Contemplating relocating from UK to US
Discussion
Hey all,
I recently returned from Washington DC/Arlington and Houston TX. I really enjoyed my time in Houston and I'm now considering relocating there. Work will cover all expenses for the first 2 months, including visas, accommodation, car, and moving company.
The salary increase in the US is almost triple my current salary, and I believe the income tax is lower. However, it would mean transitioning from a fully remote role to working in the office.
Has anyone relocated from the UK to the US? What are the pros and cons?
Interestingly, many people in my company are relocating from the US to the UK, even though the salary is lower. I assume work-life balance is a key factor.
I recently returned from Washington DC/Arlington and Houston TX. I really enjoyed my time in Houston and I'm now considering relocating there. Work will cover all expenses for the first 2 months, including visas, accommodation, car, and moving company.
The salary increase in the US is almost triple my current salary, and I believe the income tax is lower. However, it would mean transitioning from a fully remote role to working in the office.
Has anyone relocated from the UK to the US? What are the pros and cons?
Interestingly, many people in my company are relocating from the US to the UK, even though the salary is lower. I assume work-life balance is a key factor.
Beware a lot of Californians are relocating to Texas and that's causing a massive spike in property prices and prices in general.
A lot of people coming from the US to the UK as the exchange rate is pretty much insane for them right now.
Add onto that much better employment rights, cheaper cost of living, ability to WFH, more US companies expanding to UK as costs are lower etc.
If its what you want to do - then do it.
But dont do something just because.
I have several friends who went over to the US as single young guys between 07 and 10 and they now live there with their family and are US citizens. I was in the queue and had my H1B on my desk ready to go, but my Mrs bottled it at the last minute. My friends were single so off they went.
Their lives are pretty good. But its more of a rat race than the UK, IMHO.
I think I would have to think carefully about crime and drugs etc too. Its defiantly out of control. I have been to the US a few times (20+) and spent about 8 weeks there in the last 2 years. Its changed a lot. The amount of government debt is also becoming worrying.
Would I go now? If I was single and young, probably. Throw caution to the wind.
But I can think of several other countries that would get my attention first.
On the plus side Texas gets decent weather most of the year, just have to put up with the heat in JJA.
DC can be wet and cold as I am sure you are aware if you worked there. Texas also puts you in easy travel time of the likes of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Jamaica for weekends. 2hr flight time ish for most of the resorts.
Just my 2ps worth though.
A lot of people coming from the US to the UK as the exchange rate is pretty much insane for them right now.
Add onto that much better employment rights, cheaper cost of living, ability to WFH, more US companies expanding to UK as costs are lower etc.
If its what you want to do - then do it.
But dont do something just because.
I have several friends who went over to the US as single young guys between 07 and 10 and they now live there with their family and are US citizens. I was in the queue and had my H1B on my desk ready to go, but my Mrs bottled it at the last minute. My friends were single so off they went.
Their lives are pretty good. But its more of a rat race than the UK, IMHO.
I think I would have to think carefully about crime and drugs etc too. Its defiantly out of control. I have been to the US a few times (20+) and spent about 8 weeks there in the last 2 years. Its changed a lot. The amount of government debt is also becoming worrying.
Would I go now? If I was single and young, probably. Throw caution to the wind.
But I can think of several other countries that would get my attention first.
On the plus side Texas gets decent weather most of the year, just have to put up with the heat in JJA.
DC can be wet and cold as I am sure you are aware if you worked there. Texas also puts you in easy travel time of the likes of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Jamaica for weekends. 2hr flight time ish for most of the resorts.
Just my 2ps worth though.
Be aware the temperature there might not be survivable for many more years and also the risk of further Republican madness impacting life in the USA or even locally in red states.
I'd take a peek at their Project 2025 manifesto if you are in any doubt as to just how bats
t fking insane the Republican party have become...
https://www.project2025.org/policy/
That's their official manifesto. It's terrifying.
I'd take a peek at their Project 2025 manifesto if you are in any doubt as to just how bats
t fking insane the Republican party have become...https://www.project2025.org/policy/
That's their official manifesto. It's terrifying.
alot depends what you have in the uk, i worked in florida for a while, well based there but traveled around alot with work, so have seen most of it, the standard of living is alittle better there, but florida and texas dont really have seasons, and i missed that alot, further north is better.
