Having gone back and forth a lot between the US and the UK, I think prices are much higher for most things the UK - from eating out to consumer goods and services,. I always heard it was because of the way VAT works - a tax added every step of the way, so to speak. And the salaries in the UK seem in most (not all) cases to be lower. However, I do envy the public services and NHS that they have in the UK. I know the NHS is much maligned but I've heard a lot of good things about it too - and it's there for everybody regardless of their ability to pay. I think in quality of life, however, the UK is just fine. I wouldn't mind living there - as I matter of fact I'd love to move over.