Moving Abroad3 min check

Moving Abroad Cost Calculator

Get a rough estimate of the upfront cost of relocating to a new country, covering visas, shipping, flights, deposits and initial settling-in.

Short answer

The full cost of moving abroad from the UK typically runs £8,000–£25,000 for a family of four, before you even rent a property. Big-ticket items: international shipping (£3,500–£12,000 for a 20ft container), visa fees (£500–£8,000+), flights (£600–£3,000), first months' rent + deposit (£3,000–£10,000), school fees / setup (£500–£10,000), health insurance (£800–£4,000/year).

Step 1 of 20%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Destination country, Household size, Shipping volume, Months of living costs to set aside as a buffer.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Moving Abroad. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

How it works

The estimator combines destination, household size, shipping volume and visa route into a one-off relocation budget plus year-1 setup costs. It uses 2024–25 industry averages from removers (BAR-registered), embassy fee schedules, and expat insurance benchmarks.

Worked example

Family of 4 moving London → Sydney with full container: shipping £9,500, 4 visas £6,200, flights £4,800, 6 weeks temp accom £4,500, deposits £6,000, 12-month health insurance £3,200, school setup £1,500 = £35,700 all-in for the move itself.

Who should use this

•Families planning a transcontinental move
•Couples comparing 2-3 potential destinations
•Anyone needing to budget before notice period
•People weighing 'shipping vs sell + rebuy'

Common mistakes

×Underestimating temporary accommodation while waiting to find a rental
×Forgetting pet relocation (£3,000–£8,000 to Australia/NZ)
×Missing import duties on personal effects (varies wildly)
×Not budgeting for return flights if it doesn't work out

Frequently asked questions

Should I ship or sell?▾

Generally sell furniture for moves under £5,000 of contents. Ship sentimental + high-value items only.

What's the cheapest destination?▾

Within Europe, intra-EU moves can be done for £3,000–£6,000 with a man + van. Long-haul always £15,000+ realistically.

Do employers cover this?▾

Corporate relocation packages typically cover £8,000–£40,000. Negotiate before signing.

Related calculators

Cost of Living Comparison →Visa Eligibility Checker →Currency Transfer Calculator →International Removals Checklist →