Currency
GBP
£
Healthcare
NHS (Public)
£0/mo
Work Visa
3-8 weeks
processing time
Deposit
1.25 mo
of rent
Visa & Work Permits
Which city in U.K.?
| City | Median Salary | 1BR Rent Range | English | Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £4,500 | £1,100 - £3,600 | 5/5 | 18 |
| Manchester | £3,200 | £750 - £1,400 | 5/5 | 14 |
| Edinburgh | £3,400 | £850 - £1,700 | 5/5 | 15 |
| Birmingham | £3,100 | £650 - £1,100 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Bristol | £3,300 | £850 - £1,450 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Leeds | £3,000 | £700 - £1,100 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Glasgow | £2,900 | £650 - £1,200 | 5/5 | 6 |
| Sheffield | £2,800 | £810 - £1,300 | 5/5 | 5 |
| Cardiff | £2,700 | £810 - £1,300 | 5/5 | 5 |
| Nottingham | £2,750 | £810 - £1,300 | 5/5 | 5 |
What daily life costs in U.K.
The up-front bill, moving to U.K.
Rental Deposit
1.25 month(s) of rent
Registration & Admin
£0
Deposit capped at 5 weeks rent. No agent fees for tenants. First month rent due upfront.
Also considering leaving South Africa for somewhere else?
See what your salary looks like in U.K.
Type in your gross pay. We'll show what lands after tax, which neighborhoods you can actually afford, and how much is left over each month.
Questions people actually ask
How does U.K. compare to South Africa on cost of living?
It depends on the city. In London, a one-bed runs £1,100 to £3,600 and groceries land around £280 a month. In Edinburgh, a one-bed runs £850 to £1,700 and groceries land around £300 a month. In Manchester, a one-bed runs £750 to £1,400 and groceries land around £280 a month.
Do I need a visa to work in U.K. from South Africa?
Skilled Worker visa requires employer sponsorship. Points-based system. If you hold an EU passport: Post-Brexit: Same process as non-EU. Skilled Worker visa required.. Expect processing to take 3-8 weeks. Double-check the current rules with the U.K. immigration authority before you book anything.
How does healthcare work in U.K. once you arrive?
U.K. runs a NHS (Public) system. NHS free at point of use. Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year) required for visa holders. Public coverage is roughly £0 a month. Private sits around £150.
How much tax will I pay in U.K.?
On £3,800 gross a month, you're looking at roughly 2370.0% effective. That leaves about £2,898 in your account. The real number moves with your income, your city, and your situation.
What up-front money do I need to move from South Africa to U.K.?
Budget 1.25 month(s) of rent for the deposit. Registration and paperwork usually come in around £0. Deposit capped at 5 weeks rent. No agent fees for tenants. First month rent due upfront.