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Moving to London From Australia

Costs, Jobs & Life

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Considering moving to London from Australia? What an exciting journey you have ahead. In this article, we cover all you need to be prepared for, from moving costs and a job in London to the cost of living and the best places for Aussies to live. Read more to find your way and find the best area to meet fellow Australians.

Cost of Moving to London From Australia

The average cost of moving to London is around $2,000 to $15,000 for sea freight and %5,000 to $15,000 for air freight.
Freight TypeCosts in AUDShipping Time
Groupage/LCL – Sea Freight$2,000-5,0006-10 weeks
20ft Sea Freight$6,000-10,0006-10 weeks
40ft Sea Freight$9,000-15,0006-10 weeks
Air Freight$5,000-15,0007-14 days

*Disclaimer: These costs are average estimates and can fluctuate based on origin, volume, route, and weight.

If you would like to do more research about moving companies to London, read our article below about removals to the UK.

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Cost of Living in London

The average cost of living in London is 18.2% higher than the cost of living in Sydney, however, the cost of groceries is 11.5% lower in London.
ExpenseCost in Sydney (AUD)Cost in London, UK (AUD)
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$ 25.00$ 41.25
Cappuccino$ 5.15$ 7.88
12 eggs$ 7.47$ 7.44
1kg of chicken$ 12.85$ 13.83
Monthly bus pass$ 217.39$ 379.98
Gasoline, 1L$ 1.90$ 2.98
Rent for 1 BD apartment in center$ 3,328.04$ 4,605.72

*Source: Numbeo

Jobs in London for Aussies

London offers a wide range of jobs for Australians due to the strong relations between the UK and Australia. However, before you’re allowed to work in London, you need to make sure your visa is in order. Have a look at the possible visa you need, and read our article about moving to the UK to learn more about the visa application process.

Learn about moving to the UK and visa requirements.

The most common jobs for Aussies:

  • Marketing
  • Finance & Accounting
  • IT & Tech
  • Engineering
  • Legal
  • Healthcare
  • Recruitment
  • Barista & Bartender

How to Apply for Jobs in London

The job application process in the UK differs slightly from Australia, starting with the CV structure. The best thing to do is to create a UK-style CV, which will help you land more interviews. Other tips:

  • Start in good time: Apply to jobs before your actual move date. It’s easier if you start earlier.
  • Temp jobs: You’ll need to rebuild a network if you move countries. Starting as a temp is a good place to begin
  • References: UK employers often ask for references, so make sure you gather yours in one place.

The best site to look for jobs in London:

Best Places to Live in London for Aussies

Did you know, London has a big Aussie expat community and some areas have Aussie cafes and bars as well!

Clapham: The area boasts a huge Aussie expat community, making it an easy place for Australians to integrate into.

Balham: Similar to Clapham, the area has many Aussies, but is calmer and more family-friendly, and is known for great food spots.

Fulham: The area is lush and green, excellent for sports like rugby and AFL. It’s also located near the river.

Best Affordable Places to Live in London

Walthamstow: Affordable and trendy with large markets and still a strong Aussie expat presence.

Leyton: The area offers great value for money and a creative environment. It’s a great option for someone looking for a creative community.

Crystal Palace: The area offers a strong community vibe and lots of nature. It’s great for people looking for a calmer environment.

How to Move to London From Australia?

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Moving to London starts with a carefully planned checklist:

  • Choose your visa
  • Choose the removal company you need
  • Start your job search
  • Set up banking, social security, and the essentials
  • Notify relevant parties about your move

Moving to London With Kids

When moving with kids there are a few more details to take into account, such as schooling of your child. Luckily, in England there is no language barrier to Aussie children.

Be aware, in London, the school placements are determined by the areas you live in. Find out more about the school ratings and how to choose one. When choosing a school you will have to read upon the school admissions process as well.

Look into healthcare for you and your children too. You can choose the NHS or an international healthcare service.

Education in London

Schools in London are mostly state-funded and free for all residents. The UK curriculum doesn’t differ much from the Australian curriculum, making adjustments easy.

Additionally, there are some private and international schools, if you choose to opt for paid versions, or want a specifically Australian IB curriculum.

LevelAge
Primary School4-11
Secondary School11-16
Post education16+

Moving to London With Pets

London and the rest of the UK only allow dogs, cats, and ferrets to be brought into the country without extra processing, according to the PETS rules.

Checklist for Importing Pets:

  • ISO-compliant microchip
  • Rabies vaccination (min. 21 days prior)
  • AHC certificate
  • Tapeworm treatment
  • Arrival by an approved route (airline or port)

Ready to Move to London?

We hope that this article has made you feel confident about the logistics of moving to London from Australia. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy the British humour and visit the Queen’s castle. If you are left with questions, have a look at our FAQs below and read the relevant articles.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of living in London?

Where are the best places to live in London?

How to move to London from Australia?

How much does it cost to move to London?

Where do all the Australians live in London?

Is education free in London?

Can I drive in London with an Australian license?