When people ask if it’s worth it to live anywhere, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself: HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE? That’s it. If you are loaded, you’ll have a blast no matter where you go. If your job is going to pay you, or if you’re a trust fund baby, go to London. Get a flat in Belgravia or Mayfair, go to the West End every weekend, and live it up. You’ll be able to afford to take the Eurostar to Paris every weekend, or take a flight to Barcelona. Money makes everything easier and more convenient. For the rest of us, if you don’t have the means to enjoy what London has to offer, you’ll be miserable. It’s expensive. Limited means means limited options for food, lodging, and entertainment. You’ll be more apt to complain about the city if you can barely afford it. If you’re broke, you’re probably not living in the safest area. Do not move to another city just because you saw it on the internet and you’re clout chasing. Be smart about your choices.
This. It’s true everywhere of course, but nowhere have I felt the need to obsess about money as much as in London. If you’re on an average salary then your quality of life is frankly poor - expect renting a room for circa £500-800 per month in a house-share in zones 4-6. I managed to scrape by for a few years doing that, and was ok with it as I was enjoying the London lifestyle and wasn’t too bothered about saving. But there comes a point when it’s simply not worth it anymore.
As a native Londoner, for me, the opportunities of London play a big role in what can make London worth it. I've considered moving to other cities (for opportunities) but they don't offer any significant benefits from my perspective. London is a great place to grow yourself. With that being said, how much growth you need from London is another story and depends on a variety of factors. One example I might recommend to some people might be, come to London, stay for a few years, take advantage of the best London opportunities you can and then by that time you will probably have an idea of what you want to do long term. I think it's perfectly reasonable to then decide to move away from London after doing that, having gained the kind of experience to set yourself up elsewhere. I know that's easier said than done, you often don't know how good a job will be until you're doing it. As for cons, with expense you need to figure out whether it's justifiable to you. I'm struggling to justify it myself. Rent is outrageous, as is buying if you get to that point. You can be a very high earner and it still helps a lot to have a partner. Yes, you may be able to afford to buy somewhere if you're single but it might be tiny, have a relatively long commute, be in a bad area, or what have you. And for me, having a property that's really expensive and still not very nice just isn't worth it. And if the property is somewhat decent then it's even less affordable. So, in my mind, London is probably only worth it in the long term if you have a partner or you earn insane amounts quite quickly. I do kinda agree with you on it being tough. Like, yeah, I need more energy for the little things, which isn't so easy if I'm tired after a day of work. I think this can be underrated as a problem. Like if going to the gym helps your mental health but you're too tired, or anything that might impact your mental health.
So many good points & great to hear the view of someone who has lived here all their life! Totally agree like you say, it depends what’s ’worth it’ at each stage of life across opportunities, expenses etc
This is super helpful! I’m currently living in Melbourne (but fellow kiwi here, originally from Hamilton lol) and been considering the move to London for a while now. I’m fortunate to not need a visa (have British citizenship, never used it) and work for a global company headquartered there, but the cost of living and rental crisis has been a major mental roadblock for me. You’ve outlined some really practical tips to help work through that- thank you!
I can relate! I'm a kiwi living in Aus too and although I love the lifestyle here and it's an amazing country I really miss being amongst culture. I just don't feel like I'm growing here. Maybe QLD is different but it's a very simple life with little stimulation lol
I’m a 21 year old kiwi living in Aus at the moment and I’ve been pondering moving to the UK for SOOO LONG !! these videos are probably the most informative ones ive watched !!! 🤍🤍
Hi Jess 🌿 Thank you for the great video. I come from a country that has absolutely no public transportation, and when I research the life in the UK, so many comments say that the public transport is non-existent/poor. Thank you for sharing your experience and what London looks like through your eyes 👀✨
London /= UK. Public transport in London is excellent though very expensive. Public transport throughout the rest of the UK is not nearly as good. It's usually considered normal and necessary to own a car if you don't live in London or live on the outskirts/Greater London. Cars are a lot cheaper to buy here, though not cheaper to run.
Hi Jess, I just subscribed to your channel 🙂 my husband & I are looking to move to London in the next year or so. This video was super helpful. I really appreciate your straightforward attitude about your experiences. I also think you did a good job not over-generalizing certain topics. I'm glad you & your husband are enjoying London so far and wishing you all the best!
