fewer than in the UK, often just nine paid days annually, and may require negotiation.
  • Join a Union or consult the employee handbook to understand your rights and duties.
  • Negotiation may be needed for benefits like health insurance and pension plans.
  • U.S. companies may not provide employment contracts, and dismissal or resignation can occur without valid reasons.

USA Work Visa Types

You need a work visa to be eligible to work in the USA. Check out the Working in the United States page for more information. Below you’ll find the most common work visa for the USA:

Visa TypeDescription
H-1BFor skilled workers in specialty occupations.
L-1For intracompany transferees, allowing employees to work in the U.S. branch.
O-1For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.
H-2BFor temporary non-agricultural workers.
H-2AFor temporary agricultural workers.
H-4For dependents (spouse and children) of H visa holders.

Living in America: What to Expect

Living in America offers a unique blend of opportunities scenery and much more.

UK vs US Costs of Living Comparison

The cost of living in the US is on average 9.8% higher than in the UK.
MetricUK AverageAmerican Average
Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre£930.12£1,460.80
Price per square foot to buy in the city centre£420.28£369.76
1 Gallon of milk£4.11£3.11
Cappuccino£2.75£3.71
Basic Utilities (915sq ft apartment)£215.12£167.54
Gasoline (1 Gallon)£5.88£3.01

If you want to compare two cities, check out Numbeo to compare the cost of living in different cities.

Housing in America

Similarly to the UK, house prices vary depending on location and cities.

  • The houses in the USA are generally larger than the ones in the UK.
  • City homes (New York & LA) are more expensive.
  • Rural homes (Pennsylvania, Texas) are more affordable

The most popular cities in the USA to live in are:

  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Los Angeles
  • Chicago
  • New York
  • Florida
  • Austin

Culture in America

  • Multicultural society and many diverse influences
  • The climate ranges from deserts to snowstorms.
  • Americans are enthusiastic and very friendly.
  • The US is commonly known for its fast food culture.

Education in America

The schooling system differs from what we are used to in the United Kingdom. Education in America on average is longer. There are private and state schools in America.

LevelAge GroupDescription
Elementary School5-11 yearsCompulsory. Basic subjects & social skills
Middle School11-14 yearsCompulsory. Advanced subjects & electives
High School14-18 yearsCompulsory. Specialization & graduation
College/University18+ yearsOptional. Undergraduate & graduate studies

Removals to the USA

By now, you’re ready to take on the challenge of an international removal to the USA. If you’re left with any more questions please In the meantime, we wish you a very successful move!

Frequently asked questions

How do I move from UK to USA?

How much does it cost to immigrate to America?

How much money to move to USA?

How to move to the US?

Where to move in America?

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