How much money needed to move to London?

Question

I am planning on moving to London in December and want to know how much I will need to start me off there. Ie. Food, rent and travel costs. I will look for a job when I get there.

Answer 1

You will need quite a bit of money when you arrive, you should plan on having access to at least £3000.  Unless you have a job already lined up, you won't be able to earn money right away, and it takes some time to get a British bank account (often you need to have a home mailing address in the UK with your name on the utility bills).  Don't forget that you're going to need to support yourself while you look for a job and a big cost will be a deposit for a place to live.  Every flat, even with flatmates, will require a deposit of 4-6 weeks (that can be up to £1000 depending on where you're living!) which you don't get back until you move out, assuming you leave the building in good condition.  You will also be expected to pay the first month's rent upfront which might be another £500-800.

If you are living very frugally, your other costs will be:

- £24 per week for a travel card which allows you unlimited travel through city zones 1 and 2 on both the tube and buses.

- £40-60 per week on food and drink (assuming you are cooking for yourself most nights!)

- £10-20 per week for household goods

- £50 per week on entertainment and social activities such as pubs.  You can cut down entertainment costs by visiting the free museums such as the Tate Modern, the National Gallery or the British Museum, or visiting http://www.spoonfed.co.uk which is a London event listing site that offers lots of great events, including some free events, all over London.

That will come to about £150 a week and each month you will need to pay your £500-800 in rent.  If you can't support yourself for two full months with the money you have, you should probably wait before arriving in London.  Good luck!

Answer 2

rent - expect £1,000 a month. food depends on what and how many to feed but yeah is expensive travel card £5.90 a day (bus & train)

Answer 3

depends what you want and your lifestyle / budget ? £ 200-00 pw / £ 1500-00 pw ?