Moving to California From the UK: 2025 Expat Guide

Moving to California from the UK is an exciting adventure. If you’re dreaming of trading grey skies for golden beaches, then relocating to the ‘Golden State’ is a great move. From the laid-back surf towns of Southern California to the tech-driven energy of Silicon Valley, California is a magnet for British expats seeking opportunity, diversity, and year-round good weather.

Whether you’re chasing career growth and opportunities in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or just looking for a fresh start in a laid-back, family-friendly city like San Diego or Sacramento, 1st Move’s removals to California service is here to make your relocation seamless. With decades of experience, guaranteed weekly shipping, and industry-leading packing standards, we take the stress out of international moves.

Our Moving to California from the UK blog covers everything you need to know, from the cost of living and job opportunities to finding the right neighbourhood, navigating culture shock, and settling into West Coast life.

Why Are People Moving to California From the UK?

Better Weather

The beauty of Californian weather means you can have year-round sunshine in Southern California, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and more seasonal temperatures with hot summers and cool winters in Northern California, like Sacramento and Redding. You also have desert areas like Palm Springs and Death Valley, which see highs of up to 25°C in the winter.

Career Opportunities 

California offers some of the highest-paid jobs in the U.S and is a significant tech hub. Renowned as the global capital of tech innovation, California is home to Silicon Valley, with top employers including Google, Apple, Meta, Salesforce, Netflix, and Tesla. The entertainment industry is also popular in California, offering roles in Hollywood from behind-the-scenes production to on-screen talent.

World Class Education

California is home to globally recognised universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. Many UK expats move to California for postgraduate study or to pursue a career in research or academic roles. The public schools in California are known to be high performing, and some of the best are in Orange County, Palo Alto, and San Diego.

What are the Challenges of Moving to California?

High Cost of Living

California has a high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing, which is significantly more than the U.S average. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego are particularly costly, with average home prices at $796,255 and rent for a one-bedroom apartment often exceeding $2,500 per month.

State and Federal Income Tax

California has the highest state income tax in the U.S. at a maximum of 13.3%, but this only applies if you earn over $1 million. There is also federal income tax to pay, which ranges from 10% to 37%, depending on your income.

Natural Disasters 

Unfortunately, due to its dry climate and location near the San Andreas Fault, California is prone to wildfires, earthquakes, droughts and water shortages. It is actually one of the most natural disaster-prone states in the U.S., but residents are taught about the state’s advanced emergency response systems and strict building codes to help reduce risk.

California’s Cost of Living

California is notoriously one of the most expensive states in the U.S to live, with a cost of living 50% higher than the national average. Housing is the biggest factor driving the cost of living gap, with prices 115% more expensive than the U.S average. Fortunately, the property rate tax is moderate at around 0.7% annually.

Transportation is also a significant factor, coming in at 38% higher, which makes the average cost of a monthly transportation pass around $75-$100 in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Monthly utilities are approximately 31% higher than America’s average, making bills around $200–$350 per month. Food and groceries are 12% more expensive, with the average monthly bill costing $350–$500 for one person or $1,200–$1,600 for a family of four.

You’ll also have to factor in Sales Tax. California has one of the highest Sales Tax rates in the United States, but the actual rate you pay depends on where you live or shop in the state. It’s as high as 10.25% in Oakland and more affordable in San Diego at 7.75%.

Let’s explore the average cost of living for everyday items in a variety of cities across California.

California Cities Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Item	Los Angeles	San Francisco	San Diego	Sacramento
3-Bedroom Rent (City Centre)	$5,000	$5,800	$4,000	$3,200
Home Price (Median)	$890,000	$1.3M	$860,000	$550,000
Monthly Groceries (1 Person)	$450	$500	$425	$375
Mid-range Restaurant Meal	$25	$30	$22	$18
Petrol (per gallon)	$5.50	$5.70	$5.40	$5.30
Monthly Public Transit Pass	$100	$86	$72	$60
Utilities (Basic for 85m²)	$250	$270	$230	$200
Internet (Monthly)	$70	$75	$65	$60
Childcare (Full-Time, 1 child)	$1,700	$2,000	$1,500	$1,200

Property Market in California 

The property market in California in 2025 is one of the most expensive and dynamic in the country. There has always been a high demand for houses in California for many reasons, but the tech hubs are a big driving factor for areas like San Francisco.

Average House and Rent Prices by City 

House and rent prices vary drastically by city and regional demand. Prices are much higher in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, but more affordable in Sacramento and Fresno.