Balanced urban life is such a great point. I was born in London, now I live in New York and it's not a balanced life at all. there is no place to recharge, not really.
I have been living in NYc for 4.5 years and we have a chance to move to london. we have been thinking whether London would be better as an Immigrant and raising kids and starting a family?
I lived in NYC and it was fantastic; I always walked everywhere and found solitude and serenity whilst among the masses. I adore London but I love New York.
Regarding the weather I see a superficial way of dealing with the subject. The reality is, apart from a few sunny days, the Uk is 70% grey, rainy, cold, windy weather. Even in June, you have to take a coat on the coast because it could suddenly become freezing cold. For a person who doesn't mind grey weather and cold climates, having probably grown up in a cold country, the Uk is a perfect place. On the other hand, for people like myself, who come from south Italy, and we always had sun and warm weather, it's a need built in the sub-conscious mind. We expect to see the sun, to feel the warmth we had in our childhood, it's not just something you can get rid of easily. It's a deep need built into our phisiological structure. That's why some people could also develop severe depression, and home sickness in the Uk. I also thought the weather was not such a big issue, until I experienced the "grey weather" in the Uk for a long time.
This is very true. I’m from South Africa and I always used to say that people form warmer climates probably get more of a shock and have a harder time adjusting than those who have moved to London from other cold countries (Europe, Canada etc). While I have not been to New Zealand, I know a lot of people who live there and they say, depending on the areas of the island, it rains a lot and can get very wet and cold being so far down south. So I suppose a kiwis experience might be different when it comes to weather. Where I m based (south east coast of Africa), we do not really get winters and lucky for us, our winters are our most sunniest times of the year (with rainfall mostly in warm spring). So you can imagine how hard it was to adapt 😅
Depends where you live . I am from Wellington in nz . It is the windiest city in the world statistically , it has probably more sun than London but the wind is horrific and you realise how bad it is once you leave , i rather grey and cold than constant wind when your house shakes and you can't sleep well because of it . Also Wellington doesn't get as hot as London so I would say by and large worse weather than London . NZ
It's actually cyclical. My first 4 summers in London (2018-2022) were incredibly hot and dry. In 2018, I think it only rained ONCE from June-August. There was heatwave after heatwave. All the parks turned yellow. It's only the past 2 years that summer has been a lot milder and very rainy, with a slow start. Last year at least had hot and sunny weather through most of September, but it looks like this year we won't even get that. But this is a video about London, and the weather here is always going to be very different (much milder) to up north or in Scotland...
I loooove your videos and energy! ✨ My partner and I are moving to London in late May - thank you for more insight! Particularly on the mindset that moving abroad is hard, there’s no denying the daily tasks are going to be more challenging than what I’ve currently got going in Aus (I’m extremely lucky). Here’s to instilling the confidence in ourselves to step towards a solution. I hope your London living experience has been soul filling ☺️💛
Super helpful! My husband and I are planning the move in Jan. Can you do a video or provide info on whether you had a job before going, how competitive the job market is, etc?
I'm currently living in the US and I'm researching moving overseas. It's kinda a start to retirement. I've got a 401k and savings and if I make the jump I'll be selling stuff. I have heard the it's difficult to get on with a bank but you can use an app and keep an American bank account. I've also heard it's difficult to get a flat and price depends on what zone you live in . I'm looking to move in the next year or two but I'm doing my homework first .
Hi Jess - loved this video. I am a Brit but I have been living in New Zealand for the past 4 years but planning on moving back to London soon. Recently I’ve read lots of news headlines saying that crime is out of control and that the economy is terrible. From your experience is the news being over the top to generate views or is it actually this bad? And how would you compare things like crime, economy and jobs to New Zealand?
Honestly the crime is more or less the same as ever. Knife crime is an issue but largely between gangs. Main thing is recent rise in moped snatchers. I’ve heard reports that women feel the city is more unsafe these days, though I can’t comment on that. As you know the UK economy has barely grown in 15+ years. Cost of living has risen since cvd/ukraine, political system is corrupt/broken, and the general national mood is quite pessimistic as more and more people increasingly find themselves stretched financially with no end in sight.
