22 May 2025
Guide to Living in England: Costs, Job Opportunities, and Visa Processes
Comprehensive guide to living in England: all the details about living costs, job opportunities, housing and transportation expenses, social life, and the visa process are here.
Living in England combines historical texture and cultural diversity with modern city life, while also drawing attention with its strong economy, world-renowned educational institutions, and comprehensive healthcare system. The social and economic opportunities offered in cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool create a significant attraction for both students and professionals. For individuals considering moving to England, many factors such as living costs, job finding opportunities, housing rents, transportation options, and immigration processes are of great importance. In this guide, we will address the living conditions in England from all aspects, providing comprehensive information on costs, job opportunities, social life, and visa procedures.
Lifestyle and Dynamics in England
England is a dynamic country where modern city life meets historical texture. London is known as one of the world's largest financial centers, with a busy work life and high living costs. However, cities like Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Birmingham offer a more affordable yet quality lifestyle.
In England, people have a regular, rule-oriented, and punctual lifestyle. Public transportation is widely used, and many commute by subway, train, or bus. On weekends, pub culture, nature trips, and museum visits are popular activities.
Advantages of Living in England
✔ Global job opportunities and high-paying career options
✔ Free healthcare services (NHS) and a strong education system
✔ Multicultural social life and extensive social rights
✔ Access to the world's best universities and educational institutions
Challenges of Living in England
❌ High rent and living costs, especially in London
❌ Variable and mostly rainy weather conditions
❌ Intense work pace and fast-paced city life
❌ Strict immigration rules for some visa types
Popular Areas to Live in England
Choosing a city is of great importance for those who want to live in England. Living costs, job opportunities, and social life vary depending on the area. While major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh offer advantages in terms of work and education, cities like Bristol, Leeds, and Nottingham provide a more cost-effective and peaceful living.
📍 London – Lively and Cosmopolitan
The capital of England, London, is one of the most dynamic cities in the country due to its business world, cultural diversity, and social opportunities. However, high rent and living costs are the biggest disadvantages of living here. Monthly rent expenses for those wishing to live in London are quite high.
Who is it suitable for?
✅ Those working in finance, technology, and media sectors
✅ Those who want to be close to global job opportunities
✅ Those who enjoy an active and social lifestyle
📍 Manchester – An Economical and Vibrant City
Manchester is a city known for its industry, music, and sports culture. It offers more affordable living costs compared to London while being well developed in terms of job opportunities and social life.
Who is it suitable for?
✅ Those wishing to live in a more economical city
✅ Those working in engineering, IT, and creative sectors
✅ Those who enjoy football, music, and cultural events
📍 Birmingham – Business and Education Hub
Birmingham, the second-largest city in England, is one of the important centers of industry and commerce. It is preferred by many due to its universities and job opportunities. It stands out with more affordable rent prices compared to London.
Who is it suitable for?
✅ University students and academics
✅ Those working in manufacturing, engineering, and commerce
✅ Those wanting to live in the center but at more affordable prices than London
📍 Edinburgh – Historical and Close to Nature
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is known for its historical texture, green spaces, and universities. It offers an ideal living for those interested in Scottish culture.
Who is it suitable for?
✅ Those who want a quieter lifestyle
✅ Those who love historical and artistic atmospheres
✅ Those who wish to live in nature
📍 The Cheapest Cities in England
For those seeking a lower-cost lifestyle, Hull, Leicester, Coventry, Nottingham, and Newcastle offer more economical options in terms of both rent prices and overall living expenses.
Cost of Living in England
England attracts attention with living costs that vary depending on the region and lifestyle. While costs are quite high in major cities like London, it is possible to live more affordably in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds.
