Moving to London: Everything I Wish I Knew Before I Did

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By Timo — London-based creator of TheTimoTalks, sharing personal experiences of travel, hospitality and life abroad.

Thinking about moving to London? You've probably got more questions than answers right now.

How much do you actually need to earn to live comfortably? Where do you even start looking for an apartment, and what should you watch for? Is flatsharing worth it, or does it just complicate things? What does commuting really cost you, month after month? How does healthcare actually work once you're here?

There's no quick answer to any of that. So instead of a checklist, here's a full walkthrough of what actually matters before you make the move.

How much money do you need to move to London?

Start with your expected take-home pay and the cost of the life you are actually planning. A room in a shared flat and a flat of your own create very different budgets. Add rent, council tax where applicable, utilities, food, transport and a buffer for unexpected costs. Keep moving costs and the deposit separate from the monthly budget so that the first month does not look artificially affordable.

Compare real listings in two or three areas against the same budget. A lower rent can come with a longer or more expensive commute. There is no single salary figure that answers this for every household, work pattern and neighbourhood.

Finding a flat or choosing a flatshare

Before committing, confirm which bills are included, who manages repairs, how the deposit is handled and what the agreement says about leaving. For a flatshare, discuss cleaning, guests and working from home as well as the room itself. Read the current GOV.UK deposit guidance and tenant rights and responsibilities alongside the agreement you are offered.

Check the commute before choosing an area

Compare the full door-to-door journey at the hours you will travel, including changes and the walk to the station. Price your actual route using Transport for London’s fare information. A hybrid working pattern may change which ticket option makes sense, so compare the journeys you expect to make rather than assuming a monthly ticket is automatically best.

Registering with a GP in England

The NHS says everyone in England can register with a GP surgery for free. You do not need ID, proof of address, proof of immigration status or an NHS number to register. Use the NHS registration guide to find a practice and understand the process. GP registration does not by itself establish entitlement to every other NHS service.

The part a moving budget cannot cover

A new city also means rebuilding routines and a support network. My reflection on the emotional side of moving abroad covers that adjustment. If driving is part of your plan, read my UK driving-licence experience. The video below gives the personal context behind this planning companion.

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