BS: Cost of Living - UK

Subject: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,Ashley
Date: 25 May 04 - 02:15 PM

I'm seriously considering moving to the UK. I live in the US and have visited the UK several times and I think I would be happier there - I've always felt that I fit in better. My mom is British, so it won't be a problem to emigrate. My question - just browsing jobs on sites like Monster.co.uk the salaries seem low for the cost of living in the UK, and I know the taxes are higher too. I'm 49 years old and have a lot of varied experience ranging from sales to high end administrative work. But realistically I might only manage to get something that pays 12,000 to 15,000 pounds PA, given the fact that I'm older and don't have a specific technical skill. I wouldn't need a big place to live, and would probably choose a small town that is within commuting distance to a larger city. Right now I'm leaning towards Scotland - the Glasgow or Edinburgh area. Would I be heading for a life of grinding poverty, or do people manage on salaries like that. I'm quite willing to simplify my american style of life, and I would be coming over with some savings - probably at least enough to buy a car and manage for several months till I found a job. Any advice?

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 May 04 - 02:35 PM

Find the job first is the practical advice. By all means come to Scotland, but stay away from Glasgow and Edinburgh, not that they're not great places, just that they are expensive to live in, especially Edinburgh. If you have enough money to buy a car, then commuting will reduce your housing costs, although fuel will grab some of it back. Buy a small car with a diesel engine [cheaper to run] and you can cut your travel expenses. Aberdeen is a good place work wise, but expensive-ish housing wise. Inverness is a fast growing town, but a bit far from the happening places in the central belt.
I guess it's all down to what rings your bell, but we'd sure be pleased to see you should you arrive.
Good luck
JGM

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 May 04 - 04:48 PM

All depends on the cost of a place to live, which varies widely, according to where you want to live. It's perfectly possible to live comfortably on that kind of money, so long as too much of it isn't eaten up by rent or mortgage.

If you were able to have that kind of money after paying for your housing, you'd be wealthy in my books.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 04 - 11:03 AM

From what I've heard those wages would put you in the poverty range. Can you imagine living in the US on $15,000 a year? And a lot of times prices in the UK are similar to what they are in dollars - what I'm saying is if a sandwich costs $5.00 in the US you're looking at 5 GBP in the UK. The UK is EXPENSIVE. Gas is double the price, housing is expensive, you have to pay for the privilege of watching TV, there's council tax, VAT, the list goes on and on. I don't know how people over there manage.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 26 May 04 - 11:11 AM

I have to agree that living in the UK has been twice as expensive for me, and getting worse.
You are going to do better away from the cities, that is absolutely true, and the advice to try to find a job first is a very good one.
If you can come over first and spend some time looking around. You'll see very quickly that housing prices (and rentals) will differ a great deal depending on where you look.
I live in London, and it's at the top of the spectrum, so I can only say that anywhere else has got to be less expensive! I would NEVER advise someone to move to this city unless they had a good amount in their bank put away already, and a good job waiting for them here. Even then, it had better be a place you really want to be, because you'll be paying for it...xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,Bex McK
Date: 26 May 04 - 11:23 AM

On the other hand, there is the NHS, decent annual leave, civilised working hours for most people, fairly ok public transport around the larger towns. If you define quality of life in material or financial terms, stay in the US by all means, but if you define it by the ability to have a life outside of work, the UK ain't such a bad deal.

Anyway, it depends which part of the US you come from. Going back to see my parents in CA, I have found in recent years that things are pretty much as expensive there as they are here. Houses are more, food is more, about the only things that are cheaper are clothes and fuel.

There is a decent website called UK Yankee (can't remember the exact address now, but you'll find it on Google)-- which is a good source of info for Americans living in or migrating to the UK. You should be able to get loads of advice on practical stuff there.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 May 04 - 11:51 AM

£5 for a sandwich? It'd need to be one hell of a sandwich to cost that much. There probably are places where they charge that much, but you avoid them easily enough.

Petrol's a lot more, but places aren't so far away. Prices generally tend to be be higher than they are in many European countries, which is one reason some people are against going over to the Euro, because it'd show that up.

People here like to grumble, it's a kind of habit. There's a kind of pride in saying how bad things are sometimes...

