Last Updated: 19th March 2026
You can expect to pay between $13,000 (USD) to $30,000 (USD) or more to move to America from the UK. Your total moving costs will depend on your exact circumstances.
From Visa application fees, flight tickets, and shipping your belongings, costs can quickly add up. In this guide, we will cover exactly how much you should expect to pay to move from the UK to the USA so that you can budget accordingly.
Breakdown of the costs of moving to America
Visa and Document Costs
1. Visa Application Fees
Visa application costs depend on the type of visa you apply for.
- Non-immigrant visas (e.g. work, study, visitor): typically $185 to $315 USD
- Immigrant visa application fees: typically $325 to $345 USD
- Immigrant petition fees (USCIS): usually $535 to $775 USD, depending on the petition type
Additional costs may apply depending on your circumstances, including document processing and consular fees. For the most up-to-date fees, refer to the official U.S. Department of State website.
2. Medical Examination / Immigration Physical
All visa applicants must undergo a medical exam to move to the USA. This costs between $200 and $480 and is performed by an Embassy approved physician in London prior to your visa interview
3. Skills Assessment
Depending on the type of Visa, you may need a skills assessment. Expect to pay between $125-$380 or more.
4. Immigration Attorney Fees
If required, the cost for an Immigration Attorney is in the range of $1,500 – $3,000 for simple cases. More complex cases may cost more (upwards of $5,000). Learn more about immigration lawyer costs.
5. Document Authentication and Notarization
Some documents may require notarization or authentication which typically costs $50 to $150.00
Travel and Relocation Costs
1. Flights
For a one-way flight from the UK to the USA, expect to pay around $500 to $900 in 2026.
2. Shipping Your Belongings
Shipping your household goods from the UK to the USA typically costs between £680 and £12,000+ in 2026, depending on the size of your move and the shipping method used.
For an average 3-bedroom house, expect to pay around £7,500 to £9,000 for a full container service.
Most moves are shipped by sea freight, which is significantly more cost-effective than air freight. Costs are primarily based on the total volume of goods being shipped, along with factors such as packing, insurance and final delivery location.
Typical Shipping Costs UK to USA (2026)
| Move Size | Typical Cost | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boxes / personal items only | Shared Container | £680 – £1,200 |
| Studio / small move | Shared Container | £1,000 – £1,500 |
| 1-bed flat | Shared container | £1,500 – £2,500 |
| 2-bed house or flat | Shared Container | £2,500 – £4,500 |
| 3-bed house 20ft | Full container | £7,500 – £9,000 |
| 4+ bed house 40ft | Full container | £9,000 – £12,000+ |
| Last Updated: March 2026 |
Prices are based on sea freight shipping, standard export packing and typical delivery to major US destinations like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Houston.
3. Pet Shipping
If you have a pet that you would like to take with you, pet transport services to the USA are available and range from $1,700 – $8,200 depending on a variety of factors.
4. Security Deposits and First Month’s Rent
Landlords in the US often require this upfront. For a 1 bedroom apartment at $1,500 per month, you should expect to pay $1,500 (first month’s rent) plus the security deposit which can range from $1,500 – $3,000.
5. Utilities
You will likely need to place a deposit when setting up basic utilities such as electricity, gas and internet, especially as you are new to the country and do not have a US credit history. This deposit is typically two months of the billed service. You should expect to pay $315 – $1000 or higher, depending on you circumstances (family size, usage etc.)
6. Healthcare
In the US, healthcare costs significantly surpass those in the UK, where the NHS covers most services for free. For example, a routine doctor’s visit in the US can cost $150-$500 out-of-pocket, compared to being free under the NHS. Health insurance premiums in the US vary widely but can average between $450-$800 per month for an individual, with family plans costing more. You can find out more about US healthcare here.
7. Car Shipping
Did you know, you can ship a car from the UK to the USA duty free as long as it’s over 25 years of age. You can find out more about the US 25 year rule here. Shipping costs around $1,100.
8. Driving Licence
The good news is in the short term you can drive for up to 3 months with your UK driving licence. If you plan to become a US resident then you will need to obtain a drivers licence. The process varies from state to state but generally involves passing a written knowledge test. Some states may waive the road test if you already hold a full UK driving licence. Expect to pay for a written or online test from $50.00 and then a licence fee which depends on which state you are resident in. You can find more information on each USA states driving requirements and apply for a state licence here.
Cost of Living Index by State
To further understand how living costs vary within the U.S., it’s essential to look at the cost of living indexes for different states. For example, Mississippi boasts the lowest cost of living with an index of 83.3, making it 17% less expensive than the national average. In contrast, Hawaii sits at the opposite end of the spectrum with a staggering index of 179.
Here’s a quick look at some state comparisons:
- Mississippi: Index of 83.3 (Lowest cost)
- Oklahoma: Index of 86
- Hawaii: Index of 179 (Highest cost)
- District of Columbia: Index of 148.7
Final Thoughts
Adding it all up, you should expect to pay between $13,000 and $30,000 to move from the UK to the USA in 2026. The final cost will depend on factors outlined above such as whether you are an individual or a family and the size of your move.
While this upfront cost to move to America may seem large, the cost should be viewed as an investment in you and your family’s future. Life in the United States may offer many benefits to areas such as your quality of life or career prospects.
As a quick aside, here is a brief look at the average annual salaries in various U.S. States:
- Northeast: $65,383
- West: $60,579
- Midwest: $56,114
- South: $54,718
Some states have significantly higher average salaries, such as California at $73,000 and Massachusetts at $76,000. See more U.S. salary information here on Forbes.
While salaries are undoubtably higher in the USA compared to the UK, be sure to research salaries in your specific field and desired location. Also bear in mind that the cost of living in the U.S. is also higher than the UK which may eat into the difference slightly.
Beyond the tangible benefits of higher income potentials and improved living standards, it’s about the personal growth that comes with embracing a new culture and environment. The American Dream is very much alive for those who are prepared to embark on this journey with open eyes and a well-thought-out budget.
Our role at 1st Move International is the ease the transition for you and your family by providing comprehensive removals and relocation services to ensure that your move is fast, safe and seamless. From unbeatable packing to shipment protection cover, shipping to customs formalities, we handle every detail so you can focus on the exciting opportunities ahead.
And while the process of moving to the USA involves navigating various costs and administrative hurdles, consider it a stepping stone towards achieving a better live overseas. With the right expectations and a solid budget, the financial commitment involved will pave the way for a fulfilling life for you and your family in one of the world’s most developed countries.
