Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Leaving France to settle in the United Kingdom remains a dream for many French speakers. Career boost, immersion in the English language, London’s dynamism, solid institutions, prestigious universities… there is no shortage of arguments. But behind this appealing image lie more nuanced realities: cost of living, strained healthcare system, saturated housing market, stricter immigration since Brexit, sometimes ambiguous feeling of welcome.
This analysis, based on recent data, academic studies, and international benchmarks, presents a balanced assessment of the advantages and disadvantages. Its goal is to provide all the elements for an informed decision and better preparation, without discouraging the move.
A Strong and Diverse Job Market
From a strictly economic point of view, the United Kingdom remains a leading power. Its economy is among the largest in the world, with about 80% of GDP generated by services. Finance, insurance, consulting, technology, health, education, creative industries: the economic fabric is broad and deeply internationalized.
The median annual full-time salary is around £37,000, with an average ranging between £31,000 and over £40,000 depending on sources and calculation methods. The gap, however, is immense between sectors and especially between regions. London and the Southeast concentrate the highest salaries, with a median salary close to £46,000 in the capital, far ahead of cities like Leeds, where the median drops to about £26,000.
Senior managers or marketing, sales, or IT directors show median weekly earnings above £1,500.
This contrast is reflected in the daily lives of expatriates: for an experienced cloud engineer, a medical specialist, or an investment banker, the UK remains extremely attractive. For a profile in hospitality, catering, or retail, the equation is much tighter, especially in large cities.
An Environment Renowned for Career Opportunities
Despite a less-than-flattering overall ranking in some expatriation barometers, the UK stands out positively in the “Working Abroad” category. In a recent international survey, it ranks in the top 10 for career prospects. Nearly two-thirds of the expatriates surveyed report being satisfied with their professional opportunities, and over 40% state that moving to the UK has significantly improved their career trajectory.
Several factors explain this appeal:
The UK offers a dynamic ecosystem and varied opportunities for professionals, characterized by growing sectors and strong demand for skills.
Fintech, AI, cybersecurity, green tech, digital health, but also traditional finance, consulting, real estate, and media.
Over 800,000 job vacancies nationwide with shortages in engineering, IT, health, teaching, finance, construction, and social care.
An environment that values specialization and skills upgrading through continuing education and professional certifications.
For graduates, large employers recruit heavily through structured “graduate schemes”: civil service, NHS, Big Four, major banks, technology groups. STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and healthcare profiles are particularly in demand, with very high employment rates (over 90% for nurses, for example).
Clear Rules, But Real Pressure
Labor legislation provides a relatively protective framework: standard 9-to-5 week, theoretical limit of 48 hours per week (unless voluntary opt-out), at least four weeks of paid vacation, public holidays, right to flexible working arrangements, legal minimum wage extended to most employee statuses.
Since April 2025, the UK’s National Minimum Wage is set at £12.21 per hour for those aged 21 and over, £10 for those aged 18-20, and £7.55 for minors and apprentices. It applies to many statuses (part-time, temporary, seasonal, agricultural workers, foreign employees…). Non-compliance can result in a fine from the tax administration (HMRC) of up to £20,000 per underpaid employee.
Nevertheless, a significant proportion of expatriates feel that compensation does not always keep pace with the cost of living. In international surveys, the UK ranks poorly on the perception of salary versus price level. More than a third of respondents consider salaries “unfair” in light of daily expenses, and nearly 60% point to a cost of living that is too high.
Added to this is persistent inequality: full-time men earn on average significantly more than women, with a gap of several thousand pounds per year, and pay discrimination remains marked in certain professions (up to 28 to 39% difference in specific financial or technical roles).
Cost of Living: The Salary Advantage Quickly Eroded
On paper, macroeconomic data may seem reassuring to a French person: excluding rent, the general price level in the UK is slightly lower than in France (around 1 to 1.5% less). But as soon as housing is factored in, the landscape changes radically: rents are on average 20 to 45% higher than in France, and the total bill (rent included) exceeds France by 6 to 11%.
In other words, the purchasing power gained on groceries or certain everyday products is largely eaten up by housing, transportation, and items like childcare.
London, Economic Engine… and Budget Trap
The capital embodies this paradox. It is one of the most dynamic and best-paying job markets in the country, with salaries 25 to 40% higher than in other regions. But it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world.
