Moving from to
Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.
The verdict
Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 17.6% to 16.9%. Quality of life improves by 2 points.
A granular look at the United Kingdom and the United States reveals a closely contested quality of life, with the US marginally ahead at 63/100 compared to the UK's 61/100. The most significant differentiator is taxation, where the US scores 63 against the UK's significantly lower 35, a substantial 28-point gap reflecting a more favorable tax landscape in the US. Safety, however, is where the UK holds a distinct advantage, scoring 86 compared to the US's 62, a 24-point difference highlighting a more secure living environment in the UK. Climate also favors the US, with a score of 64 (14°C average) against the UK's 46 (10.5°C average), an 18-point differential indicating generally milder and sunnier conditions in America. Healthcare scores are nearly identical (UK 58, US 59), and price levels are comparable (UK 103, US 100).
This comparison is exceptionally close; however, the United States edges out the United Kingdom due to its significantly more attractive taxation environment and generally better climate.
Moving to United States? NLV varies by city.
Tax Comparison
At $42,835 USD equivalent gross salary
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
Net difference: +$271/year in United States.Full calculator →
What Things Actually Cost
Price Index: United Kingdom = 97, United States = 100 (US = 100)
Big Mac
Starbucks Tall Latte
Beer 500ml (bar)
iPhone 16 128GB
Netflix Standard (monthly)
1L Gasoline (95)
Single Transit Ticket
Airbnb Studio (city center)
What Salary to Ask For
If you earn £33,728 gross in United Kingdom ($42,835USD), here's what you need in United States depending on your goal:
Same net income (tax only)
$42,490
You keep the same $35,311/yr net in both countries. United States taxes 0.7% less.
Same purchasing power (recommended)
$43,804
Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.
Net Life Value at $43K
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
51
🇺🇸 United States
48
NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.
Quality of Life
United Kingdom: 61/100 vs United States: 63/100
Moving to United States: Practicalities
Visa Openness
45/100
English Level
100/100
Expat Community
15.3%
Digital Nomad Visa
No