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This guide walks you through everything you need to know to move to the USA – from costs and visas to essential steps and expert tips. You can also find removals to America and request free quotes.
Yes, British citizens can move to America, but they must secure a visa first. Depending on the situation, you can apply for work, family, study, or investment reasons.
Many British citizens wanting to live and work in the USA apply for an employment visa. There are several types available, including for skilled workers in specialized occupations, individuals with extraordinary abilities, or intra-company transfers.
Explore US visa options for UK citizensFind below 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.
| City | 1-bed house | 3-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: The prices above are estimates. International moving costs to the US can change depending on several factors.
Not sure how much stuff you have? Use our handy furniture volume calculator to do the hard work for you.
There are typically two ways to transport your belongings to America: door-to-door, where the moving company manages everything, and door-to-port, where you handle customs and final delivery.
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:
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.
What’s Life Like for British Expats in the US?
Moving to the USA comes with major lifestyle shifts — housing and healthcare to culture and climate, life in the USA can feel very different from the UK. For British expats, knowing what to expect can make the transition much smoother.
| Metric | UK Avg. | American Avg. |
| 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.
Similar to the UK, house prices vary depending on location and city.
The size and diversity of the USA create a broad and varied cultural experience.
As a British citizen looking for a job in America, you’ll need a valid visa. So, how do you get a job?
The process begins with searching for job opportunities online through platforms such as Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, or Jooble. Once you find a suitable position, you will need to secure a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. Many UK professionals find opportunities in fields such as tech, finance, healthcare, or education.
Some things to know about the work culture:
Discover all American work visas for British citizens on our Visas in America page, or check out the Working in the United States official page for more information.
When considering emigrating to America from the UK, it’s essential to understand how the US immigration system works. There’s no one-size-fits-all or “easy” route to live and work in the USA — you’ll need to apply for the right visa based on your situation. Common pathways include:
Following the checklist below will ensure your international removal process is as smooth as possible.
Some moves come with extra logistics, like bringing your pet with you or shipping your car. Here’s what you need to know:
When moving your dog or cat to the USA, make sure to:
For more information, check the CDC website.
If you want to bring your car to the USA, it must meet the following criteria before moving to America:
Check out our page on Shipping Your Car Overseas to get an idea of the costs and documents.
If you’re moving on a budget, here are a few tips:
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