A realistic budget for a single person in London is around £4,000 per month. More than half, or about £2,200, goes towards rent for a simple one-bedroom apartment in Zone 2. Add to this recurring expenses: £200 for transport (a travelcard covering zones 1 to 4), £450 for groceries, and £150 for ‘council tax’ (local property tax). For a two-room apartment in a central zone, rent easily exceeds £2,300, significantly impacting the overall budget.
The consequence is simple: even with a net median London income approaching £4,000 per month, rent can absorb over 50% of the salary. For comparison, in an average city like Burnley, equivalent housing is around £550, or just over a quarter of the local median income.
To visualize the gap, we can compare a key monthly expense: renting a two-room apartment.
| City | Average 2-Bed Rent (per month) | Estimated Share of Local Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| London (central zone) | ~£2,322 | > 50% |
| Manchester | £1,300 – £1,700 | 35 to 45% |
| Bristol | £1,500 – £1,900 | 40 to 50% |
| Edinburgh | £1,400 – £1,800 | 35 to 45% |
| Burnley | ~£551 | ~25% |
Faced with these levels, many working people choose to live farther away and commute, or even leave the capital to work remotely or hybrid. Cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, or Birmingham are increasingly seen as interesting compromises: the cost of living there represents 50 to 70% of London’s, with salaries remaining at 70 to 80% of the London level. For an expatriate, this is often where the best balance between quality of life and savings capacity is found.
Comparison with France: Housing, Services, Childcare
If we broaden the lens, several marked differences appear between the UK and France.
Many fresh or basic products are cheaper in the UK than in France. Bread, rice, eggs, local cheese, poultry, or beef can cost up to 30 to 50% less. Conversely, some goods like milk, wine, or cigarettes are significantly more expensive.
However, it is on the major expense categories that the differences become decisive, particularly housing and family-related services.
| Expense Item (UK vs France) | Estimated Difference |
|---|---|
| Rent 1 bedroom city center | +54 to +66 % |
| Rent 3 bedrooms city center | +39 to +41 % |
| Rent 1 bedroom outside center | +58 to +66 % |
| Full-time private nursery/preschool | +72 to +117 % |
| International primary school | +72 % |
| Monthly public transport pass | +38 % |
| Utility bills for 85 m² | +48 % |
| Mobile telecom (10GB+) | –22 % (cheaper) |
These figures are telling for families: the cost of childcare can easily double compared to France, and a year at an international school regularly exceeds £15,000. In London, the combination of rent + nursery often equals a large net salary.
The same observation for everyday services: gym memberships, leisure, energy bills, internet… almost everything is more expensive than in France, with the notable exception of mobile, which is rather competitive.
In return, the average net salary after tax is about 14% higher than in France, and local purchasing power is slightly better. But this theoretical advantage only really materializes if one has a comfortable income, especially in large cities.
Housing: A Strained Market and an Obstacle Course for Newcomers
Arriving in the UK without a local credit history or a British guarantor often means a brutal introduction to the harshness of the rental market. Demand far exceeds supply, especially in metropolitan areas, and attractive properties go in a few days, sometimes a few hours.
Real estate agents regularly report over a dozen serious applications for a single property, quick group viewings, and informal “bidding wars” where applicants offer a rent above the advertised price or six months’ rent in advance to secure the lease.
For expatriates, the main obstacles pile up: “right to rent” check (verification of immigration status), lack of a local credit file, frequent requirement for a UK-resident and homeowner guarantor, large deposits (up to five weeks’ rent), request for advance payments.
The table below summarizes the main barriers encountered.
| Typical Problem for an Expat Renter | Practical Consequence |
|---|---|
| No UK credit history | Rejection or increased requirements (guarantor, advance rent) |
| Mandatory “right to rent” check | Need to present valid visa/BRP |
| Very fast-moving market | Need to decide after a single viewing |
| Strong competition | Frequent overbidding, little room for negotiation |
| Risk of online scams | Danger of paying before an actual viewing |
This context pushes some to use paid guarantor companies or to lock away the equivalent of 7 to 12 months’ rent in an immediately accessible account, which assumes significant savings capacity before departure.
High rental yield in some major cities in Northern England and in Scotland.
