I’m considering a move from New York to London. I’ve lived in New York for almost 6 years and do love many aspects of the city. I have a great friend group and am a 2 hour flight from most family.

I’ve always wanted to live abroad and would like to take the chance while I’m still young (I’m 28). My company is dual headquarter in NYC and London and I currently have a US salary of $200,000.

Some reasons I’m thinking about leaving:

Dating culture - NYC dating culture is terrible and few seem open to committed relationships as there as so many options and many people seem interested in non-monogamy. I’m not sure how different this is in London. Im a lesbian so I’d be curious about the dating scene from your perspective, gay or straight.

Cost - New York is obviously incredibly expensive for housing costs even though I have a high salary. To have an apartment with decent amenities you have to pay a lot, which I do. Healthcare costs are still quite high despite having insurance. Im not sure if I would be taking a pay cut if I moved, but I know my salary would go very far in London.

Pace of Life - New York is very loud and busy. It is hard to find a moment of quiet once you leave your home.

Travel - I want to travel the world and it is very expensive and cumbersome to do so from New York.

Some reasons I’d be hesitant to leave:

Friends and Family - I have some friends in London who are well connected socially and I know I wouldn’t be totally alone, but is it easy to make friends in London? I’m very social and like the social atmosphere in New York.

Pace of Life - I wonder if London would be too slow for me. Keep in mind, after living in New York I find even San Francisco, LA, and Chicago incredibly slow and boring.

Dating culture - is it just as shitty as NYC?

Any advice or insights appreciated. Thank you all!

  • Thor-Marvel@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I also moved from NYC to London. I would not move at all unless you get to keep your NYC salary. On the higher end of the salary scale, the UK is a poor rich country. Salaries are really low here. $200k is fairly common in NYC but it’s rare in London. 1% salary is 800k in the US, but £150k in London. Things are slightly cheaper but not that much cheaper, especially for a single person. Taxes are higher. The average person is struggling here. There is no point is taking a 50% pay cut when things are only 20% cheaper and you pay 10% more in taxes. The math doesn’t add up.

    Also, if you do want to move despite the pay cut because you want to experience living in a different country, all good but make sure you have an exit plan. A European salary isn’t nearly enough for you to retire in the US.

    • hovanagila@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Right on. Pay is definitely a major consideration and I haven’t started those conversations internally but based on rumors I believe my salary would be held flat in USD.

      • Thor-Marvel@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        That’s all good but know that you will never be able to change jobs in the UK. That’s basically what happened to me. I got to keep my NY salary, but then I also happened to have met someone in London. So I’ve been living here for a long time now but I’m essentially chained to my job because any local alternative means a 50%+ pay cut. I tried looking for a very long time. Nothing to complain about my current job but I think it’s only normal that people want a change of scenery every so often. My only options are to go back to the US, or stay in this one job.