Moving to the UK is one of the more popular, and more competitive, options for people relocating from anywhere in the world. Work and study opportunities are plentiful, but a move to the UK carries costs and conditions of its own.
From the up-front items, the visa application, the English language test and document translation, through to the everyday cost of living, all of it belongs in the total. It is worth building an estimate before you commit, so you know both the headline and the detail. What follows is a breakdown of the cost of moving to the UK.
For precise and current figures, see the official UK government website.
Visa application fees
Visa application fees vary by category. A Standard Visitor visa for a stay of up to six months costs GBP 127. The cost of a study route to the UK is GBP 558, whether you apply from outside the UK or extend or switch inside it, plus the immigration health surcharge of GBP 776 for each year of the visa.
English language test fees
Most visa categories require proof of English. An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) usually costs between GBP 150 and GBP 200. These fees are reviewed periodically and can rise.
Document translation costs
Translation is another item in the cost of moving to the UK. Documents not in English must be submitted with a certified translation. The cost depends on the number of pages and the source language, but usually falls between GBP 30 and GBP 70 per page.
For the detail on the UK visitor visa and the UK student visa, see the related guides on the Aval Visa site.
Public transport costs
Bus fares in England have risen noticeably. Here are the current figures for local and long-distance coach travel:
Local bus fares outside London
- Adult single fare: from 1 January the single-fare cap in England rose from GBP 2 to GBP 3, and that cap runs to the end of December.
- Local exceptions: some areas, including Greater Manchester, London and Cornwall, charge less. In Greater Manchester the single fare is GBP 2.
Long-distance coach fares
National Express fares
- London to Birmingham: from GBP 6.90
- London to Manchester: from GBP 6.90
- London to Cardiff: from GBP 6.90
- London to Stansted Airport: from GBP 11
Megabus fares
- London to Manchester: from GBP 8
- London to Newcastle: from GBP 12
- London to Sheffield: from GBP 9
Average bus fares
- Average single fare over 3 miles: GBP 2.47
- Average day ticket: GBP 5.29
- Average weekly ticket: GBP 19.37
Bus fares in London
- Adult single fare: GBP 1.75
- Unlimited journeys within one hour (Hopper fare): GBP 1.75
- Daily cap: GBP 5.25
- Weekly cap: GBP 24.70
The cost of running a car
On current data, the average annual cost of owning and running a car in the UK, which belongs squarely in the cost of moving to the UK, is around GBP 3,834, or roughly GBP 320 a month.
| Cost category | Average annual cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | GBP 889 | Based on average mileage and fuel consumption |
| Car insurance | GBP 796 | Depends on driver age, vehicle type and place of residence |
| Maintenance and repairs | GBP 472 | Includes routine servicing and unexpected repairs |
| Vehicle tax (VED) | GBP 175 | Standard rate; depends on emissions and vehicle value |
| Depreciation | GBP 1,391 | Average annual depreciation for a typical car |
| Total | GBP 3,723 | Sum of annual costs |
What drives car costs up or down
- Age and model: older cars and higher-consumption models usually carry higher maintenance and insurance costs.
- Driving habits: long and frequent journeys push up fuel and servicing costs.
- Where you live: urban areas generally mean higher insurance and parking costs.
- Fuel type: electric cars have lower running costs than petrol or diesel.
Wholesale fruit prices
Wholesale prices for a selection of fruit in UK markets are as follows:
| Fruit | Price (GBP) - see a dated source |
|---|---|
| Banana | Varies weekly |
| Orange | Varies weekly |
| Strawberry | Varies weekly |
| Grapes | Varies weekly |
| Apple | Varies weekly |
Restaurants and coffee shops
Eating and drinking out in the UK has become more expensive. Here is where that part of the cost of moving to the UK currently sits:
Restaurant costs
- Average cost of a meal in London: around GBP 30 per person
- Cost of a meal out for two in London: upwards of GBP 220 at the top end of the market
- Price rises: restaurants report needing to raise prices by an average of up to 28 per cent
- A new pattern: restaurants are offering early-evening set menus, particularly between 5pm and 6.30pm, to keep prices down
- Everyday restaurants: GBP 15 to GBP 25 per person
- Mid-range restaurants: GBP 25 to GBP 40 per person
- Upmarket restaurants: above GBP 40 per person
This part of the cost of moving to the UK varies with location, the type of food and the level of service.
Coffee shop costs
- Average cost of a cup of coffee in the UK: around GBP 3.35.
- Cost of a cup of coffee in London: around GBP 3.73.
- Price rises: many coffee shops have pushed prices above GBP 4.
- Standard coffee, black coffee or a latte for instance: GBP 2.50 to GBP 4
- Speciality coffee, such as mocha or espresso drinks: GBP 3.50 to GBP 5
- Cold drinks, such as smoothies or shakes: GBP 3 to GBP 5
These prices vary with the brand, the location and what you order.
Rental costs in England
- Average monthly rent: GBP 1,386 in England, up 7.8 per cent on the year.
- Rent inflation: highest in the North East of England at 9.4 per cent, and lowest in Yorkshire and the Humber at 4.6 per cent.
House purchase costs in England
- Average house price: GBP 292,000 in England, up 5.3 per cent on the year.
- House price inflation: varies considerably between regions.
That gives the broad picture of the English housing market. For more detail and more current figures on the cost of moving to the UK, see the Office for National Statistics website.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)? The IHS is a charge paid as part of a UK immigration application, and it gives access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. It is one of the larger items in the cost of moving to the UK.
- Are the fees refundable? If a visa application is refused, the application fee is not refunded. The IHS, however, is normally refunded where an application is refused.
- Do I need to show maintenance funds? Yes. For some categories, including the Skilled Worker and High Potential Individual visas, you must show at least GBP 1,270 in your bank account to support yourself. The money has to be held for at least 28 consecutive days.
