The US is one the choicest places in the world for UK emigrants. A report has it that over 880,000 Brits are living in the US. Asides from a few words used differently, the language in both countries is English. While you would think living in the US as a UK citizen shouldn’t be any different, the reality could be further than your thought.
Take this article as a checklist for anyone wanting to move from the UK to the United States of America. Below are six areas you must consider before moving to the US.
1. The Cost of Living
If you already feel the cost of living in the UK is high, you may want to reconsider moving to the US. Economic observers conclude that the UK has a 15% lesser cost of living than the US. For example, the cost of renting or buying a house in the US is slightly more than in the UK. You would also have to pay more when you shop for groceries in the US than in the UK.
2. Which State Would You Settle In?
There are 50 states in the US, and each has its peculiarities. From laws to climate, the US has varying properties in many things across its states. Each state also has its income tax, with some being high and others being relatively low.
Sales taxes also vary with states. For example, Delaware has zero sales tax, while it is up to 10% in Louisiana. This reinforces how important the location you choose to settle would affect your expenses. Consider this and make your choice of where to settle down.
3. Climate Consideration
The UK is mostly wet and cold, which is very different from the USA. Depending on where you settle, you may need to prepare for intense sunshine or frosty weather. Some of the hottest areas in the US include California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona.
On the other hand, places like Alaska, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota are chilly. You should decide which climate you would love to experience before moving to the US.
4. Health Care Consideration
Unlike the UK, where there is a state-sponsored healthcare system (NHS), the US doesn’t have such. The private sector is largely responsible for health services in the US.
Hence, most US citizens depend on private health insurance schemes for affordable healthcare. Without these schemes, you will have to pay for every service. And believe it, US healthcare bills in the US are one of the most expensive in the world.
You would agree this practice contrasts with what is obtainable in the UK, where the government is more involved in healthcare.
5. Cultural Differences
In more ways than one, the US and UK are culturally different. Before moving from the UK to the US, you should have a rundown of the differences in language, measurements, and more.
For example, the word licence in British English is license in American English. Football, as most people call it, is referred to as soccer in the US. While the US uses the imperial system, the UK uses the metric system. You would have to get used to converting between units or get an app to help you do so.
Tipping an attendant in the US is also an unwritten law. Sometimes, tips can reach up to 20% for service rendered in the US, whereas it is optional in the UK and not more than 10%.
6. Holiday Consideration
Although the US has two more official holidays than the UK, there is no law in the US binding employers to pay you for taking annual leave. That means you may have to remain at your workstation for most of the year, except if you’re willing to forgo the money.
Back to those Federal holidays, don’t get too happy because your employer also decides if you will take the day off or not. Only the Christmas and New Year holidays are set in stone that you would be at work.
But the UK has guaranteed vacation time. So, if you’re among the holiday-loving populace, you might want to consider where you reside and work in the US, as these would affect your chances of seeing your loved ones as often as you wish.
Conclusion
If your mind is made to live in the US, you can begin taking steps to adjust to the system in the US. You may also need immigration advice on finding the best way to move into the US. US immigration laws are strict. And nothing but a legal means of entry would do.