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,K.J Fisher
Date: 26 May 04 - 11:57 AM

As an American who came here to live permanently some six years ago I would recommend it to any of my countrymen and women. We are moderately rewarded as salaries go but find we can enjoy a full and varied life including travel abroad as well as fully entering the cultural life of the country. For all the talk and comparisons that such a thread will attract we still put one thing above all else, that is the kindness and friends we have found that has made the transition so easy. Also the tolerance, the non over-reaction and the puzzling humour of all those from the British Isles is something not to be missed.
Another more down to earth point (if you will accept the pun) one can visit any part of these islands (for that is what they are) so easily and experience a truly fascinating, fertile landscape of every hue and beauty.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,50%
Date: 26 May 04 - 12:24 PM

Move to Liverpool - you can still get a house for £50,000 - and more of a chance to obtain work. AND there's loads of music to be had!

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 26 May 04 - 12:34 PM

I do wish to add that I adore living in the UK. I dread the idea of ever returning to the US for many reasons, not all of them political, as we have enough on our plates over here at the moment as well (Mr Blunkett, may you burn in the hell of your own making).

Sorry!

This is an extraordinary country with more to see and do than most countries of it's size. I wake up every morning thanking the gods that I've been able to be here for so many years and to have travelled around it more than many who were born here.

What Americans "give up" is nothing in comparison to what is to be gained. I will leave these shores one day, if I must, with a heavy heart..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 May 04 - 12:43 PM

Don't go EP, marry a nice UK Mudcatter for his pasport! You don't have to actually live with him.
JGM

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 26 May 04 - 12:45 PM

Are you offering??????

..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 May 04 - 01:23 PM

Well, I just saw a house that sold in an expensive village near Chester...house was run down and sold for 300,000 GBP. Petrol is expensive but cars get 70+ MPG. Food in supermarkets is fairly cheap. Food in cafes is moderate if you stay OUT of the posh and tourist places. Hull is the cheapest place in England, I'm told, and the parts I saw were quite nice. Plus, if you lived in Hull you would have loads of Mudcatters and music around. (Just don't agree to a night in the Adelphi...I think the beer is stronger there and the pub is NASSSSSTY). Fellowship was great though.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,Ashley
Date: 26 May 04 - 01:53 PM

Such a difficult decision. I have acquaintances in the UK but no family - most of my mom's relations have passed away. And so scary as a middle aged woman to think of starting over. But theres a feeling of discontent about being here in the US, maybe it has something to do with the prevailing political climate. It's a feeling of superficiality, a feeling that everything is being taken over by Walmarts and Applebee's, and a very uneasy feeling about the general mindset that seems to be taking over. One thing for sure, I think one would have to live much more frugally in the UK - but we tend to waste a lot here in the US, I think, and accumulate a lot of possessions. Thanks for all the advice.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 26 May 04 - 06:35 PM

70+ MPG what the heck are you driving Sorcha, a sewing machine?

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 May 04 - 03:27 AM

I think I confused her with my driving style - although to be fair, she wasn't actually grabbing at the door handle and screaming to be let out!

Depending on the car, average speed (80mph on motorways, 50mph in rural areas, 20mph around London) and driving style, it is possible to get around 45mpg from the average car. The more agressive your driving, the less mileage you will get.

At the moment house prices are very silly, in certain areas. Once you get a certain number of miles out of the city, it does drop, but watch out for the 'commuter belt' - travelling in and out of it may be more expensive than you think.

Good luck!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 May 04 - 03:51 AM

Ashley, there are people leaving the UK for the same reasons as you give for leaving the US!
JGM

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 27 May 04 - 04:14 AM

Ashley, I think your apprehensions are worth noting. But I for one, am still here because I dread going back to what the US seems to be leaning towards more and more...a country built on fear and neurosis, and a blindered society of greed and chosen unconscienceness towards the rest of the world. But I also know a lot of people who are still fighting the good fight there so as not to be drowned in the prevailing current.