For an expatriate who wants to live and not just invest, the main difficulty remains access to credit: down payment often 25 to 40%, higher loan rates than for residents, limited number of banks willing to finance non-residents.
Healthcare System: Medical Excellence, Critical Delays
One of the great historical assets of the UK in the eyes of foreigners is its public healthcare system, the NHS (National Health Service). It is based on a simple principle: care funded by taxes, largely freely accessible to residents, with an overall very high medical standard.
In reality, the current situation is more strained. The NHS suffers from chronic understaffing, recruitment difficulties (especially since Brexit), an aging population, and a considerable backlog of care. In 2024, overall user satisfaction hit a historic low, around only 20%.
The difficulties concentrate on two critical points: delays and accessibility. Getting an appointment with a general practitioner, a specialist, or a non-urgent operation can become an endurance test. Access to mental health care is particularly problematic for the most vulnerable, including asylum seekers and refugees.
Analysis of Healthcare System Challenges
However, there are several favorable elements to keep in mind for an expatriate:
Emergency and lifesaving care is free for all, regardless of immigration status. Once registered with a general practitioner (GP), one accesses the full care system. International students staying more than six months and most long-term visa holders benefit from the same services as residents, after paying the ‘Immigration Health Surcharge’ (IHS) during the visa application.
In parallel, a developed private sector, especially in London and major cities, allows bypassing waiting lists, but at high prices. More and more residents, including expatriates, take out private health insurance to access specialists and certain tests more quickly.
To understand what access to the NHS means for an expat, we must also look at the immigration side.
| Expatriate’s Situation | Access to NHS |
|---|---|
| Visa > 6 months + IHS payment | Access like a resident, excluding private care |
| Health and Care Worker visa | Full access, without paying the IHS |
| Tourist or visit < 6 months (without EHIC/GHIC) | Free emergencies, scheduled care is chargeable |
| International student > 6 months | Full access via IHS |
For a French speaker used to a mixed but relatively fluid system like in France, the shock comes less from the quality of caregivers than from the slowness and delays. In practice, many expatriates combine the NHS for “major risk” and private insurance for speed.
Post-Brexit Immigration: Open Doors… But Filtered
One of the major breaks in recent years concerns the immigration framework. Since the end of free movement from the EU, EU citizens are subject to the same regime as those from the rest of the world to settle long-term in the UK, unless they have protected status (settled or pre-settled status) acquired before 2021.
The country has implemented a points-based system, focused on skills and salaries. For a French person wishing to work in the UK today, the most common scenario is a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by a UK employer.
Concretely, several conditions must be met:
To obtain a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, the candidate must have: a job offer from a company holding a sponsor licence; a role on the list of eligible occupations, requiring a minimum bachelor’s degree level; an annual salary of at least £41,700 or meeting the official market rate; and an English language level of at least B1 (to be raised to B2).
This tightening adds to the disappearance of automatic EU diploma recognition pathways, complicating settlement for regulated professions (healthcare, law, etc.).
Several specialized visas allow working in the UK: the ‘Global Talent’ visa for exceptional scientific, artistic, or digital profiles; the ‘Innovator Founder’ visa for holders of strong entrepreneurial projects; the ‘Graduate’ visa for international students graduating from a UK university; and the ‘Health and Care Worker’ visa for healthcare professionals recruited by the NHS.
This tightening does not prevent continued significant immigration: over one-fifth of the workforce was born abroad, and non-European workers are now the main source of new work visas. But for a European expatriate, the pre-2016 fluidity has clearly disappeared, and administrative management (proof of funds, NHS rights, family status, renewals, cumulative costs of visas and the health surcharge) becomes a full-fledged part of the relocation project.
Social Integration: Real Diversity, Sometimes Mixed Welcome
The UK is often presented as a cultural “melting pot,” particularly in its major urban centers. Over 10% of the population has a primary language other than English, and the proportion of ethnic minorities is projected to exceed one-third of the population by 2050. London, Manchester, Birmingham, or Glasgow concentrate impressive diversity of communities and cultures.
For a French-speaking expatriate, this diversity is an asset: it is easy to meet other foreigners, find community associations, specialized shops, international schools, even consulates and cultural institutions (like the Institut français in London). The capital is home to one of the largest French communities in the world, around neighborhoods like South Kensington, Fulham, or Chelsea, with French lycées, shops, cafes, business networks.
