Cyprus Expat | Article: Moving To The UK

Moving To The UK - Cost Of Living

A brief summary of the Cost of Living to expect when Moving To The UK

The UK is considered to be an expensive country, compared to other countries within the EU. Cost of living varies within the UK, between rural and urban areas and between towns and cities. Cities tend to be the most expensive, with London being the most expensive city in the UK. It is considered to be cheaper to live in the Midlands and the North of England, than in London and the South East.

Britain’s currency is based on the pound sterling (£), which is divided into 100 pence (100p). Current coins are: 1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence, 50 pence, 1 pound and 2 pounds. Current bank notes are: the 5 pound note, the 10 pound note, the 20 pound note and the 50 pound note. The Euro is not used in the UK, although in a few larger department stores it may be accepted.

The costs below are average costs:

Cigarettes £7.00

Loaf of bread £1.40

Sandwich: £2.00

Cup of Coffee: £2.00

Pint of beer in pub: £3.20

Chocolate bar: £0.60

Fish and Chips: £5.00

Cinema Ticket: £7.00

Short bus journey: £1.50

Football match: £25-£40

Petrol: 1.33 per litre

Car Hire: £35 per day

2 course meal in an average restaurant: £15 per person

Buying food and clothing in large department stores will be more expensive than buying the equivalent in supermarkets. Most towns will have some form of indoor market where food, clothing and household items can be bought, and prices tend to be cheaper. Charity shops sell second-hand clothes and household goods, with the profits from the sales of these normally going to charity.

Debt is a problem for many people in the UK today and there are several organisations to offer information and advice if you are having difficulties managing money.

Text last edited on: 01/2012

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Further Moving To The UK Information

A Useful Checklist

Accommodation

Birth, Marriage Death

Checklist Before And After You Arrive In The UK

Cultural And Social Life

E - Forms

Educational Systems

European Health Insurance Cards

Family And Maternity Benefits