Living in the UK

What it really costs, and how to sort a tax number, bank account, SIM, and healthcare once you land in the UK.

New to the UK?

Start here: first-week checklist

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Cost of living →Banking →SIM & connectivity →Healthcare →Tax & work number →

Cost of living

What you'll spend

Indicative

Min funds to show

GBP 2,530 savings held 28 consecutive days (official: gov.uk/youth-mobility)

Rent (shared room)

London average room GBP 978/mo (SpareRoom Rental Index Q1 2026 - third party)

Rent (1-bed, city)

London 1-bed ~GBP 1,800-2,200/mo typical (third party); ONS all-property London average GBP 2,290/mo Apr 2026 (official)

Average wage

National Living Wage GBP 12.71/hr (21+) from 1 Apr 2026; 18-20: GBP 10.85 (official: gov.uk)

Casual meal

~GBP 20 casual meal, London (Numbeo - third party)

Monthly transport

London Travelcard Zones 1-2 GBP 171.70/mo, fares frozen to Mar 2027; PAYG capping often cheaper (official: tfl.gov.uk)

Cost figures are indicative, sourced from market data. Visa facts and fees are verified against official sources.

Tax / work number

National Insurance number - usually issued with the visa/eVisa; otherwise apply free: gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

Banking

Open a local account soon after you arrive in the UK so you can get paid and skip foreign-card fees. Most banks let you start the application online before you land.

Providers: Wise, Revolut, Monzo, Starling, Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC

Read the banking guide →

Mobile & connectivity

Set up a the UK number or eSIM for data and calls. The major networks have the widest coverage; budget MVNOs run on the same towers for less.

Providers: giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara, VOXI, Airalo, Holafly

Read the SIM guide →

Healthcare

Staying healthy in the UK

Access

Full NHS access from visa start after paying IHS GBP 776/yr with application; prescriptions/dental/eye tests still charged (official: gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application)

Seeing a doctor

Emergency

999 (or 112)

Police, fire, and ambulance in the UK.

Insurance

Health & travel insurance

No separate insurance required - the mandatory IHS payment IS the health-cover mechanism (official)