Yet, international survey data reveals another side: the UK ranks poorly in the “Ease of Settling In” index. Many expatriates find social life hard to build, lack a support network, and feel that British people can seem “cold” or distant. Nearly a quarter of respondents say they don’t truly feel welcome.
British culture values reserve, personal space, and often indirect communication (innuendo, sarcastic humor, euphemisms), which can initially be disorienting. Social expectations also differ: unlike the French habit of frontal debate and argued disagreement in a professional setting, open confrontation is generally less appreciated. This difference can sometimes be perceived as hypocrisy or an excess of things left unsaid.
The Impact of Brexit on the Feelings of Europeans
A doctoral thesis on French people settled in England after the 2016 referendum shows a nuanced picture. A majority of respondents reported feeling less welcome, worried, even disappointed, in the months following the vote. Some avoided speaking French in public, for fear of unpleasant remarks, even if they had not been directly victimized.
At the same time, most continue to describe their overall experience as positive, and these negative feelings have tended to decrease over the years. Many perceive themselves as privileged compared to other communities (notably from Eastern Europe), which they believe are more targeted by hostile discourse.
This dual perspective – awareness of a harsher political climate on immigration, but persistent attachment to the host country – sums up the position of a portion of Europeans settled in the UK quite well.
Europeans settled in the UK
Integration, a Two-Way Process
Studies on social cohesion emphasize that integration depends not only on the efforts of newcomers but also on the openness of the host society. In the UK, indicators show an ambivalent situation.
On one hand, migrants often report being more optimistic than natives about their prospects, believe the country is overall “welcoming,” and strongly believe that hard work allows one to get ahead. They gradually invest in civic life (associations, volunteering, clubs) and, after about ten years, their participation rates match those of native-born Britons.
On the other hand, a significant portion of people born abroad say they belong to a discriminated group, especially among those from non-European countries. Feelings of isolation remain more frequent in some communities, and residential or social segregation sometimes manifests through ethnic or socio-economic “bubbles,” notably in London.
For French-speaking expatriates, integration involves concrete choices: learning to decipher implicit codes (humor, euphemisms, politeness), daring to step out of the French-speaking circle, participating in local community or sports life, staying attentive to societal debates (housing, immigration, NHS), and above all accepting that the process takes time.
Quality of Life: A Nuanced Balance
Looking at international quality of life rankings, the UK often sits in the upper European average, ahead of France on some global indices (purchasing power, individual freedom, corruption level, life satisfaction). But this is not necessarily reflected in the daily experience of expatriates, who note some recurrent pain points.
Among the positive aspects, we find:
The country offers a generally correct level of safety, although some surveys indicate a perception of personal safety slightly below the global average. Freedom of expression and association is high, supported by a strong rule of law. Cultural life is rich, particularly in large cities, with many free or paid activities (museums, theaters, festivals, pubs, sporting events). The heritage, both natural (countryside, coasts, national parks) and historical (castles, prehistoric sites), is also remarkable.
On the other hand, several elements weigh on the overall assessment:
France is viewed negatively by expatriates on several key aspects: weather judged as poor, a healthcare system whose accessibility is very degraded, a cost of living felt as excessive (notably for housing), and a work-life balance that leaves something to be desired, placing it at the bottom of the European ranking on these criteria.
The overall impression is of a country where quality of life reaches an excellent level for people with a comfortable income, stable work situation, and good social network, but where vulnerabilities (financial, administrative, psychological) are less cushioned than in France.
Taxation and Social Protection: A Complex but Legible Framework
For those relocating, UK taxation combines several appreciated features (clear progressive bands, limited double taxation through numerous treaties, planning opportunities) and more constraining aspects (abolition of old non-domiciled statuses, inheritance tax reform, new residency requirements).
Income is taxed at rates close to French levels on median brackets, with a personal allowance, then a rate of 20%, then 40% from a certain threshold, and 45% for very high incomes. Social security contributions take the form of “National Insurance” contributions, at distinct rates for employees and employers.
The ‘remittance basis’ tax regime for non-domiciled individuals has been abolished. Stricter transitional regimes are now in place for new wealthy residents born abroad, to align their treatment with nationals and reduce some historical advantages.