I came back to be closer to family , elderly parents etc.
Not sure i would go back to live, althou have been to visit friends, nothing pulls me back to live.
But there are worse places to live, like i said, it depends what you have to hold you here, i was out early 200's and flights were cheap, not so much now.
I came back to be closer to family , elderly parents etc.
Not sure i would go back to live, althou have been to visit friends, nothing pulls me back to live.
But there are worse places to live, like i said, it depends what you have to hold you here, i was out early 200's and flights were cheap, not so much now.
Jesus Republican Party have gone full loco for 2025.
In terms of what I have here, a house and a car that’s about it. My siblings, dad has told me to explore it further and mum isn’t bothered in the slightest.
Currently hit the career ceiling in my company in the UK, next promotions will be very rare but in the US something I can achieve in the next 3 years.
I’m thinking of doing some business trips around the states next year to see if it’s just the honeymoon period after returning last week.
In terms of what I have here, a house and a car that’s about it. My siblings, dad has told me to explore it further and mum isn’t bothered in the slightest.
Currently hit the career ceiling in my company in the UK, next promotions will be very rare but in the US something I can achieve in the next 3 years.
I’m thinking of doing some business trips around the states next year to see if it’s just the honeymoon period after returning last week.
Worked for a US company and they relocated me to the USA nearly 10 years ago.
Whole process was pretty straightforward and it makes sense to take advantage of what your company will offer. An immigration lawyer is a good call.
I would encourage you to do salary comparisons though, and there are a number of websites to help on this. Yes, earnings are typically higher and tax lower, but its also variable based on region and role. Earning $200k in the Bay Area is OK, but really need a double income to make it work. Earning $200k in rural TN is very different! Houston is somewhere in the middle from what I understand. Houses are on the larger size and cost effective, but Texas hits you on other taxes - toll roads, property tax etc. Do your research and double check things.
We moved to California and have considered moving to other states, but so far looking to stay here. CA isnt perfect but it does have some advantages. A lot of people have moved to Texas and Florida, but again, depends on what you are looking for. I know a bunch of people who did move to Texas but really dont like it and Florida, well..... 'Florida man' is a real thing.
Oh, and one final comment - if anything, the US is worse than the UK based on location, location and location. Property prices and rental costs jump up dramatically the closer to city centers etc. If you are prepared to live a little further out, it can make a pretty dramatic difference, but of course, you are now dealing with commuting.
Horses for courses though and strongly recommend researching this heavily.
Whole process was pretty straightforward and it makes sense to take advantage of what your company will offer. An immigration lawyer is a good call.
I would encourage you to do salary comparisons though, and there are a number of websites to help on this. Yes, earnings are typically higher and tax lower, but its also variable based on region and role. Earning $200k in the Bay Area is OK, but really need a double income to make it work. Earning $200k in rural TN is very different! Houston is somewhere in the middle from what I understand. Houses are on the larger size and cost effective, but Texas hits you on other taxes - toll roads, property tax etc. Do your research and double check things.
We moved to California and have considered moving to other states, but so far looking to stay here. CA isnt perfect but it does have some advantages. A lot of people have moved to Texas and Florida, but again, depends on what you are looking for. I know a bunch of people who did move to Texas but really dont like it and Florida, well..... 'Florida man' is a real thing.
Oh, and one final comment - if anything, the US is worse than the UK based on location, location and location. Property prices and rental costs jump up dramatically the closer to city centers etc. If you are prepared to live a little further out, it can make a pretty dramatic difference, but of course, you are now dealing with commuting.
Horses for courses though and strongly recommend researching this heavily.
off_again said:
Worked for a US company and they relocated me to the USA nearly 10 years ago.
Whole process was pretty straightforward and it makes sense to take advantage of what your company will offer. An immigration lawyer is a good call.
I would encourage you to do salary comparisons though, and there are a number of websites to help on this. Yes, earnings are typically higher and tax lower, but its also variable based on region and role. Earning $200k in the Bay Area is OK, but really need a double income to make it work. Earning $200k in rural TN is very different! Houston is somewhere in the middle from what I understand. Houses are on the larger size and cost effective, but Texas hits you on other taxes - toll roads, property tax etc. Do your research and double check things.