City	Avg. House Price	Avg. 1‑Bedroom Rent	Avg. 3‑Bedroom Rent
San Francisco	$1,320,000	$2,967	$5,070
Los Angeles	$896,000	$2,166	$4,300
Sacramento	$400,000	$1,790	$2,422
Fresno	$250,000	$1,345	$2,047
San Diego	$1,033,526	$2,500 – $2,875	$4,762

2025 Housing Challenges

There is an ongoing affordability crisis, with many California residents priced out of affording property due to large demand, property shortages, and high prices. Los Angeles and San Francisco especially have a homelessness and housing shortage problem due to unrealistic house prices. The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have again made it difficult to own property due to insanely high insurance costs.

Affordable Places to Live in California 

It’s not all doom and gloom, and it is possible to buy affordable property in California if you look outside of major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Overall, you can find single-family homes for between $250,000 and $500,000 in California. Places like Fresno, Bakersfield, Modesto, Redding, Chico, Victorville, and Hesperia offer some realistic house prices as there is less demand and enough supply.

Affordable House Prices By City 

• Fresno – $250,000
• Bakersfield – $340,000
• Modesto – $400,000
• Redding – $380,000
• Victorville – $420,000

Best Cities to Live in California 

California’s cities and towns are diverse, and where to live will depend heavily on your budget and preference. 

For Coastal Living

Pismo Beach – Located in San Luis Obispo County, Pismo Beach is a small coastal city, known for its laid-back living. It’s popular with retirees and remote workers to make the most of the natural beauty on offer. The average house price in Pismo Beach is $1,133,042, but you can find homes for around the $900,000 mark too.

Oceanside – In north San Diego, Oceanside offers slightly lower house prices at $800,000. It’s an excellent choice for first-time buyers and those wanting coastal living without the big price tag of Los Angeles or central San Diego. You can find trendy coffee shops, art galleries, and breweries downtown, and a walkable harbour on the beachfront.

Mountain Towns 

Oakhurst – Located in the Sierra Foothills, Oakhurst is a gateway to Yosemite for an affordable price tag. The average house price in Oakhurst is $562,566, and it is currently a buyer’s market. The town has a strong community and family-friendly feel to it, with a quieter way of life close to nature.

Crestline – With home prices down 2.5% in the last year, the average price in the San Bernardino Mountain town of Crestline is now $384,580. It’s quieter than the popular Big Bear and is boasts the beautiful Lake Gregory. The cost of living here is also 10% lower than California’s average.

Near Tech Hubs 

Sacramento – Sacramento is a growing tech hub with many start-ups that have links to Bay Area companies. Big companies have offices in the city, like Intel, Oracle, Amazon, and VSP. House prices remain affordable at $492,574, and to rent a 3-bedroom apartment, it’ll cost between $2,300 and $2,600 per month.

Oakland – Oakland is a dynamic city just across the bay from San Francisco, known for its cultural diversity, booming arts scene, and rapidly growing tech industry. With over 400 tech companies, the cloud computing, cybersecurity, and UX/UI design industries are booming. It offers a more affordable alternative to San Francisco, with the average house price at $766,802.

For Families

Fremont – Known for its family-friendly community, Fremont Unified School District has some highly ranked schools, such as Mission San Jose High School and Irvington High School. Fremont is also known for its safety, with many parks, cul-de-sacs, and suburban areas, making it an ideal place to raise children. House prices remain affordable compared to California, averaging at $552,438.

Clovis – Another great place to live for families is Clovis, blending small-town charm with big-city convenience. The city has top-tier public schools in the Clovis Unified School District, which consistently outperform state averages. Safe streets, a strong sense of community, and family-focused amenities like sports leagues, parks, and seasonal events, create a welcoming environment for families. With median home prices around $523,993, Clovis offers a more affordable and spacious lifestyle.

Finding Work in California as an Expat

California remains one of the largest and most dynamic job markets in America, but it’s not without its challenges. The current unemployment rate is above the national average at 5.3%, and although wages are high, extremely high living costs and both state and federal taxes can make it a challenge. 

Top Employers 

Technology – California is the tech capital of the U.S, attracting global talent. Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc. (Google), and NVIDIA are among the top employers in the tech industry in California. AI, cloud computing, and software engineering in Silicon Valley are growing areas in the tech world.

Healthcare – Kaiser Permanente, which is the biggest healthcare provider and employer in the state, Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, and Amgen are the main healthcare and biotech job providers. Current roles on offer include nurses, health managers, and radiologic technologists.

