Moving to United Kingdom Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

The United Kingdom remains a top choice for Americans in 2026 prioritizing seamless language transition and professional opportunities. Skilled Worker Visa requires UK employer sponsor with salary thresholds. Global Talent Visa for leaders in tech, arts, research provides flexibility without job offer. London costs match NYC/SF, but Manchester and Bristol are 10-20% cheaper. NHS provides free healthcare after paying Immigration Health Surcharge on visa.

Why is the United Kingdom a top choice for Americans?

The United Kingdom, particularly England, remains a top-tier choice for Americans who prioritize a seamless linguistic transition and professional opportunities. In 2026, search interest has remained high, especially following recent U.S. election cycles. While the UK presents a high cost of living and stricter visa requirements than its EU neighbors, its cultural familiarity and historical depth make it an enduring favorite for those seeking a "home away from home."

The UK offers a high degree of safety and a public transport infrastructure that far exceeds most U.S. regions, though Americans should prepare for smaller living spaces and higher taxes.

What are the visa options for Americans moving to the United Kingdom?

The UK's post-Brexit immigration system is points-based and generally requires a sponsor.

Skilled Worker Visa: This requires a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office. The job must meet specific salary thresholds, which were increased in 2024/25 to favor high-earning professionals.
Global Talent Visa: For those who are leaders or potential leaders in fields like academia, research, arts, or digital technology. This does not require a specific job offer and provides significant flexibility.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Study
Other (Ancestry - for those with UK-born grandparents)

How much does it cost to live in the United Kingdom compared to the United States?

The cost of living in London is comparable to New York City or San Francisco, but outside the capital, cities like Manchester or Bristol are roughly 10–20% cheaper than mid-sized U.S. cities. However, utility costs and fuel prices in the UK are significantly higher than in the United States.

What is the healthcare system like in the United Kingdom for Americans?

The National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare that is free at the point of use, though Americans must pay an "Immigration Health Surcharge" as part of their visa application. Compared to the U.S., you will save thousands on insurance premiums, but you may opt for private insurance to avoid the wait times common in the public system.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.