From recent graduates to wealthy professionals, many Brits are considering moving abroad these days. And the motivating force for many is clear: money. Over half of British workers (52%) have considered leaving the United Kingdom for better working opportunities abroad, according to the British human resources website Employer News.
Others are in search of affordable housing and lower taxes, it said, citing research from London-based financial services company Prograd. But contemplating moving abroad, and actually doing it, are very different things, especially for parents, who must consider if the grass is greener abroad – with the whole family in mind.
According to the expat insurance company Williams Russell, countries in the European Union are the best bet for Brits looking to leave the UK – with Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Spain and Finland topping the list. But the United States – often referred to as Britain’s “cousin” – comes in dead last in the ranking of 28 countries, dragged down by high childcare costs and long work hours.
Averaging $2,793 per month for a three-bedroom apartment, rent in the United States is higher than every country on the list, but for Switzerland ($3,281) and Ireland ($2,830), according to Williams Russell. The company relied on user-generated data website Numbeo to determine country-wide rental averages, estimating Brits will pay about 34% more in rent to live in the U.S. than their home country.
The U.S. also takes a hit for being the only country on the list without federally mandated paid maternity and paternity leave. However, 13 states and the District of Columbia have paid family leave laws on the books, according to the not-for-profit Bipartisan Policy Center. Workers may also want to check their employment benefits.
British families with older children may be swayed by the number of top universities in the U.S. At 97, the United States has more than Germany (34), Italy (19), Australia (17) and Canada (16) combined. However, American universities typically cost more than those in the United Kingdom, according to education company Kings Education.
For Brits looking for a ballpark figure to attend college in America, “International students can expect to pay up to $45,000 a year to study a bachelor’s degree at a public university, and up to $55,000 a year or more at some private institutions,” according to Kings Education. American university costs have risen precipitously in the past few decades – a trend which has slowed since the pandemic. Families often find ways to pay far less than the advertised costs.
Relocation abroad is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors including cost of living, employment benefits, education opportunities, and family leave policies. Brits looking to move abroad must weigh the pros and cons of each potential destination to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience for themselves and their families.