📌 Monthly Expenses in England (2025)
Living expenses are determined based on basic expenditures such as housing, transportation, food, and bills. Here are the average monthly costs:
Expense Item | London (GBP) | Other Cities (GBP) |
1+1 Apartment Rent | 1,800 – 2,800 | 800 – 1,500 |
3+1 Apartment Rent | 3,000 – 5,000 | 1,500 – 2,800 |
Grocery Shopping | 250 – 400 | 200 – 350 |
Transportation (Monthly Pass) | 180 – 250 | 60 – 120 |
Electricity, Water, Internet | 150 – 250 | 100 – 200 |
Restaurant (Single Meal) | 15 – 30 | 10 – 25 |
→ Living in London can be 50-100% more expensive compared to other cities.
📌 Things That Are Expensive in England
Housing rents (Especially very high in London)
Transportation (Public transportation fares are quite expensive)
Restaurants and dining out
📌 Things That Are Cheap in England but Expensive in Turkey
Electronic products (Products like computers, phones, and TVs may be cheaper)
Branded clothes and shoes
Personal care products and some grocery items
It is possible to live on a budget in England; however, especially in major cities, rent and transportation expenses should be planned carefully.
Work Life and Job Opportunities in England
England is an attractive country for many people due to high salaries and extensive job opportunities. Finance, technology, health, engineering, and the service sector are the fields that provide the most employment.
Finding a Job in England
To work in England, it is mandatory to obtain a work visa. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Reed, and Glassdoor are commonly used for job applications. CVs and cover letters should comply with British business standards.
Minimum Wage and Salaries in England (2025)
The minimum wage in England is around £11.50-£12.50 per hour.
Average salaries vary by sector:
Information and Software: 40,000 – 80,000 GBP
Engineering: 35,000 – 65,000 GBP
Health (Doctor/Nurse): 30,000 – 80,000 GBP
Service Sector (Waiters, Cashiers, etc.): 20,000 – 30,000 GBP
Education and Family Life in England
England has one of the best education systems in the world and offers a safe, socially advanced lifestyle for families. State and private schools, international curricula, and globally recognized universities make England attractive in terms of education.
The Education System in England
State schools are free, but competition is high in certain areas.
Private schools charge annual fees ranging from £10,000 – £50,000.
Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London rank highly in global rankings.
There are programs offering scholarships and work permits for international students.
Education in England is divided into 4 primary levels:
Primary School: Compulsory between ages 5-11.
Secondary School: Continues between ages 11-16.
Sixth Form or College: Takes place between ages 16-18.
University: Begins from the age of 18.
University education usually lasts 3 years, while a master's degree takes 1 year.
Family Life in England
Safe and child-friendly cities for families: Cities like Cambridge, York, and Bath are considered ideal for family life.
Childcare is costly, and private nurseries can range from £800-1,500 per month.
Healthcare services are largely free under NHS, but there may be additional costs for those preferring private health insurance.
While England offers a safe living environment with advanced education and health systems for families with children, it should be noted that expenses like private education and childcare can be high.
Social Life and Entertainment in England
England offers a wide range of social and entertainment opportunities with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant city life, and natural beauties. Historical buildings, museums, theaters, and world-famous festivals open the doors to an enjoyable social life for residents of England.
Social Life in England
In major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, theater, concerts, museums, and art galleries are quite common.
Historical and tourist sites offer attractive options for those wanting to visit iconic structures such as Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge.
Cafes and pubs are an indispensable part of English culture. Pub culture is a significant part of social life.
Activities in Nature in England
Lake District, Cotswolds, and the Scottish Highlands are perfect places for those wanting to hike and camp.
Beach holidays allow for enjoyable times in coastal towns like Brighton, Bournemouth, and Cornwall.
Sports events provide a great experience for sports enthusiasts with international organizations such as Premier League matches and Wimbledon Tennis Tournament.
England is filled with activities appealing to all ages and interests, offering a wide social life from cultural events to outdoor sports.
Transportation and Traffic in England
England is a country noted for its developed public transport network and dense traffic organization. For those living in major cities, options such as the subway, buses, and trains are commonly used, while owning a private vehicle is more advantageous in rural areas.