We moved to California and have considered moving to other states, but so far looking to stay here. CA isnt perfect but it does have some advantages. A lot of people have moved to Texas and Florida, but again, depends on what you are looking for. I know a bunch of people who did move to Texas but really dont like it and Florida, well..... 'Florida man' is a real thing.
Oh, and one final comment - if anything, the US is worse than the UK based on location, location and location. Property prices and rental costs jump up dramatically the closer to city centers etc. If you are prepared to live a little further out, it can make a pretty dramatic difference, but of course, you are now dealing with commuting.
Horses for courses though and strongly recommend researching this heavily.
Agree with the florida thing, ive lived all round the world , and america is a bit special, but florida is very special, is the best way i can put it, but can be fun if you go with it, not for everyone.Whole process was pretty straightforward and it makes sense to take advantage of what your company will offer. An immigration lawyer is a good call.
I would encourage you to do salary comparisons though, and there are a number of websites to help on this. Yes, earnings are typically higher and tax lower, but its also variable based on region and role. Earning $200k in the Bay Area is OK, but really need a double income to make it work. Earning $200k in rural TN is very different! Houston is somewhere in the middle from what I understand. Houses are on the larger size and cost effective, but Texas hits you on other taxes - toll roads, property tax etc. Do your research and double check things.
We moved to California and have considered moving to other states, but so far looking to stay here. CA isnt perfect but it does have some advantages. A lot of people have moved to Texas and Florida, but again, depends on what you are looking for. I know a bunch of people who did move to Texas but really dont like it and Florida, well..... 'Florida man' is a real thing.
Oh, and one final comment - if anything, the US is worse than the UK based on location, location and location. Property prices and rental costs jump up dramatically the closer to city centers etc. If you are prepared to live a little further out, it can make a pretty dramatic difference, but of course, you are now dealing with commuting.
Horses for courses though and strongly recommend researching this heavily.
In Houston at the moment on a work trip, and the thought of similar jobs for 2-3+ times the salary is tempting, but as mentioned already, it's not that straightforward. A lot of cost of living is more expensive, and I'm certainly not sold on the culture.
This is as a early thirties single guy too. There are situations where I'd be tempted if it was a short (<1 year) period with my current employer, and then returning, but it's a funny old place.
It's interesting having some insight into recruitment issues on both sides of the pond for similar relatively entry level roles, in the uk it took a while, but I have some great new colleagues. In Houston, getting hold of someone without issues has proved more difficult...
This is as a early thirties single guy too. There are situations where I'd be tempted if it was a short (<1 year) period with my current employer, and then returning, but it's a funny old place.
It's interesting having some insight into recruitment issues on both sides of the pond for similar relatively entry level roles, in the uk it took a while, but I have some great new colleagues. In Houston, getting hold of someone without issues has proved more difficult...
As you are unattached with little by way of other ties, I'd say give it a go. You have little to lose & everything to gain.
I've lived in Houston on a couple of occasions, its not the greatest part of the states but yes it can be good. The climate in the summer months is grinding with the relentless humidity. As a Brit you also won't stand out there.
Each time I lived there I had an apartment near the Galleria.
I've lived in Houston on a couple of occasions, its not the greatest part of the states but yes it can be good. The climate in the summer months is grinding with the relentless humidity. As a Brit you also won't stand out there.
Each time I lived there I had an apartment near the Galleria.
vindaloo79 said:
You should ask if they will let you go over and work from there for a few weeks(ish) as a taster.
If you do that you may find the IRS looking to tax you from the beginning of the secondment, should you relocate soon after. When I relocated to the US the company rule was no visits from the point at which they petitioned for an L-1 intra-company transfer visaEdited to add that, thinking about it, working even for a few weeks would still require a work visa. You can attend meetings and training courses at your company, but not work in the US without a visa, regardless of where your company pays you
Edited by mikef on Wednesday 11th October 23:07
mikef said:
Edited to add that, thinking about it, working even for a few weeks would still require a work visa. You can attend meetings and training courses at your company, but not work in the US without a visa, regardless of where your company pays you
That's not strictly true - I'm over in Florida right now for work for three weeks. That'll bring me up to about 18 weeks this year in the US for work.Edited by mikef on Wednesday 11th October 23:07
All done on an ESTA, and always open about the fact I'm travelling for business.
