Top 7 Cities in the UK for American Expats

Planning a move to the United Kingdom from the USA, but not sure what city is the right fit for you? Here at Remitly, we understand that relocating to a new country can be daunting as well as exciting, so we’ve put together a guide to the best cities in the UK where US citizens can feel most at home.

How have we rated these cities? Well, we’ve taken into account the factors we know are most important to American expats: job opportunities, cost of living, quality of life, and a lively cultural scene.  Read on to discover our rankings of the top 7 UK cities so you can find the perfect location for your new life!

Table of contents

1. London: England’s bustling capital city

No list of the UK’s top cities would be complete without its largest city, London, which offers a truly multicultural vibe. World-class theaters, galleries, and museums are all within easy reach.

Pros

• Good public transport system
• Rail links to all major English cities — historic Oxford or Cambridge are an easy train journey away
• Plentiful job opportunities, with many major corporations based in London

Cons

• Higher cost of living compared to smaller cities
• Finding accommodation can be difficult — high rental and house prices 

London is a great choice for Americans seeking an international community, career opportunities, and a fast-paced lifestyle — think of it as New York’s British cousin.

2. Manchester: music, soccer, and nightlife

Manchester is internationally renowned for its contributions to culture and sport, being home to two major football clubs (soccer, or football as it’s known to the Brits, is an important national pastime). 

Pros

• Excellent public transport  with the Metrolink tram system
• Convenient rail links to other major cities like Leeds and Liverpool, as well as the picturesque Yorkshire Dales
• In recent years, it has become one of the most diverse cities in Western Europe: around half the population of Manchester is multilingual and four in ten young people can speak more than one language
• Cost of living is significantly lower than in London

Cons

• Salaries are lower than in London and many other major cities in Great Britain
• Manchester is known for rain
• Some areas have a high crime rate

If you’re into British popular culture and sport, Manchester is a great choice for American expatriates.

3. Birmingham: a green business center

Birmingham, England’s second city, has more parks than Paris and more miles of canals than Venice. It’s conveniently located in the Midlands, with good transport links to the rest of the UK, and an international airport.

Pros:

• Good job prospects: Birmingham is the second largest center outside London for employment in financial and other business services
• Plenty of restaurants and bars — the city is famous for Balti cooking
• Ideal for shopping, with one of the biggest retail centers in the UK

Cons:

• Public transport is limited outside the city center
• It’s one of the UK’s most expensive cities for car ownership
• There are some areas of high social deprivation

For Americans who are looking for an alternative to London, but still want a big city location, Birmingham is ideal.

4. Bristol: alternative culture and rich social history

Bristol is located in south-west England, not far from the border with Wales. It’s a vibrant city, known for its art and music scene, and only 90 minutes by train from London.

Pros:

• Plenty of cultural offerings make it an attractive city for those who enjoy the arts
• More relaxed, laid-back atmosphere than London
• Has a reputation for being socially liberal and environmentally conscious

Cons:

• Public transport is limited
• Accommodation can be expensive
• Salaries are lower than in London

If you’re looking for a city with plenty of culture, but a less hectic and more relaxed lifestyle than London, Bristol could be a good choice.

5. Edinburgh: Scotland’s historic capital

The Scottish capital is an attractive destination for expats, with a thriving economy, a buoyant job market and great opportunities for cultural and leisure pursuits. 

Pros

• One of the best UK cities for start-ups, especially in the tech sector
• The UK’s most prosperous city outside London, with high levels of income, employment and good healthcare, both NHS and private
• An attractive city known for its historic castles, cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture

Cons

• High cost of living compared to other Scottish cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen
• The native accent can be difficult for foreigners to understand
• Weather can be unpredictable, with harsh winters (Edinburgh is further north than most cities in Canada)

For lovers of history and culture, Edinburgh has everything you could want.

6. Belfast: the modern face of Northern Ireland

Forget the stereotypes you may have heard about Northern Ireland in the past: modern Belfast is a thriving, international city with good employment prospects and a lively cultural scene.

Pros

• Steeped in history, with plenty of museums and galleries to explore, including the award-winning Titanic Belfast visitor experience, and of course many traditional Irish pubs
• Low living costs: rents are 64.28% lower than in London
• The city itself has plenty of green spaces, such as the stunning Botanic Gardens, and it’s easy to get out into the surrounding countryside

Cons

• Public transport is limited, especially late at night
• Limited nightlife and facilities outside the city center

For expats who want a more affordable option than the hustle and bustle of London, combined with a wealth of history and natural resources, Belfast could be a good choice.

7. Cardiff: the cultural heart of Wales

Cardiff may not be on the radar of many Americans looking to move to the United Kingdom, but the capital of Wales has much to offer in terms of culture, sports, and quality of life.

Pros

• Affordable: rents are 60% lower than London and 26% lower than Bristol
• It’s a cultural and sporting hotspot, with the Millennium Stadium hosting international rugby fixtures and the Wales Millennium Centre featuring world-class ballet, opera and musicals
• A multicultural city with an ethnically diverse population

Cons

• Salaries tend to be lower than in other major UK cities
• It’s a small city, so you may not have all the amenities you expect on your doorstep

Cardiff is an excellent choice if you enjoy culture and sport, and want a good work-life balance.

Key tips for expats moving to the UK

If you’re thinking of trying life in the United Kingdom, check out our 8 things to know before moving to the UK. And for hints and tips on the practicalities of living in the UK as an expat, including finding a job and opening a bank account, take a look at our guide on how to settle in the UK as an immigrant. 

Ready to make your move? The UK has a lot to offer, especially in the cities we’ve highlighted. Don’t forget, moving abroad means changes in finances too — let Remitly help you stay connected with secure, simple money transfers.

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