While immigrating to an entirely different country, the major issue that arises is currency exchange. Pounds are the official currency of the UK, and their rate is more than 90 INR. Thus, while you immigrate to the UK, all your transactions will be carried out in this currency.
This is a major reason you cannot compare the cost of living in India with that of the UK. It is comparatively larger and must be precalculated to estimate the cost of living in the UK.
While you apply for a UK Visa, you will be interrogated about the expected cost of your travel and how you are to manage them. Thus, it is important to consider all the things mentioned below and only fly to the UK.
Mentioned below are all the major expenses you are liable to have as an immigrant to the UK.
Be sure to consider them before you proceed with the UK visa process.
Accommodation charges and their followed schemes
Although you apply for a UK work Visa, you are the sole decision maker of the type of accommodation you pick. As a bachelor or an individual migrant, you can opt for some affordable options available in the UK. Look for PGs and hostels around the various cities. Renting a studio apartment is also a good facility available in most of the cities in the UK.
Roommate systems are particularly popular, and the expenses can be easily managed by sharing all the expenditures between two/three. With a Work Permit UK, you are expected to reside for 5 years in the country before applying for an ILR. Thus, to rent a house, you are expected to pay a deposit to the landlord.
The lease lasts for around 11 months and after which it can be extended according to your needs. The rents depend on the area you live in, for instance, London should cost you around £ 300 to 600 for a one-room flat and Lancashire can cost you around £ 170 to 300 every month.
1. Lifestyle is different
Considering the lifestyle of the UK, one can easily spot vast differences in aspects like food, culture, work, dressing and travel as compared to India. While you calculate your cost of living in the UK, remember the cost of all these aspects.
Food prices depend on the quality and the type you purchase. They have a few fast-food options, but a complete meal can cost you more than £ 35. Groceries are considerably expensive and can cost you around £ 170 per month. Indian dishes are much more expensive.
High street brands and clothing options are available in the UK. Offices usually expect their employees to dress and groom themselves in a certain manner.
The tipping system is also different, and while they aren't an integral part of the culture, you are expected to comply with the rules of the youth and pay nothing less than 10% to 15% at restaurants and bars and 10% for a cab ride.
2. Value of money changes
While calculating your costs, remember that the value of money changes. It doesn't necessarily mean that you multiply your expenses by 90. The prices of goods vary according to the value of prices, and thus, an individual must consider the expenditure of about 45000 per month according to Indian rupees in the UK.
3. Technology and other expenses
With a work permit in England, you will also have to consider other costs like technology. Sim cards and internet services are provided at a certain amount. Furthermore, contact the landowner if you wish to avail Wifi services in your rooms.
Other expenses also include the miscellaneous fees and expenditures you are bound to have. Consider them because they can cause a huge change in your overall expenditure.
4. Modes of travel in the UK and their charges
The mode of travel you will consider in the UK will also affect your expenditure. There are various services available, like buses, subways, cabs, etc. You can avail of the universal travel pass to get access to all metro lines in the UK. As an immigrant, you are not allowed to drive and will have to opt for various public travel services available.
5. UK Utility bills and house services
With a UK job visa, you will be required to reside in the country and avail a few services for the sake of convenience. Utility bills and house services are among these ancillary charges. When you rent a home, these services are considered in the deposit you pay.
In the case of a house owner, you are liable to pay electricity and other utility bills.
6. Medical charges
Medical insurance is among the documents required for a UK visa. Besides this, you can avail of various medical services in the UK. Be sure to consider these costs in your overall expenditure. Medical insurance has to be renewed according to the time period provided. Be mindful of such ancillary fees while you plan to immigrate to the UK.
7. Total expenditure to consider
The total of all the charges mentioned above might give you the required expense you must consider before flying to the UK. Other than this, there are some ancillary expenses you will take up in your home country itself, like the tickets, visa costs, medical check-ups and other ancillary costs.
Seek Professional help today!
Migrating to an entirely new country is not a piece of cake. It requires a lot of pre-planning and calculations. Your expenditure must be of the utmost importance in such a case. Make sure you consider all the above-mentioned expenses before immigrating. Also, before you apply for a UK visa, make sure to contact a few professionals in the field of travel. What’s better than consulting work Permitz to help realize your UK dreams!