Sway said:
mikef said:
Edited to add that, thinking about it, working even for a few weeks would still require a work visa. You can attend meetings and training courses at your company, but not work in the US without a visa, regardless of where your company pays you
That's not strictly true - I'm over in Florida right now for work for three weeks. That'll bring me up to about 18 weeks this year in the US for work.Edited by mikef on Wednesday 11th October 23:07
All done on an ESTA, and always open about the fact I'm travelling for business.
- Purpose of visit? Business.
- What will you be doing? Meetings
- Nature of business? Oil & gas
- How long are you here for? Couple of months
- Long meetings then Sir? Yes they are.
- Thank you sir, have a nice day.
Rinse & repeat 2-3 months later.
The irony was I never had any issues until about 4 months after I'd stopped thes trips & went back for a business trip. They felt my passport was not valid to enter the US & got a b
king off of the immigration people, was paroled to enter the US rather than properly admitted & told to update my passport or they wouldn't let me in again. Edited by GT03ROB on Thursday 12th October 07:46
Like Rob i spent a lot of time in Houston, and once you’ve properly lived there it’s not quite the same. Nice enough place, but properly live there for a few months and you’ll get a different impression. I was based in Galleria area which was nice enough, but you soon realise it’s all a bit superficial.
Humidity is off the scale in the summer, it is expensive and crime is a little high. On the other side, it can be an adventure and from my limited experience an English accent will get you a long way if you are that way inclined - being single and English in Houston can be fun allegedly.
I had to make a choice to either go permanent or come home after three months on secondment, and chose to stay in UK. Had i based my decision on my first few weeks living out of a hotel, i’d have stayed.
Humidity is off the scale in the summer, it is expensive and crime is a little high. On the other side, it can be an adventure and from my limited experience an English accent will get you a long way if you are that way inclined - being single and English in Houston can be fun allegedly.
I had to make a choice to either go permanent or come home after three months on secondment, and chose to stay in UK. Had i based my decision on my first few weeks living out of a hotel, i’d have stayed.
Jefferson Steelflex said:
Like Rob i spent a lot of time in Houston, and once you’ve properly lived there it’s not quite the same. Nice enough place, but properly live there for a few months and you’ll get a different impression. I was based in Galleria area which was nice enough, but you soon realise it’s all a bit superficial.
Humidity is off the scale in the summer, it is expensive and crime is a little high. On the other side, it can be an adventure and from my limited experience an English accent will get you a long way if you are that way inclined - being single and English in Houston can be fun allegedly.
I had to make a choice to either go permanent or come home after three months on secondment, and chose to stay in UK. Had i based my decision on my first few weeks living out of a hotel, i’d have stayed.
I had a poolside apartment, in a complex opposite The Mens Club. A fair few of the girls that worked there had an apartment in the same complex. My balcony was a nice place to be while they were toppping up their tans! Humidity is off the scale in the summer, it is expensive and crime is a little high. On the other side, it can be an adventure and from my limited experience an English accent will get you a long way if you are that way inclined - being single and English in Houston can be fun allegedly.
I had to make a choice to either go permanent or come home after three months on secondment, and chose to stay in UK. Had i based my decision on my first few weeks living out of a hotel, i’d have stayed.
Sway said:
mikef said:
Edited to add that, thinking about it, working even for a few weeks would still require a work visa. You can attend meetings and training courses at your company, but not work in the US without a visa, regardless of where your company pays you
That's not strictly true - I'm over in Florida right now for work for three weeks. That'll bring me up to about 18 weeks this year in the US for work.Edited by mikef on Wednesday 11th October 23:07
All done on an ESTA, and always open about the fact I'm travelling for business.
Edited to add: although a week's meetings followed by 3 week's vacation seemed to be OK, but can't use that too often
Edited by mikef on Thursday 12th October 08:58
I can only echo what others have said about the weather in Houston. One of my best friends lives there and complains about the heat for at least 8 months of the year. I was there 10 days ago, it was still 38 degrees.
My boss is in Austin - he doesn't stop complaining about the heat or his air/con bill either.
Oh, and Texas BBQ isn't as good as Kansas BBQ
My boss is in Austin - he doesn't stop complaining about the heat or his air/con bill either.
Oh, and Texas BBQ isn't as good as Kansas BBQ
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