- Download our Moving to London Guide (PDF)
London is an extremely popular expat destination. The city's rich history, its multitude of things to see and do, abundance of work opportunities, sophisticated infrastructure and transport, and the diversity of its population all play a huge role in the capital's charm. Like any city, there are downsides to life here, too, making it essential to weigh up the pros and cons of moving to London.
Accommodation in London
+ PRO: A wide variety of accommodation options
Whether you're looking to live in a quaint Victorian terraced house full of character or a modern apartment with views across the city, London offers a huge range of housing options.
- CON: Rents are high, and properties move fast
Rental prices in London are consistently high throughout the city. Those wanting to live in particularly popular areas will need to act fast in order to secure a rental contract before anyone else does.
Renting Accommodation in London
Best Areas And Suburbs in London
Lifestyle in London
+ PRO: There's something for everyone in London
Whether you're fascinated by medieval history, modern art, live music, sport, or an eclectic food scene, London is at the forefront of it all. It’s hard to get bored in this dynamic city. Beyond the city’s huge range of sightseeing opportunities in the form of museums, art galleries and historical monuments, it also boasts a full events calendar to keep you suitably entertained.
+ PRO: An excellent travel hub for Europe and beyond
London is home to six international airports. This, teamed with the growth of budget airlines, has enabled the city to become a hub for travel to popular European destinations. Expats living in London will find that, despite rising costs, travelling to the continent for a long weekend is quite feasible.
- CON: Droves of tourists
Despite the fact that tourism plays a central role in London’s economy, the constant presence of tourists can be a source of frustration in some areas. Many restaurants and attractions close to busy tourist areas are especially expensive as businesses try to make the most of this market.
Lifestyle in London
See and Do in London
Kids and Family in London
Cost of living in London
- CON: High cost of living
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Rental prices are steep, getting around can be pricey, entertainment is often expensive, and buying property seems like an impossible feat for many. Some say that to truly make the most of life in the city, residents need substantial disposable income.
+ PRO: There is scope to save
Despite London's high cost of living, there are many ways to save money. Living outside the central areas of the city is possible thanks to London’s extensive transport network. Deciding to live in the suburbs can result in considerable savings on accommodation.
To remain competitive, many businesses and retailers in London run regular sales and promotions, offering excellent opportunities to get goods and services at a fraction of the standard price. In addition, entrance to most museums and art galleries is free, and you can enjoy a walk, run, or cycle through one of London’s beautiful parks without paying a cent.
Healthcare in London
+ PRO: Public healthcare is good and easily accessible
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is considered one of the country’s greatest assets. Expats living in London will have access to the NHS at little to no cost. While you might be required to pay for certain medications, the cost of these is often subsidised.
- CON: Long NHS waiting lists
Waiting lists for certain treatments in the UK are long. It's possible to bypass these and explore options in the private sector. That said, private healthcare in the UK is expensive, and not only those with any ongoing health issues or chronic illnesses should invest in a comprehensive health insurance policy.
Hospitals in London
Understanding Healthcare in the UK
Working and doing business in London
+ PRO: Great job opportunities
Many prominent multinational companies choose London as the base for their headquarters, making it a great place for expats looking for career progression in industries such as finance, technology, or the media. Furthermore, entrepreneurs looking to establish a business will find that London is a great place to start, thanks to its well-established infrastructure and highly skilled and educated workforce.
- CON: The job market is incredibly competitive
London generally has a highly educated workforce. The city also draws the best talent from across the world thanks to high wages and its attractive lifestyle opportunities. This means that finding a job in London isn’t always easy, especially in highly saturated industries.
Working in London
Business Culture in the UK
Transport in London
+ PRO: Excellent public transport
London’s public transport network is extensive. Buses and the Tube can get the city’s residents almost anywhere faster than a car could. Most people living in London do not need to own a car.
- CON: Tube delays and rush hour
London’s metro system is the oldest in the world, which partly accounts for regular delays and technical issues. The city's high population density means that using public transport during peak hours can be crowded and unpleasant.
- CON: Traffic and congestion charge
Traffic in London can be nightmarish, so it’s easy to see why people avoid driving in London. To discourage people from driving into the city centre, the authorities have implemented a daily congestion charge for those who choose to drive rather than use public transport.
Education in London
+ PRO: Expat children have access to free public education
Expats in the UK are able to send their child to a public (state) school at no cost. This is an option worth exploring, especially for expats with children who already speak English or those with children who are young enough to pick up the language.
- CON: The standard of schools in London is highly variable
Although government schools are free, the standard of education varies considerably. Some are excellent, but many inner-city schools are oversubscribed and struggling as a result of the rapidly growing population, outdated facilities and staffing issues.
As a general rule, the better public schools are located in the more affluent parts of the city. It's a good idea to spend time reading the Ofsted reports of various schools before making a decision. This should be done before deciding on a place to live, as London school attendance is determined by catchment areas.
+ PRO: Plenty of international schools available
As an international hub, London is well equipped to cater for the needs of expat families, so it's no surprise that the city is home to the UK's highest concentration of international schools. Though expensive, these schools give expat children the chance to continue their home curriculum in their home language, depending on where they're from.
There are several French schools, as well as schools teaching curricula from countries like Germany, Norway, Spain, the US, and Sweden. The globally recognised and easily transferable International Baccalaureate curriculum is also a popular option.
Education and Schooling in London
Best International Schools in London
Popular Private Schools in London
Safety in London
- CON: There are areas to avoid
Some areas in London are less safe than others and should be avoided, particularly at night. Parts of Brixton, Peckham, and Shoreditch have a higher-than-average incidence of street crime, and there can be some gang- and drug-related crime, too.
+ PRO: London is safe compared to other global cities
London is very safe compared to other big cities. Expats are far less likely to be harassed on the street in London than in New York, for example, and the murder rate in New York is three times higher than in London (and worse still in LA). Even at night, London is generally considered safe, although caution should always be exercised.