For a “classic” salaried expatriate, the main complexity comes from coordination with the home country: possible maintenance of pension contributions in the state of origin, tax treatment of foreign-source income, potential obligation to file declarations in multiple countries (the emblematic case of Americans, required to file with the US IRS wherever they reside).
Again, for a long-term project, specialized advice is often essential to avoid nasty surprises (double taxation, cross-border inheritance rights, errors in tax residency).
Studies and Student Life: A Major Asset… If You Can Afford It
For young people and their parents, the UK remains a prime destination academically. The school system offers a wide range of options: state schools, traditional private schools, boarding schools, international schools, alternative pedagogies. At the higher education level, over 140 universities welcome hundreds of thousands of international students each year.
UK degrees enjoy an excellent international reputation, particularly those awarded by the famous “Golden Triangle” of Oxford – Cambridge – London. Teaching is generally more specialized and professionalizing than in France, with an important place given to projects, group work, and interactions with the business world.
Minimum annual tuition fees for a non-EU undergraduate student in the UK
International schools at primary and secondary levels, highly sought after by expatriate families wanting curriculum continuity (IB, IGCSE, etc.), also show average annual fees of around £20,000, with peaks beyond £40,000 for some elite schools.
In exchange, international students often gain privileged access to the local job market: they can work part-time during studies, then apply for a “Graduate” visa allowing them to stay two to three years after graduation without a sponsor. For a young French-speaking adult, this is now one of the smoothest paths to long-term settlement in the UK.
Advantages and Disadvantages: For Whom Is the UK a Good Choice?
In light of these elements, expatriation to the UK clearly appears as a double-edged gamble.
The advantages are considerable for certain profiles:
Several categories of French professionals and students are particularly attracted to the UK. This includes graduates in high-demand sectors like IT, engineering, health, finance, data, and cybersecurity, who can expect comfortable salaries. Students and young graduates also see British universities and ‘graduate schemes’ as an effective career springboard. Entrepreneurs are drawn by a stable legal environment, a strong real estate market, and an international business culture. Finally, French speakers perfectly comfortable in English are motivated by the cultural dynamism, social diversity, and professional opportunities offered.
For these groups, the UK offers a rare combination: high career prospects, dynamic economic ecosystem, solid institutions, rich cultural environment, possible progressive integration into an open, though sometimes ambivalent about immigration, society.
On the other hand, the disadvantages can weigh heavily for others:
An analysis of the groups most impacted by financial and systemic pressures, particularly in cities like London.
Bear the massive burden of combined housing, childcare, and private school costs, especially in London.
Hit hard by high rents, costly transport, and daily financial pressure.
Face NHS delays and the complexity of accessing specialized care.
May find the British system rougher and less predictable than the French model.
To this is added a tougher political and migration context than in the 2000s, with discourses hostile to immigration and judicially contested asylum policies, which can alter the feeling of welcome, even for highly qualified expatriates.
Preparation: The Key to Turning Risk into Opportunity
Ultimately, the UK is neither an automatic promised land nor a systematic deterrent. It is a country with high potential, but high demands. For a successful expatriation project, meticulous preparation is required on several fronts.
First, financially: simulate a realistic budget based on the city, targeted salary level, desired type of housing, potential tuition fees, transport costs. Account for security deposits, rent advances, setup costs, local taxation, and contributions.
For an effective UK job search, analyze the job market in your sector precisely, identifying typical salary levels and spotting employers likely to sponsor a visa. Prepare a CV and cover letter adapted to the UK format. Finally, consider strengthening your profile by acquiring certifications or skills particularly sought after in this market.
Then administratively: understand visa criteria, verify profile eligibility, anticipate delays, cumulative costs (application fees, IHS, Immigration Skills Charge for the employer), research access to the NHS, social rights, schools for children.
Before moving abroad, it is crucial to research social codes, work culture, climate, and the functioning of the host country’s health and education systems. Identify potential support avenues like expatriate associations, chambers of commerce, university networks, or sports clubs. Also, prepare for an inevitable phase of ‘culture shock’ and the need to patiently build a local network.
For a French speaker ready to play the game, accept a degree of uncertainty, and invest in their career, expatriation to the UK can still be a tremendous accelerator – provided the constraints are not underestimated. In a country where success largely relies on individual initiative and the ability to navigate a competitive environment, the best weapon remains information. This article aimed to provide that factual foundation; the final decision, however, will always remain deeply personal.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
