Moving to the UK from India is a significant decision that involves meticulous planning. Learn about relocation-related expenses and the cost of living in London for an Indian family as well as other cities in today’s guide.
Is it worth moving to the UK from India?
UK visa fees in Indian Rupees
Immigration to the UK from India. Health surcharge
UK trip cost from India
Moving to the UK from India. Rent & utilities
Moving to the UK from India. Daily expenses
Banking. How to not overspend on money transfers
Is it worth moving to the UK from India?
Many Indians in the UK find that the prospects for career advancement, education, and a higher standard of living make the move worthwhile. However, it is essential to consider the costs and benefits based on your situation as it takes a lot of investment.
UK visa fees in Indian Rupees
One of the first steps in your relocation journey is obtaining a visa.
Fees vary depending on the type of visa you apply for. Here are some examples:
| Visa type | Cost in INR |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Investor) - main applicant and dependants | 208,127 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) - dependants only | 79,097 |
| Short-term visitor visa | 12,704 |
| Marriage visitor visa | 12,704 |
| Student visa | 54,131 |
For more information, you can visit the UK Government Visa Fees page.
Immigration to the UK from India. Health surcharge
The UK has a public healthcare system. However, non-residents and some visa categories may need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application. You need to pay if you apply:
- for 6+ months, if you’re applying outside the UK,
- regardless of duration, if you’re applying inside the UK.
As of June 2024, you’ll have to pay
- £776 annually for students and their dependants.
- £776 per year for visa and immigration applicants under 18 at the time of application.
- £1,035 annually for all other visa and immigration applications, such as £3,105 for a 3-year visa.
UK trip cost from India
Airfare
The cost of airfare moving to the UK from India can vary. According to Skyscanner, in June 2024, prices for a one-way direct ticket from India to London range from £255 to £441 and from £207 to £494 in November 2024. The total England trip cost from India significantly depends on factors like the airline, time of booking, and travel class.
Shipping costs
If you plan to move your household items when immigrating to the UK from India, international shipping costs can add up. It is estimated you’d pay £4,212 - £4,654 to move the contents of a one-bedroom apartment by air and £2,211 - £2,443 by sea. Get quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare prices.
You might also like: Moving from Portugal to the UK
Moving to the UK from India. Rent & utilities
Renting
Rent is the most considerable expense for those moving to the UK from India. Let’s compare approximate rent prices and utilities in London, Leicester, and Birmingham, the cities with the biggest communities of Indians in the UK.
| London | Leicester | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment: city centre | 2,139.42 £ | 815.00 £ | 978.57 £ |
| 1-bedroom apartment: outside the city centre | 1,590.92 £ | 766.67 £ | 766.67 £ |
| 3-bedroom apartment: city centre | 4,425.00 £ | 1,266.67 £ | 1,743.75 £ |
| 3-bedroom apartment: outside the city centre | 2,863.16 £ | 1,100.00 £ | 1,144.55 £ |
Utilities
| London | Leicester | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | 298.80 £ | 387.50 £ | 239.32 £ |
| Mobile phone monthly plan | 15.50 £ | 13.22 £ | 16.50 £ |
| Internet | 30.74 £ | 36.75 £ | 28.75 £ |
Set up and pay your household bills in the UK like a pro.
Moving to the UK from India. Daily expenses
Let’s take the UK capital as an example. The cost of living in London for Indians without rent is around 1,107.5£ for a single person and 3,848.3£ for a family of four. Here’s a breakdown of average daily expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 20.00 £
- A regular cappuccino: 3.64 £
- Milk, 1 litre: 1.30 £
- Rice, 1 kg: 2.00 £
- Eggs, 12: 3.12 £
- Chicken, 1 kg: 7.57 £
- Apples, 1 kg: 2.59 £
- Bananas, 1 kg: 1.34 £
- Lettuce, 1 head: 0.99 £
- A bottle of wine: 9.50 £
- Potatoes, 1 kg: 1.28 £
- One-way public transport ticket: 2.80 £
- Monthly public transport pass: 200.00 £
- Gasoline, 1 litre: 1.51 £
- A short taxi trip: £7.60-£13.00
- Gym membership: 46.07 £
- A cinema ticket: 15.00 £
The cost of living in London for an Indian family and a single person will vary drastically. The estimations provided are approximate and can be less or more significant depending on your lifestyle, habits, and needs. Before moving to London from India, one should understand the drastic difference in living expenses. For example, compared to Delhi, the cost of living in London without rent is 231.6% higher, rent prices are 808.4% higher, and grocery prices are 169.0% higher.
Banking. How to not overspend on money transfers
Most banks in the United Kingdom require proof of address and identification documents for account opening. Although you can transfer to India using your bank, we recommend skipping that step if you want to save money.
Supporting loved ones in India is vital for many Indians in the UK. Learn how to send money from the UK to India with Profee. Whether sending a birthday present or helping with bills, Profee is your number-one solution for international transfers. We are an EU-licensed company providing fast and safe global remittances with low fees and favourable exchange rates. Your first transfer comes with a promo exchange rate and zero fees. Experience a transparent way of transferring money to India with no hidden commissions and extra charges.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors to consider to ensure a smooth immigration to the UK from India. With careful planning and budgeting, relocation can be a rewarding experience. While the cost of living in London for Indians might be high, the opportunities available can make the move worthwhile. Use our guide as a starting point in your new adventure.
