Moving Abroad Cost Calculator
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.