Public Transport
The London Underground (The Tube) is one of the fastest transportation methods in England and covers the city with 11 different lines. The monthly transport pass costs between £180-250.
Buses run 24/7 in major cities and are generally affordable.
Train lines are one of the fastest options for intercity travel, but ticket prices can be high. Early booking advantages can be gained.
Using a Private Vehicle
Traffic in England flows on the left, so an adjustment period may be needed.
Driving in large cities like London can be expensive due to tight parking rules and high taxes, so most people prefer public transport.
Fuel prices are around £1.50-1.70 per liter as of 2025.
Cycling and Walking
Biking is common in cities like London, Cambridge, and Oxford, and many cities have bike lanes.
Pedestrian-friendly city centers make walking enjoyable, especially in tourist areas.
Residency and Visa Processes in England
For those wishing to live long-term in England, different options are available such as work, investment, student, and family reunion visas. To obtain a residence permit, one needs to apply for the correct visa type and meet the necessary conditions.
Types of Residency and Visas in England
Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa): It is necessary to find a job in England and obtain a sponsored visa.
Student Visa: It is granted to individuals who wish to study in England. It provides permission to work up to 20 hours per week during the study period.
Investor and Entrepreneur Visas: Special visa types offered for business people who make significant investments.
Family Reunion Visa: Valid for individuals with a spouse or family in England.
Those who live legally in England for 5 years can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After 6 years, they may acquire citizenship.
Permanent Residency and Citizenship in England
After living for 5 years with certain types of visas, one can obtain “Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).”
After obtaining indefinite leave to remain, one is eligible to apply for British citizenship after 1 year.
Residency and visa processes in England can be complex, therefore it is essential to conduct thorough research or seek expert assistance to make the correct application.
Renting Houses in England
Housing rents in England vary from city to city. According to predictions for living expenses in England in 2025, rent prices are quite high in London, but more affordable options can be found in the northern regions.
City | 1+1 Apartment in Center (£) | 1+1 Apartment Outside Center (£) |
London | 1,800 – 2,500 | 1,400 – 1,800 |
Manchester | 900 – 1,300 | 700 – 1,000 |
Birmingham | 800 – 1,200 | 600 – 900 |
Leeds | 700 – 1,000 | 500 – 800 |
When renting a house, it is important to pay attention to contract duration, deposit amount, and whether bills are included.
Healthcare System and Insurance in England
The healthcare system in England is managed by NHS (National Health Service). The NHS offers free healthcare services for everyone with residence permits in England.
Healthcare Services in England
General Practitioners (GP): Family doctors are free under the NHS.
Hospital Services: While NHS hospitals are free, private healthcare services are chargeable.
Dental and Vision Care: Dental treatments under NHS are provided for a certain fee.
For those wishing to obtain private health insurance, monthly policies typically range between £50-£150.
Safety and Legal System in England
Living in England is generally safe, but caution should be taken against crimes such as theft and fraud in major cities.
Crime Rates in England
Crime rates may be higher in major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham. However, rural areas are quite safe. Living conditions in England are considered safe compared to European countries.
The police and legal system operate effectively. For emergencies, you can call 999.
Things Not to Do in England
Some behaviors are not socially and legally accepted in England.
Driving on the right: Traffic flows on the left in England, so newcomers need to adjust.
Not following queue rules: The English place great importance on forming lines, skipping queues is not accepted.
Touching people unnecessarily: Personal space is very important in England.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in enclosed spaces; smoking is not allowed outside designated areas.
By adhering to these rules, you can have a hassle-free life in England.
How much money is needed to live in England?
It varies depending on the city, but for a comfortable life in London, at least £3,000 per month is needed, while in other cities it ranges from £1,800-£2,500.
Is living in England expensive?
Life is expensive in large cities like London. However, cities like Manchester, Leeds, or Sheffield are more affordable.
How much is unemployment benefit in England?
Unemployment benefit in England averages £75-£85 per week. The amount may vary based on an individual's work history and other social aids.
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