Cost of Living
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London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with the rest of the UK not too far behind. For tourists in particular, the cost of accommodation and attractions can be significant.
However, before you get too depressed by this fact, it should be noted that longer term residents in employment are less affected by the high cost of living, as (in general) the amounts earned can more than offset the price of goods and services. Accounting, banking sector, medical, and IT professionals can often earn significant amounts on contract or salary that make the UK a more cost-effective place to work than their home countries.
First-time arrivals in the UK invariably under-estimate how much money they will need to survive on while they find accommodation, look for a job, and generally settle in. We would recommend £2,000 as a starting figure - remember, it can take several weeks to find a decent flat, find a job and receive your first pay cheque, and all the while you will need to eat and travel around.
One demoralizing trap you want to avoid is converting the cost of goods and services back to your own currency. For high costs such as accommodation, this can come as an unpleasant shock. Remember though, you are or will be earning UK pounds, more often than not at a rate that is much higher than what you could have earned back home.
Sample Costs
- Pint of Beer £2.50
- Big Mac Combo £3.99
- One Day Travel Card (Zones 1-4) £4.80
- English Tea at the Ritz £15
- B&B Accommodation £30
- Ticket to Premiership Football £40
- Restaurant Meal (Food Only) £10-£20 per head
- Room in Shared Flat £60-£80 per week
- New VW Beetle £25,000 plus VAT
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