Education and Public Sector – The University of California System, which includes UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, along with California State University, and the State of California Government, are some of the top employers in the education and public sector industries.

Growing Industries 

Leisure and Hospitality – The leisure and hospitality sector is witnessing rapid growth in California, and by 2030, it’s estimated to grow by 44.8%. Sub-sectors like food services and drinking places are expected to add approximately 475,500 jobs.

Professional and Business Services: This sector is also set to contribute highly to the projected 2.76 million nonfarm jobs in California by 2030. There is currently high demand for roles in management, legal services, consulting, human resources, accounting, and administrative support.

Entertainment – The entertainment industry in California is world-famous, with roles varying from editors, animators, producers, to content creators, developers, and sound engineers.

Average Salaries in California 

Average salaries in California are some of the highest in the U.S. and even globally. The Silicon Valley tech, entertainment in Hollywood, biotech in San Diego, and finance in San Francisco industries are the highest paid, so this helps to bring up the cost of average salaries across the state. Here are some average salaries for in demand roles:

• Registered Nurses: $110,000 – $135,000
• Content Creator: $50,000 – $95,000
• Sound Engineer: $70,000 – $105,000
• Cloud Computing Specialist: $135,000 – $170,000
• University Lecturer: $80,000 – $120,000

How Does This Compare to the UK?

• Registered Nurses: £36,000 – £42,000
• Content Creator: £25,000 – £40,000
• Sound Engineer: £30,000 – £45,000
• Cloud Computing Specialist: £55,000 – £75,000
• University Lecturer: £43,000 – £55,000

How Does Healthcare Work in California?

Unlike the NHS in the UK, healthcare in California comes at a cost. As a UK expat, you must arrange private health insurance for your arrival in California, and depending on your visa type, you might need proof of this before arrival.

Financial Help

California’s version of Medicaid, Medi-Cal, provides free or low-cost healthcare for those on low incomes. At present, new expats from the UK aren’t eligible until they become permanent residents or meet specific low-income and residency criteria. 

There are also cost subsidies available through Covered California, California’s marketplace, for many expats depending on income. A single adult earning under $87,000 per year may qualify for this.

If you’re not eligible for Medi-Cal, use Covered California to apply for subsidised insurance as soon as you arrive, especially if your visa status allows it. Without it, you’ll need private or employer-sponsored coverage, which can be expensive.

Expat Insurance 

The most common way to access insurance and healthcare is through employer-sponsored insurance. They will typically cover 60–80% of your monthly premium, with the rest deducted from your paycheck. Services covered in employer health insurance plans typically include doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health care, and preventive services. 

If you are not yet eligible to be covered by your work, it’s important to still arrange your own private health insurance while living in California. Some popular options with expats are Cigna Global, IMG Global Medical, Allianz Care, and Bupa Global.

Average Healthcare Costs in California 

Healthcare costs in California are significantly more expensive if you are not covered by insurance. 

Service	With Insurance	Without Insurance
GP Visit	$25–$50 co-pay	$150–$300
Specialist Visit	$50–$100+	$250–$500+
Health Insurance Premium	$400–$600/month (individual)	$450–$1,000+
Emergency Room Visit	$150–$500+ (plus tests)	$1,000 – $5,000+

California Education System

California has one of the largest education systems in the U.S., ranking in the top five for its public universities. The University of California and California State University are the top public systems in the state, with UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego coming out on top.

Run by the California Department of Education, children can attend Kindergarten from age 5, but school becomes compulsory from age 6 to 18 in California. Palo Alto, Cupertino, Irvine, San Ramon, and La Cañada are some of the top-performing districts in California. 

Top Performing Elementary Schools in California 

• William Faria Elementary – Based in Cupertino, William Faria Elementary is ranked the best in California. The school has a student-teacher ratio of around 25:1, with approximately 630 students. 
• Murdock‑Portal Elementary – Based in San Jose, Murdock‑Portal Elementary students have high proficiency in both math and reading, with 95% of students at or above grade level.
• North Star Academy – This Redwood City school is recognised as a National Blue Ribbon School and California Distinguished School and teaches grades 3 to 8.
• Millikin Elementary – Millikin Elementary in Santa Clara consistently ranks highly for its academic performance and is the 4th highest rated elementary school in the state.
• White Oaks Elementary – Ranked the 5th best in California, this San Carlos school performs in the top 1% for maths and reading. 

