Seattle - London Cost of Living comparison

[badgersgirl]

I am not sure if this helps Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

I did a similar move from the UK to Seattle. In terms of the cost of living it is cheaper here overall. Some things will take you by surprise, but the sales tax is less and you get to keep more of what you earn. You do not pay Income Tax in Washington State...YET. Things to take into account though when you are negotiating are:

Company cars and petrol cards are generally not part of the package here. If you have no credit history in the US financing will be expensive. With no credit history you will find financing hard to obtain. Also, car insurance is expensive.

Pension/401K contributions. Will your company match be the same?

Life insurance. Are you getting the same coverage?

Vacation. How many days will they allow you to have. Typically, US employers offer less.

Health Insurance. What is your coverage? Is there a deductable/co pay. If so, how much?

Dental. If you have children check your orthodontic coverage. Braces are expensive. Both my children are in braces currently and they cost $5800 each. Our insurance only covered $1500 for each child.

Electrical goods. What will your company reimburse you for all the electrical goods you will need to replace?

College Tuition. I don't know how long you plan on staying for, or if you even have children. We only planned to stay here for 3 years, but the kids are settled in their education and friendships. In the back of our mind we have "we'll send them back to England for university". Realistically though, we have began a saving plan here. College is incredibly expensive.

Lastly, if you plan on buying a home ask for reimbursement of selling fees when the time comes. Typically, the associated costs of selling a home in Washington State are approximately 10% of the value of you home.

[mrken]

Reading, UK and London, UK are both expensive places to live. There is not really much difference, however High Wycombe is cheaper and is easily commutable or Swindon I believe