Here are the absolute essentials for your move
Visas are Priority #1
The Skilled Worker visa is most common. Start your application months in advance. The GOV.UK website is your must reference.
Budget Seriously
London’s allure lies in its world-class lifestyle. A single person should budget £1,800-£3,000+ per month *after* tax, mostly for rent. Have 3 months’ savings ready.
Location is Everything
Choose your neighbourhood wisely. Consider your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Live further out for cheaper rent, but factor in travel costs.
First Week is a Sprint
Get an Oyster card, a UK SIM, open a bank account (Monzo/Starling are easiest), and apply for your National Insurance Number (NIN).
Finding Work in London
Landing a job is a key step for many. London’s job market is competitive but full of opportunities in tech, finance, creative arts, and more.
Understanding the Cost of Living in the London for Expats
London remains one of the world’s more premium places to live, with monthly expenses for a single person estimated to be around £2,635, though this can vary significantly based on lifestyle and location.
Key costs include accommodation (rent, utilities, council tax), which is the largest expense, followed by food, and transportation.
Below is a quick, snapshot of London’s cost of living from an expat’s point of view, with estimated figures you can plan around.
This is a baseline and estimation. Doesn’t include dining out (£20+ for a main), pints (£6-£7), or entertainment.
Rent (1-bed flat, outside centre)
Your biggest expense. Flat-sharing (£800-£1,200 for a room) is the best way to save and meet people.
Council Tax
A local property tax. Varies by borough. Students and single occupants get a 25% discount.
Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water)
Energy prices are high, especially in older, less insulated buildings. Budget more for winter. Estimated monthly cost around £150 - £250 per person.
Transport (TfL Travelcard)
Depends on zones covered. Using contactless/Oyster PAYG is often cheaper if you don't commute daily. Estimated monthly cost around £170 - £250 per person.
Groceries
Balance quality and value by shopping at select budget retailers like Lidl or Aldi. Tesco, Sainsbury's are mid-range. A weekly shop at a local market is a great experience. Estimated monthly cost around £250 - £400 per person.
Housing Options and Neighborhoods
Finding suitable accommodation is often the most significant concern. London’s housing market is competitive, diverse, and varies greatly by location.
The Process & Key Terms
Where to Look
Start with Rightmove and Zoopla for entire flats/houses. For finding a room in a shared house (a “flatshare”), SpareRoom is the undisputed king and a rite of passage for many expats.
The Viewing Frenzy
Good flats go within hours. Set up alerts and be ready to view properties immediately. Often, you’ll be in a group viewing with other hopefuls. Have your documents ready to show you’re a serious candidate.
Upfront Costs & Referencing
You’ll need a holding deposit (one week’s rent) to secure it, then a security deposit (five weeks’ rent) plus the first month’s rent. You will also undergo “referencing,” where they check your employment, salary, and right to rent.
Red Flag Warning!
Never pay a deposit for a property you haven’t seen in person. Scams are common. Always go through reputable estate agents or deal with landlords directly on trusted platforms. If a deal seems too good to be true, it is.
Where to Live: Best London Neighbourhoods for Expats
Finding your tribe is key to loving London. Each neighbourhood has a distinct personality. Think about your commute, budget, and what “vibe” you’re looking for.
| Neighbourhood | The Attractions |
|---|---|
| Clapham, Battersea, Brixton, Shoreditch | The social heartlands. Expect busy high streets, endless brunch spots, and parks full of people on sunny days. Great for flat-sharing and always having something to do. |
| Chiswick, Fulham, Richmond, Hampstead | Leafy, village-like atmospheres that feel a world away from the city centre. Perfect for long walks, farmers' markets, and riverside pubs. A quieter, more settled life. |
| Notting Hill, Kensington, Marylebone | The London you've seen in movies. Iconic, beautiful, and very expensive. Full of stunning architecture, high-end boutiques, and world-class museums right on your doorstep. |
| Bermondsey, Peckham, Walthamstow, Tooting | Up-and-coming areas with great food scenes, craft breweries, diverse communities, and better value for money. Excellent transport links make the commute manageable. |
Life in London: Getting Around & Your First Week
Relocating to London involves meticulous preparation across many fronts. You’ve already done the hard part — now here’s how to blend in, get organised, and make the most of your new adventure.