Best California Middle Schools

• Whitney High School – Scoring 99.94/100 in the U.S. News & World Report, Whitney High School ranks 2nd in California and 11th nationally. The Cerritos school has also been recognised as a National Blue Ribbon School twice.
• Oxford Academy – Oxford Academy in Cypress has a 98% proficiency rate in reading and is known for its intense focus on college preparation.
• Science Academy STEM Magnet – This North Hollywood school ranks 12th in the U.S. and 3rd in California. The school has a diverse and inclusive population, with 35% economically disadvantaged and 30% qualifying for free school meals.
• Petaluma Accelerated Charter – This Petaluma school ranks as the best middle school in the Petaluma City district and the number one charter middle school in the state.
• Elkhorn – This magnet school in Stockton serves a diverse student body, with 45% qualifying for free school meals. The reading proficiency rate is strong at 98%.

California’s Best High Schools 

• Riverside Stem Academy –  Teaching grades 5 to 12, Riverside Stem Academy, is classed as the best high school in California and the 10th in the U.S. College readiness ranks at 94%, and the graduation rate is between 90% and 100%.
• Whitney High School – This Cerritos high school has 100% proficiency rating in math and reading and offers intense academic programmes like Early College Program with Cerritos College.
• Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy – The graduation rate is 100% in this Wilmington high school. There is a big focus on STEM, AP courses, college-credit options, and community-focused programmes.
• Lowell High School – Sitting in the top 10 high schools in the state, Lowell High School is prestigious, having won the National Blue Ribbon 4 times and California Distinguished School 7 times.
• California Academy of Mathematics and Science – A magnet school for grades 9 to 12, this Carson school won a Linked Learning Gold Certification for its excellence in academics with career-path learning.

Best Areas for Schools for Families
In summary, some of the best areas for families to direct their school search are: 

• Bay Area 
• Cerritos
• Cypress
• Carson
• Wilmington
• North Hollywood
• Cupertino
• San Jose

California’s Transport System

California residents rely heavily on their cars, especially those living in suburban and rural areas. Public transport is extensive, especially in major cities, but options can be limited outside of urban centres.

Public Transport by City

Each city in California has its own public transport system. Here is a brief overview of the main transport options for some popular cities. 

San Francisco Bay Area: 

• BART – The Bay Area Rapid Transit is a train that connects San Francisco to many East Bay cities, including Oakland and Berkeley. This fast train is ideal for commuters to avoid traffic on the roads.
• Muni – The San Francisco Municipal Railway covers almost all of the city. Under this transport system, residents can access Muni Buses, Muni Metro Light Rail, Streetcars, and Cable Cars. Single fares are around $3, with youths and seniors getting discounted rates.
• Caltrain – This commuter-designated rail runs between San Francisco and San Jose, with a planned expansion to cover Downtown. Fares are based on what zone you are travelling in, and cost around $6.25 to get from San Francisco to Palo Alto, near Stanford University. 
• AC Transit – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District runs buses across Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Hayward, Richmond, Fremont, and more. It also runs 24-hour buses connecting when BART shuts down.
  

Los Angeles:

• Metro Rail – The LA Metro runs the Metro Rail, a mixture of subway and light rail lines connecting downtown LA to areas like Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena, and North Hollywood.
• Metro Bus – The Metro Bus system is one of the largest systems in the U.S, operating throughout the whole county. It’s an essential service as it covers those areas that the rail does not reach.
• Metrolink – Metrolink is the regional rail line in LA and serves long-distance journeys, including San Bernardino County and Orange County.

San Diego:

• Metropolitan Transit System – The MTS in San Diego includes trolley light rail, the bus network, and rapid buses. Major bus hubs include downtown, El Cajon Transit Center, and UTC Transit Center.
• North County Transit District – The NCTD operates numerous transport services, ensuring coastal areas are connected with inland locations.

Challenges with Transportation 

Traffic congestion is particularly bad in the Sanfrancisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, especially during peak times like rush hour. This also means that parking can be notoriously difficult and expensive, too, especially in urban centres.

Due to California’s sprawling nature and extensive road network, there is often maintenance work to repair roads. This can often add further congestion to the already busy traffic.

Can I Use My UK Driving License in California?

UK driver’s license holders can use their license in California for a stay of up to 90 days. Once you become a resident, you must obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of establishing residency. As California does not allow a UK to a California license conversion, you will likely need to retake your driver’s test, a vision test, and a writing test. 

