jobs abroad
Remote jobs
The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for people moving abroad for work, and plenty of people already living here relocate between cities for a new job. How much you actually have left at the end of the month depends not only on your salary but, above all, on the cost of living. Before you move, it is worth checking current prices for rent, food and transport, because regional differences are huge.
How much does it cost to rent in England?
Rents depend mainly on location, the standard of the property and the type of tenancy. London and the South East remain the most expensive; the North and smaller towns are noticeably cheaper. If you are weighing up where to base yourself, our comparison of Manchester and London for work shows how quickly the numbers change once you leave the capital.
Approximate monthly rents:
- a room in a shared flat or house: around £500–£900,
- a one-bedroom flat: around £800–£1,800,
- a two-bedroom flat: around £1,000–£2,500.
Bills come on top of the rent. For one or two people, utilities (electricity, gas, water and broadband) usually cost £150–£300 a month, depending on usage and tariffs.
Families can also rent a whole house. Prices typically start at around £1,200 and can exceed £2,500 a month. That figure does not include bills or Council Tax, which your local council charges per property.
Contrary to popular belief, more and more listings now come directly from landlords, although letting agents still play a big role in the market. In England, the law limits what tenants can be charged: most letting agent fees for tenants are now banned. If you are new to the country, see our guide on how to rent without a UK credit history.
Food prices in the UK
Food prices vary, but relative to earnings they remain moderate. The cheapest shops are usually found at supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Tesco. Here are approximate price ranges for basic groceries:
| Product | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Milk, 1 litre | 1.10 – 1.60 |
| Butter | 1.80 – 2.50 |
| Eggs (10) | 2.00 – 3.50 |
| Tomatoes, 1 kg | 2.50 – 6.00 |
| Potatoes, 1 kg | 1.20 – 2.20 |
Ready meals are very popular and usually cost £2–£4.50. One person typically spends £250–£350 a month on food, depending on lifestyle and where they live.
Transport costs in the UK
London has the most expensive public transport. Fares depend on the zones you travel through and how you pay (Oyster or a contactless bank card). A single Tube journey can cost a few pounds, and monthly commuting costs often reach £200–£400.
Buses are the cheaper option. Monthly bus passes in London and other large cities usually fall between £150 and £250.
Is it worth having a car?
Owning a car comes with extra costs: fuel, insurance, the annual MOT test, vehicle tax and parking. The MOT itself costs at most around £55, but insurance can be very expensive and often runs to several hundred pounds a year, sometimes more.
In London a car rarely makes financial sense: there is the Congestion Charge for driving into the centre, low emission zones and the constant struggle to park. In big cities, public transport is usually the better choice.
How much does life in the UK really cost?
You will only get a true picture of your living costs after a few months. The first weeks are the most expensive: the deposit, the first month's rent, Council Tax and the cost of setting up utilities all land at once. That is why it pays to arrive with a financial cushion that will see you through the start. To see what a job offer means in your pocket after Income Tax and National Insurance, use our gross to net salary calculator, and if you are considering the capital, read whether London is still worth it.
Ready to plan your move? Browse the latest jobs in the UK and compare offers across regions.