I plan on moving out of the United States (after finishing my business here like collage and so on, so a few years), and London is where I would like to go to live the rest of my life. But when searching for a place to live like a flat, is it wise to make it known that my partner (same -sex) is my partner (not married) or better just to hide it a bit until we secure a place? What do you recommended?
I honestly don't think it matters at all. One thing I would say is if you live with your partner for 2 years in the same address you or your partner can get the partner visa so only 1 of you will need a sponsored job or whatever other visa you are using 😊
London is not England ANYMORE im warning you now. I love London born and bred but its lost it's identity and Culture its fine for me as I am of Caribbean decent because of Colonization i use to be the minority not any more but knife Crime is real and don't think its the England of 80s 90s and 2000s. Most of the real Brits have left to Barbados or West Indies etc. Also its not a Christian country anymore which also breaks my heart. We use to believe in Jesus but now that other religion dominates so be Warned and check that Expectation
I'm living in a country where you cannot access support or public funds. This is the best video I have ever seen
When people ask if it’s worth it to live anywhere, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself:
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE?
That’s it. If you are loaded, you’ll have a blast no matter where you go. If your job is going to pay you, or if you’re a trust fund baby, go to London. Get a flat in Belgravia or Mayfair, go to the West End every weekend, and live it up. You’ll be able to afford to take the Eurostar to Paris every weekend, or take a flight to Barcelona. Money makes everything easier and more convenient.
For the rest of us, if you don’t have the means to enjoy what London has to offer, you’ll be miserable. It’s expensive. Limited means means limited options for food, lodging, and entertainment. You’ll be more apt to complain about the city if you can barely afford it. If you’re broke, you’re probably not living in the safest area.
Do not move to another city just because you saw it on the internet and you’re clout chasing. Be smart about your choices.
This. It’s true everywhere of course, but nowhere have I felt the need to obsess about money as much as in London. If you’re on an average salary then your quality of life is frankly poor - expect renting a room for circa £500-800 per month in a house-share in zones 4-6.
I managed to scrape by for a few years doing that, and was ok with it as I was enjoying the London lifestyle and wasn’t too bothered about saving. But there comes a point when it’s simply not worth it anymore.
As a native Londoner, for me, the opportunities of London play a big role in what can make London worth it. I've considered moving to other cities (for opportunities) but they don't offer any significant benefits from my perspective. London is a great place to grow yourself. With that being said, how much growth you need from London is another story and depends on a variety of factors. One example I might recommend to some people might be, come to London, stay for a few years, take advantage of the best London opportunities you can and then by that time you will probably have an idea of what you want to do long term. I think it's perfectly reasonable to then decide to move away from London after doing that, having gained the kind of experience to set yourself up elsewhere. I know that's easier said than done, you often don't know how good a job will be until you're doing it.
As for cons, with expense you need to figure out whether it's justifiable to you. I'm struggling to justify it myself. Rent is outrageous, as is buying if you get to that point. You can be a very high earner and it still helps a lot to have a partner. Yes, you may be able to afford to buy somewhere if you're single but it might be tiny, have a relatively long commute, be in a bad area, or what have you. And for me, having a property that's really expensive and still not very nice just isn't worth it. And if the property is somewhat decent then it's even less affordable. So, in my mind, London is probably only worth it in the long term if you have a partner or you earn insane amounts quite quickly.
I do kinda agree with you on it being tough. Like, yeah, I need more energy for the little things, which isn't so easy if I'm tired after a day of work. I think this can be underrated as a problem. Like if going to the gym helps your mental health but you're too tired, or anything that might impact your mental health.
So many good points & great to hear the view of someone who has lived here all their life! Totally agree like you say, it depends what’s ’worth it’ at each stage of life across opportunities, expenses etc
So helpful! Moving to London this week and this is just what I needed 💕
Sending you good thoughts for the move! So glad this helped ☺️
Give us an update. How has it turned out?
This is super helpful! I’m currently living in Melbourne (but fellow kiwi here, originally from Hamilton lol) and been considering the move to London for a while now. I’m fortunate to not need a visa (have British citizenship, never used it) and work for a global company headquartered there, but the cost of living and rental crisis has been a major mental roadblock for me. You’ve outlined some really practical tips to help work through that- thank you!