Is it that much different here? Hmmmmm. One wonders. The general feeling to me is growing resentment towards the present government, expecially in the guise of Tony Blair, but as far as I'm concerned it covers the whole spectum of the party ghouls he has around him. There is so much on the plate that has to be dealt with, failings in all the biggies-Health, Education, Transportation, Crime...that one would think they'd have their hands full without taking on such a hefty share of international intrigue and collusion with the US of A in Iraq. Hell! This country is still in a state of indecision as to whether they really want to be considered Europeans, since that would be a sign of breaking from the American Power Structure. Is the Blair government up to all of this? I can't see that they are, but who might take up the challenge is anybody's guess.

So, it's not as if you'll be emigrating to a country with less problems than the one you're leaving. We are as likely to experience the fallout from terrorist threats, and perhaps even more so. If you're the type to be squeemish about such things, definitely stay away from the big cities on either side of the Pond!

Without family or friends here, I am wondering exactly why you're thinking about the UK? Have you given any thought to going further afield? Maybe to Austrailia or New Zealand? Or even closer to home in Canada? Any of them seem to offer some real alternatives for you to explore, and with a lot of wonderful lifestyles that are still close enough to what you grew up with not to be completely foreign to your psyche....

I'm not trying to put you off coming to the UK, Ashley, but at the same time, I'm just offering some other thoughts..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 27 May 04 - 05:05 AM

If you are intending moving into rented property then Hull as mentioned above would be good but also anywhere in Lincolnshire as housing(purchase and rental) here is just about the cheapest in the country.
Jobs are not difficult to find if you are determined. I am living in rented accommodation and on my pension of £13000pa. When all bills are paid, I have enough left for luxuries as well as the 10% I give to my Church. You could manage over here if you so wanted...Just be sure it is what you really want. Be Blessed.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: s&r
Date: 27 May 04 - 05:25 AM

Don't try to make direct comparisons - most things are different. Most people are friendly, particularly in the music world. Pubs are great. Humour is odd. Brits tend to understate good things particularly about themselves. Travel distances are short but probably take longer. Your standard of living will be lower if you measure it in terms of possessions, space, etc. your quality of life could well be delightful.

We live in a small town in Lancashire - moved from the Midlands; fell in love with the North and stayed here.

stu

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: greg stephens
Date: 27 May 04 - 05:50 AM

The money you mention may be on the low side, but it is a lot more than I earn. And I enjoy the best of food and drink,organic steaks, strawberries and champers when I want it; have a nice old Saab that runs perfectly(touch wood), thousands of musical instruments, books, LPs CDs, TV, a NEW JUICER!! etc etc. Great house, nice garden, civilised friends. Live in Stoke(not to everyone's taste, but great people, hub of the nations road network, surrounded by lovely countryside).
   Whether you'l enjoy yourself here is not something anyone can predict for sure, but you will certainly have access to all you could wish for withat money in the UK. Unless your tastes run to new carpets and 4x4 vehicles and blingy watches and designer suits and stuff

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,T-boy
Date: 27 May 04 - 08:24 AM

Definitely come to England, develop a taste for cricket and English beer, folk clubs in pubs, small festivals with singarounds ... heaven !!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,Ashley
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:39 AM

Thanks, all. I just don't want to jump out of the frying pan and into the fire. The UK would really be my only viable option since through my mom I could obtain residency. From what I understand it's much more difficult in places like Australia or Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:54 AM

You may be right about this, Ashley, I was under the impression that with your mother being born in Great Britain, it wouldn't be difficult for you to gain residence in any of the Commonwealth Countries...perhaps my mistake!..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 27 May 04 - 11:42 AM

never mind the cost of living! It is the cost of dying that has gone up most. Have you seen the price of a coffin! I cannot afford to die yet!

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 27 May 04 - 11:49 AM

Which reminds me, I recently read something here in the UK about the new idea of planting trees with a person's DNA as an alternative to cemeteries, which sounded kind of cool until I heard the cost was something like 20,000 pounds!!!!!

Guess we need to stay alive and simply plant a few in our gardens,(I mean trees, not bodies) eh, Noddy?..xx..e

Subject: RE: BS: Cost of Living - UK
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 May 04 - 12:30 PM

I'd have thought that if you are entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom you'd be all right for the other countries in the European Union. Maybe England is more laid back and relaxed than the USA, but Ireland is still a lot more so.