Moving to London from Ireland
Moving to London from Ireland in 2025: A Complete Guide
Thinking about moving from Ireland to London? Whether you’re coming from Dublin, Cork, Galway, or Belfast, relocating to one of the world’s most dynamic cities is both an exciting and challenging step. London offers endless career opportunities, cultural diversity, and global connectivity, but it also comes with a higher cost of living and a faster pace of life.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making the move — from lifestyle differences and rental prices to healthcare, schools, and practical relocation tips.
Why Move from Ireland to London?
Many Irish citizens move to London for career growth, better salaries, education opportunities, or simply the experience of living in one of the most international cities in the world. Thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish citizens can live and work in London without a visa — making the transition smoother than for many other nationalities.
Lifestyle Comparison: Ireland vs. London
Pace of life: London is fast-moving and business-focused, while Irish cities are generally more relaxed and community-oriented.
Social scene: London’s nightlife, dining, and cultural offerings are unmatched, but many Irish expats miss the small-community feel of home.
Weather: Similar to Ireland, but London tends to have slightly less rainfall.
Cost of Living in London vs. Ireland
London is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in Europe. Expect:
Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in central London averages £2,100–£2,250 per month (€2,400–€2,600). In outer boroughs, rent drops to around £1,700–£2,000 (€1,950–€2,300).
Utilities: Around £200–£250 per month for electricity, heating, and internet.
Groceries: Typically 10–20% higher than in Dublin.
Dining out: Restaurants and pubs in London are significantly pricier than in Irish cities.
Tip: Higher salaries in London often balance out the costs, especially in finance, tech, and professional services.
- Utilities: In Ireland, the average monthly utility bill (electricity, heating, water) for a standard apartment is around £150-£200. In London, utilities for a similar-sized property can range from £200-£300 per month, depending on the property’s energy efficiency and the season.
- Groceries: Grocery prices in London are generally higher than in Ireland. For example, basic staples like bread, milk, and fresh produce can cost around 15-25% more in London. That said, London offers a range of supermarket options, from high-end stores to budget-friendly chains like Lidl and Aldi, so you can manage costs with careful planning.
- Dining Out: A meal in an average restaurant in Belfast or Derry typically costs around £10-£15, while in London, you’ll likely pay £15-£25 for a similar meal. However, London’s food scene is incredibly diverse, and you can find affordable options, from street food markets to neighborhood cafes.
- Monthly Living Costs: The overall monthly living costs for a family of four in Belfast can average around £2,500, while in London, this figure could range from £3,500 to £5,000, depending on lifestyle choices and location within the city.
While London is more expensive overall, it offers higher wages and a greater range of employment opportunities, which can balance out the increased costs.
Utilities and Groceries
London: Utilities in London tend to be more expensive than in Ireland. For an average-sized apartment, you can expect to pay between £150 to £200 ($190–$250 USD or €175–€230) per month for electricity, heating, and water. Groceries are similarly on the higher end, especially for imported items, with a weekly shop for a single person costing between £50 to £80 (€58–€93).
Dublin and Other Irish Cities: Utility costs in Dublin and other major Irish cities are lower than in London, with an average monthly utility bill for a similar-sized apartment coming to about €120–€150. Groceries are also slightly cheaper, with a weekly grocery bill for a single person around €40 to €60.
Monthly Living Costs
London: The overall monthly living costs in London are significantly higher, ranging between £1,800 to £2,500 (€2,100–€2,900) for a single person. Rent, transportation, and utilities are the primary contributors to this higher cost of living.
Dublin and Other Irish Cities: In Dublin, monthly living costs for a single person are somewhat lower, ranging between €1,600 to €2,100 per month. Cork, Galway, and Limerick offer even more affordable living costs, with monthly expenses ranging between €1,200 and €1,800.
Rental Market: London vs. Irish Cities
Competition: The London rental market is highly competitive, especially in areas like Kensington, Chelsea, and Shoreditch.
Options: Outer zones (Zones 3–6) provide more affordable options with longer commutes.
Comparison: Rent in London VS Ireland is on average 30–40% higher than in Dublin and up to double compared to cities like Cork or Galway.
Public Transport: Getting Around London
London’s transport system is extensive, efficient, and more developed than in Irish cities.
Underground (Tube), buses, trams, and Overground cover most areas.
Oyster card & contactless payments make commuting easy.
Monthly pass (Zones 1–2): Around £160–£170.
Comparison: More expensive than Dublin, but faster and more reliable.
Schools and Education in London
Families relocating from Ireland to London will find a wide range of options:
Public schools (free, government-funded).
Private schools (fee-paying, high academic standards).
International schools (ideal for expats).
London schools are regulated by Ofsted, which provides quality ratings for parents.
Culture and Lifestyle Differences Ireland vs London
London: International, diverse, and fast-paced.
Ireland: More local, community-driven, with a slower rhythm.
Key takeaway: London offers more global opportunities, but some miss the warmth of Irish communities.
Healthcare in London
Job Market and Career Opportunities
Banking and Finances
Personal Stories: Experiences of Moving from Ireland to London
Here are personal experiences from individuals and families who have relocated from different parts of Ireland to London:
Connor from Belfast: “Moving to London for work was a big step, but the career growth has been incredible. The faster pace took some getting used to, but I now love the city’s energy.”
Siobhan from Derry: “We relocated to London for my husband’s job. The housing costs are much higher than in Derry, but the public transport is fantastic, and we’ve found a great neighborhood.”
Patrick from Lisburn: “I was nervous about leaving the community feel of Lisburn, but London surprised me. We’ve made great connections, and the schools here are excellent for the kids.”
Fiona from Bangor: “The weather in London isn’t too different from Ireland, but the city itself is so diverse and exciting. We love the parks and green spaces.”
Ready to Make the Move to London From Ireland?
Relocating from Ireland to London is a thrilling opportunity that opens up new career, cultural, and social experiences. While the cost of living is higher, the city’s vibrancy and global connections make it a worthwhile move for many. Understanding the key differences between lifestyle, housing, and transport in London versus Irish cities will help you make an informed decision.
To make your relocation process easier, London Relocation® offers a range of services designed to simplify your move:
- Full-service relocation assistance
- Help with securing rental properties
- School enrolment guidance
- Area orientation tours
- Visa and immigration advice
- Pet Relocation
- Corporate Relocation
Contact London Relocation® today and start your journey to a new life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
FAQs: Relocating from Ireland to London
How does the cost of living in London compare to cities in Ireland?
Is public transport in London better than in Dublin?
What are the housing options like in London?
How different is the culture in London compared to cities in Ireland?
Is the cost of living in London much higher than in Ireland?
How is public transportation in London compared to Ireland?
What are rental prices like in London compared to Belfast?
Are there good schools in London for families relocating from Ireland?
How does the pace of life in London compare to Ireland?
Helpful Resources: Relocating from Ireland to London
- Transport for London (TfL) – Information about London’s public transport, including the Underground, buses, and overground trains.
- GOV. UK – Moving to the UK – Official UK government guidance for those relocating to the UK, including visa requirements.
- Ofsted – Information and reports on school quality in London and the rest of the UK.
- NHS – Information about the UK’s National Health Service, how to register for healthcare, and access services.
- British Council – Resources on living and studying in the UK, including information about cultural activities and education programs.