I can relate! I'm a kiwi living in Aus too and although I love the lifestyle here and it's an amazing country I really miss being amongst culture. I just don't feel like I'm growing here. Maybe QLD is different but it's a very simple life with little stimulation lol
Awh glad to hear it helped! It seems like a lot of the hurdles (visa/jobs) might be sorted for you, so that would make the move much easier ☺️
Omg I mean I live in Melb too and um originally from Hamilton 🫡
I’m a 21 year old kiwi living in Aus at the moment and I’ve been pondering moving to the UK for SOOO LONG !! these videos are probably the most informative ones ive watched !!! 🤍🤍
Awh so happy to hear they’re helpful!
Love the energy that comes through this video!
Hi Jess 🌿 Thank you for the great video. I come from a country that has absolutely no public transportation, and when I research the life in the UK, so many comments say that the public transport is non-existent/poor. Thank you for sharing your experience and what London looks like through your eyes 👀✨
Het in Londen gewoon - sal nooit terugaan nie. Dis "Ok" vir 'n rukkie - maar dis al.
London /= UK. Public transport in London is excellent though very expensive. Public transport throughout the rest of the UK is not nearly as good. It's usually considered normal and necessary to own a car if you don't live in London or live on the outskirts/Greater London. Cars are a lot cheaper to buy here, though not cheaper to run.
Hi Jess, I just subscribed to your channel 🙂 my husband & I are looking to move to London in the next year or so. This video was super helpful. I really appreciate your straightforward attitude about your experiences. I also think you did a good job not over-generalizing certain topics. I'm glad you & your husband are enjoying London so far and wishing you all the best!
Balanced urban life is such a great point. I was born in London, now I live in New York and it's not a balanced life at all. there is no place to recharge, not really.
Totally get it! I was only in New York for 6 months but it did feel very difficult to get away from the bustle - even just for a 1/2 hour walk!
I have been living in NYc for 4.5 years and we have a chance to move to london. we have been thinking whether London would be better as an Immigrant and raising kids and starting a family?
I lived in NYC and it was fantastic; I always walked everywhere and found solitude and serenity whilst among the masses. I adore London but I love New York.
@@MrXclc thanks, yes i love NYC. NYC is the best place i have lived in .
the energy and opportunities - we feel you Jess :)
100%! I don’t know if I’m just still in my honeymoon phase but I just love these parts of London ☺️
@@jesslouiseellis we're on our third time living here from Australia and we still love those parts of London. Call us all crazy, or cool haha :)
Regarding the weather I see a superficial way of dealing with the subject. The reality is, apart from a few sunny days, the Uk is 70% grey, rainy, cold, windy weather. Even in June, you have to take a coat on the coast because it could suddenly become freezing cold. For a person who doesn't mind grey weather and cold climates, having probably grown up in a cold country, the Uk is a perfect place. On the other hand, for people like myself, who come from south Italy, and we always had sun and warm weather, it's a need built in the sub-conscious mind. We expect to see the sun, to feel the warmth we had in our childhood, it's not just something you can get rid of easily. It's a deep need built into our phisiological structure. That's why some people could also develop severe depression, and home sickness in the Uk. I also thought the weather was not such a big issue, until I experienced the "grey weather" in the Uk for a long time.
This is very true. I’m from South Africa and I always used to say that people form warmer climates probably get more of a shock and have a harder time adjusting than those who have moved to London from other cold countries (Europe, Canada etc).
While I have not been to New Zealand, I know a lot of people who live there and they say, depending on the areas of the island, it rains a lot and can get very wet and cold being so far down south. So I suppose a kiwis experience might be different when it comes to weather. Where I m based (south east coast of Africa), we do not really get winters and lucky for us, our winters are our most sunniest times of the year (with rainfall mostly in warm spring). So you can imagine how hard it was to adapt 😅
Your message is exactly what I experienced living in Norway coming from the south of France. It’s really something to think about
Depends where you live . I am from Wellington in nz . It is the windiest city in the world statistically , it has probably more sun than London but the wind is horrific and you realise how bad it is once you leave , i rather grey and cold than constant wind when your house shakes and you can't sleep well because of it . Also Wellington doesn't get as hot as London so I would say by and large worse weather than London . NZ
It's actually cyclical. My first 4 summers in London (2018-2022) were incredibly hot and dry. In 2018, I think it only rained ONCE from June-August. There was heatwave after heatwave. All the parks turned yellow. It's only the past 2 years that summer has been a lot milder and very rainy, with a slow start. Last year at least had hot and sunny weather through most of September, but it looks like this year we won't even get that. But this is a video about London, and the weather here is always going to be very different (much milder) to up north or in Scotland...