Car Shipping UK to California 

You can safely ship your car to California from the UK with 1st Move’s other company, Autoshippers. Their expert car shipping service has been running for over 25 years, shipping from all main UK ports to and from the USA. To ship to San Diego or Port Hueneme, it’ll cost around £1,694 for a Standard Saloon Car and £1,839 for an SUV/4×4. 

The recent US tariff announcement means that the 25% tariffs on USA vehicle imports will not apply to 25-Year Rule vehicles.

Lifestyle and Attractions in California 

California offers a wealth of activities, from luxury shopping and fine dining in Los Angeles, to exceptional natural beauty in one of he many national parks. 

Iconic Attractions 

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is a must-visit, whether you admire it from the Golden Gate Overlook or walk across the 1.7-mile bridge over the Pacific Ocean. Then there’s the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where you can get the best view of the Hollywood Sign as well as the Los Angeles Basin, Downtown, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.

National Parks and Nature 

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to national parks in California, from Yosemite National Park in central eastern California, Joshua Tree National Park, which is not far from San Bernardino, or Sequoia National Park in the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains. California’s coastline stretches for over 800 miles, so there are plenty of stunning beaches to enjoy, including Laguna Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and Venice Beach.

Health and Wellness 

California is known for being a healthy living hub, and you can often find residents buying only organic food, partaking in outdoor exercises and fitness classes, attending wellness retreats, and buying from farmers’ markets. The state has also invested in the California Wellness Plan to address chronic diseases and promote health equity. There is also a focus on outdoor living, with many residents having easy access to parks and beaches to help improve well-being. 

Dining Scene

You will find different cuisines throughout California, but one consistent throughout the state is the importance of using fresh ingredients. California is a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants using local suppliers and changing their menu regularly to reflect what is in season. In LA, you’ll find trendy celebrity-owned restaurants, fresh seafood in San Diego, and iconic bakeries in San Francisco. California also does casual food well, with the likes of Korean tacos in LA and gourmet grilled cheese in San Francisco.

Sports and Entertainment 

There is an impressive sports scene in California, with 3 NFL teams: the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and the San Francisco 49ers. The state also hosts many iconic events such as the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, the US Open Golf Championship, NASCAR in Fontana, and even surf competitions in Huntington Beach and Malibu. 

What to Expect From Californian Weather?

The climate in California is diverse due to its geography and latitude. Let’s explore the typical weather in a range of areas, including the mountains, beaches, and desert.

Mountains: Lake Tahoe, Yosemite

The weather is seasonal in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Summers are mild in the mountain areas, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 25°C during the day and 5–10°C at night, ideal for hiking, camping, and lake activities. The higher elevation means winters can get cold, but temperatures are manageable between -5 to 5°C.  Heavenly and Mammoth ski resorts experience heavy snowfall, around 300–500 inches per year, making it an ideal place for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Coastal: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego

Coastal California has a Mediterranean climate, with winters remaining mild but wet. The temperature range is between 10°C and 18°C, which is a welcome change from grey and cold UK winters. Summer days can get hot, with the average temperature ranging between 20 and 30°C. Between May and August, it’s not uncommon to get fog near the coast, especially in San Francisco.

Desert (Southern California): Palm Springs, Riverside

Desert areas and towns get extremely hot during summer months, with daily averages between 35°C and 45°C. Many residents and tourists avoid any activities in the daytime to avoid the risk of heatstroke or dehydration. It remains hot during the night, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C common. Winter is pleasant and warm, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. January and February will see some light rainfall before temperatures reach 25–35°C in spring.

How Much Does it Cost to Move to California?

To ship household goods and personal effects to California from the UK, your final cost will depend on the size of your move and final destination.

Here are the average costs for moving from UK to California:

• Small Move: £1,003
• 1 bed flat: £1,215
• 2 bed flat: £2,135
• 3 bed house (20 ft container): £5,653
• 4+ bed house (40 ft container): £7,446

About our international moving services to California

1st Move International can safely ship your household and personal belongings from the UK with our international removals to California service. We offer a guaranteed weekly shipping service that ships directly to multiple ports in the U.S. Our safe packing and shipping techniques provide full protection for your items. 

Visit our International Removals page and find out more about our great range of packing, shipping, and insurance options or you can a moving overseas quote, tailored to your individual moving requirements.

You can also check out our online international moving costs calculator here.

For more details on our packing process and the benefits of shipping with commercial co-loaders see our Faster Shipping, Safer Packing and Smarter Billing pages.