Here’s how to get your life admin in order, understand the quirks of London living, and start feeling right at home.
Getting Around the City
London’s public transport (run by Transport for London, or TfL) is iconic and efficient. You’ll get the hang of it quickly.
The Tube: The Underground is the fastest way to cross the city. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30am, 5-7pm) if you value your personal space. And always stand on the right on escalators!
Buses: Cheaper (£1.75 flat fare with a 1-hour “hopper” ticket) and you get to see the city. You can’t pay with cash, so tap your card or phone.
Overground & National Rail: These train networks connect outer London and destinations across the UK.
Payment: Don’t buy paper tickets. Use a contactless card/phone or get an Oyster card. Your fares are automatically capped daily and weekly, so you never overpay.
Your First Week Checklist
1. Get Connected: Transport & Phone
Get your Oyster/contactless set up. Grab a pay-as-you-go SIM from Giffgaff, EE, or Three. You can order them online to be delivered to your accommodation.
2. Open a Bank Account
Use an online bank like Monzo, Starling, or Revolut. High-street banks often require proof of address (like a utility bill), which is a classic catch-22 for newcomers. Online banks are a game-changer.
3. Apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN)
You need this to work and pay taxes correctly. You can start work before it arrives, but apply online at the GOV.UK website as soon as you land. It’s straightforward and essential.
4. Register with a GP (Doctor)
Once you have a permanent address, use the NHS website to find and register with your local doctor’s surgery. Healthcare is largely free at the point of use, and this is your first step to accessing it.
Expat Tip:
Download the Citymapper app. It’s a lifesaver for planning journeys and is often more reliable than Google Maps for live transport updates and telling you the best carriage to board.
Embracing the Culture: A Friendly Guide
London isn’t just a place to live — it’s a whole rhythm to tune into. From the morning rush on the Tube to the quiet moments in a neighborhood café, every corner tells a story. As an expat, you’ll soon learn that “sorry” is the city’s unofficial greeting, and queuing is practically a sport.
Start by exploring local markets like Borough, Camden, and Portobello — they’re perfect for discovering food from every corner of the world. Join in on community events, street festivals, or a casual pub quiz night; it’s one of the easiest ways to meet locals and make friends.
Don’t be surprised by London’s love affair with weather talk — it’s a daily ritual that opens conversations anywhere. Embrace it, grab a decent umbrella, and make the most of the city’s green spaces. Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath, and Richmond Park all offer peaceful escapes when the city feels too fast.
Remember that London is a patchwork of cultures. Whether you’re tasting authentic curries in Brick Lane, celebrating Diwali in Trafalgar Square, or watching the Notting Hill Carnival parade, you’ll find that diversity is what truly makes this city feel alive. The more you explore, the more it starts to feel like home.
Here are a few things that might seem odd at first, but you’ll soon get used to.
Brits form orderly lines for everything: buses, bars, checkouts. Never, ever jump the queue. It’s a cardinal sin.
There’s no table service in most pubs. Go to the bar to order your drinks and food. It’s common to buy drinks in “rounds” if you’re with a group.
Talking about the weather – how grey, wet, or surprisingly sunny it is – is the default way to start a conversation with anyone.
If someone asks, “You alright?”, they’re not asking about your health. It just means “Hello.” The correct response is, “Yeah, you?”
People say sorry for everything, even if it’s not their fault. If someone bumps into you, you’ll probably both apologise.
“Cheers” is used far more often for “thanks” than it is for a toast. You’ll hear it from bus drivers, cashiers, and colleagues.
Ready to Begin Your London Chapter?
Moving to London is more than a change of address — it’s the start of an entirely new lifestyle. From navigating council tax to mastering the Tube, every step brings you closer to feeling like a true Londoner. The key is giving yourself time to settle in, explore, and embrace the city’s unique rhythm without feeling overwhelmed.
That’s where Crown Relocations can help. With decades of experience supporting expats and families moving to the UK, we make your transition smoother — from door-to-door moving logistics and customs guidance to home search, school placement, and settling-in support. Our goal is simple: to help you focus less on the stress of relocation and more on enjoying life in your new city.
So take a deep breath, grab your Oyster card, and get ready to call London home — we’ll take care of the rest.
No One Knows Better Than Us.
Get moving with our free moving quote form and let us take care of the rest!