I loooove your videos and energy! ✨ My partner and I are moving to London in late May - thank you for more insight! Particularly on the mindset that moving abroad is hard, there’s no denying the daily tasks are going to be more challenging than what I’ve currently got going in Aus (I’m extremely lucky). Here’s to instilling the confidence in ourselves to step towards a solution. I hope your London living experience has been soul filling ☺️💛
It absolutely has been 🫶 So glad it was helpful and hope all the prep for the move is going well!
I love this video! I’m moving to London in 6 months for school and this is super helpful information. Thank you SO much Jess!!
Hi I'm moving in 5 months , wanna be friends ^^ ?
I’m actually thinking of moving from the us to the uk because I’m always on edge here
Super helpful! My husband and I are planning the move in Jan. Can you do a video or provide info on whether you had a job before going, how competitive the job market is, etc?
I'm currently living in the US and I'm researching moving overseas. It's kinda a start to retirement. I've got a 401k and savings and if I make the jump I'll be selling stuff. I have heard the it's difficult to get on with a bank but you can use an app and keep an American bank account. I've also heard it's difficult to get a flat and price depends on what zone you live in . I'm looking to move in the next year or two but I'm doing my homework first .
Hiya, This is very helpful for me. I am moving to U.K. in September from Australia 🙊
Moving to oxford in a few months, can wait
Was it worth it before 2020? Absolutely!
Is it worth it now in 2024? Absolutely not! Don't do it!!!
This is so helpful, thank you! What about insurance in terms of another fixed cost to account for? Contents / health / travel
Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you!!
Hi Jess - loved this video. I am a Brit but I have been living in New Zealand for the past 4 years but planning on moving back to London soon. Recently I’ve read lots of news headlines saying that crime is out of control and that the economy is terrible. From your experience is the news being over the top to generate views or is it actually this bad? And how would you compare things like crime, economy and jobs to New Zealand?
Honestly the crime is more or less the same as ever. Knife crime is an issue but largely between gangs. Main thing is recent rise in moped snatchers. I’ve heard reports that women feel the city is more unsafe these days, though I can’t comment on that.
As you know the UK economy has barely grown in 15+ years. Cost of living has risen since cvd/ukraine, political system is corrupt/broken, and the general national mood is quite pessimistic as more and more people increasingly find themselves stretched financially with no end in sight.
London - still less rain than New York and Paris
Quick answer no
so so helpful
Awh happy to hear it ☺️ Thanks for watching
Im moving to london in frw months. If you wanna be friends reply to me ❤
I plan on moving out of the United States (after finishing my business here like collage and so on, so a few years), and London is where I would like to go to live the rest of my life. But when searching for a place to live like a flat, is it wise to make it known that my partner (same -sex) is my partner (not married) or better just to hide it a bit until we secure a place? What do you recommended?
I honestly don't think it matters at all. One thing I would say is if you live with your partner for 2 years in the same address you or your partner can get the partner visa so only 1 of you will need a sponsored job or whatever other visa you are using 😊
Hey I'm australian, I'm going to do the yms visa, it is hard ti get a job in hospitality??
Is london violent?
Getting around by car is so sad 😢
The reality of cities with poor public transport sadly 😞
No total waste of time unless you are rich.
Great place to visit not live. Many places to have a good career with more money in pocket.
London is not England ANYMORE im warning you now. I love London born and bred but its lost it's identity and Culture its fine for me as I am of Caribbean decent because of Colonization i use to be the minority not any more but knife Crime is real and don't think its the England of 80s 90s and 2000s. Most of the real Brits have left to Barbados or West Indies etc. Also its not a Christian country anymore which also breaks my heart. We use to believe in Jesus but now that other religion dominates so be Warned and check that Expectation
May Allah guide you brother
@@sharaiz3Exactly what the person has mentioned. Islam is growing in European countries which shouldn't grow as it is their land of Christians.
You just made all that up!🤣🤣😂😂