Is living in the UK really all that bad?

Question

I don't mean to rant.

But when I tell people I am moving to England, everyone keeps saying how expensive it is, but if you calculate I say the quality of living is not any different from living in Toronto.

I say it's no different than living in any major city. And I go to New York all the time.

I hustle, that's how I survive being a Journalist, but I just feel that Toronto can be stiffling.

So if you can adapt to a big city is it really that bad to live in the UK? On top of that, I will pretty much have my full citizenship by the time I get there, and family have offered for me to stay with them, which knowing me, I will set a very strict time limit on how long I plan to stick around 'cause I like my own space.

I am not going to the UK to become rich, but I would rather stick it the hardship in a place where I know that I will get something out of the hustle. Unfortunately it just does't feel that way in Toronto.

Is it really that bad there?

Answer 1

I live in Wales, yes its very expensive to live here but my god we dont do too bad we just complain alot becasue us British just want everything. The majorty of us have at least 2 cars, nice houses, good jobs, in my house we have 5 42inch LCD tvs on the wall. The British like the Americans have everything we want we have all the latest gadgets we just complain we dnt have enough and our standard of living is very good indeed however the U.K. is the most taxed nation on the planet but the British are showing in the polls that we want to get rid of Gordon Browns labour and bring in the conservertives who have said they will lower taxes alot when they get voted it which after the last election(local), Gordon Brown has a very poor chance of becoming PM in 2010 with only a 26% in poll but the conservertives David Cameron won by 49%

Answer 2

Due to the economy at the moment, it may be a little bit more expensive for foreigners to holiday here in England but if your working here it really shouldn't be a problem. The wages in London are higher due to the high expense it is to live in the capital.

I say the only bad point about the UK is it's weather. Summer is usually nice though. :)

Answer 3

I am from London, but have lived in New York and San Francisco along with some other major US cities.  In my opinion London is the greatest place to live.  It has such wonderful culture, history, entertainment, food, beauty, shopping....  With this however, does indeed come some very steep prices.  London in general is much more expensive than New York and San Fran.  Although real-estate may be comparable, eating out, services and public transport are more expensive in London.  But, in my mind it's worth it.  Enjoy it, and if you look, you can find some real bargains.  (Go to toptable.co.uk for discounts, many of the museums and art galleries have free areas, hunt around or flat-share to reduce housing costs)

Answer 4

First of all you create your own reality no matter where you are in the world.  I am now in Canada - Vancouver and you could not pay me enough to go back and live in England.  But that just is my opinion.  Most of my friends still really enjoy living there - well they think I made the right choice all those years ago and that they are now too old to leave!  People are way more friendlier than the people I meet in Vancouver though and would do anything for you - well I mean the people up north!  Also the cities are a lot more fun for singles than Vancouver - no experience of Toronto!

Answer 5

I love living here in the UK and I've never thought it was that bad. I can survive quite happily onthe wages I make (which believe me aren't great) your right it is just like anywhere else it is what you make of it! hope you have fun!

Answer 6

I've never been to Canada, but I have been to the UK and Ireland.  I can say that the Northwest of Europe is full of wonderfull people and scenery.

My girlfriend once lived in Scotland as a teen when her dad was a exchange proffesor.  She thinks it normal to live elsewhere and I want to live there as well.   Many of our friends think it is crazy.  

So your friends and family may not understand.  It is your life and you only get one go at this round rubber ball.  So just remember going against the norm is seldome understood.  Gallieo and Christopher Columbus wanted to try something different.  Good luck with your endeavors.

Answer 7

No. I love the UK. I'm living in the "cheap" USA and I miss England very, very dearly.

The United Kingdom has beautiful places, and we are a friendly lot.

You'll like it!