Moving to the UK from NZ is a big context switch, but a smart one. Many places in the United Kingdom are similar to how New Zealand already operates, especially if you take into account that New Zealand – two islands – has similar weather to the UK – a series of isles.
The United Kingdom technically includes four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So, where are the best places? The places that might even make you feel at home from the moment you land.
As your trusted international moving company, we’ve put together a few cities across these regions that are particularly suited to Kiwis, highlighting key factors like cost, lifestyle, culture, and job opportunities.
London, England
No surprise here: London is a central UK location and remains a top landing spot for Kiwis moving to the UK. The job market is vast, and there is a sizeable Kiwi community already waiting for you. In fact, entire pubs function as Kiwi consulates, and so many of us end up having a quiet Friday night drink there. The city’s connectivity is also a major plus, with great public transport and anywhere in Europe a short flight or train ride away.
Of course, the trade-off is what you might expect: cost. London is well-known for being expensive, and many central rental prices are fairly breathtaking (literally). Most Kiwis who are committed to living in London decide to live further out, pay significantly less rent, and commute in by relying on London’s solid public transport network.
Cost is a barrier you’re likely to encounter when moving to the UK from NZ, no matter which town you end up in, thanks to the exchange rate. But in London, that’s the real tripping point to watch for. On the upside, the culture and excitement of this iconic city is worth it for Kiwis who yearn for the history.
If you work in finance, tech, media, hospitality, healthcare, or you just want as many options as possible, London is for you.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Where London is an iconic and expensive city in England, Edinburgh is arguably Scotland’s equivalent, with its very own magic. This compact, walkable city has a strong sense of identity, a world-class festival scene, and sits smack bang in the middle of beautiful Scotland. The cost of living is significantly lower than in London, and the quality of life is stunning in this region. No wonder many Kiwis pick this Scottish city as their landing spot when moving to the UK from NZ.
The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University attract students, academics and specialists from around the world, helping Edinburgh maintain its international and outward-looking character. The city also has a diverse employment market, with opportunities across established industries and growing sectors.
If you’re moving from Auckland, Wellington or another part of the North Island, Edinburgh’s cooler climate may take some getting used to. A good waterproof jacket will quickly earn its place in your wardrobe.
Manchester, England
The soccer scene alone has put Manchester on the world map, but aside from that, this beautiful city tends to get overlooked by Kiwis moving to the UK from NZ. But Kiwis who do touch down here almost always end up loving it. Salaries are meaningfully lower than in London, but so is the cost of living, and many Kiwis find the balance works better for them here than in the capital.
Aside from cost, Manchester is extremely well-connected domestically and internationally. Direct flights to Auckland operate via various hubs, the train to London takes around two hours, and you can access the wider north of England quickly by rail. If you want city life but don’t want to pay London prices, Manchester deserves a spot on your ‘maybe’ list.
Cardiff, Wales
Wales often doesn’t feature on these lists, simply because it’s an underrated region. But for Kiwis, Wales is frankly unbeatable. Cardiff (its capital) tends to pleasantly surprise Kiwis moving to the UK from NZ. It’s among the most affordable in the entire country; it’s friendly in a way that feels a lot like New Zealand, and the surrounding countryside could rival the lower South Island. The Brecon Beacons, the Gower Peninsula, and the Pembrokeshire coast are all within easy reach.
Keep in mind that the city is smaller than others, so the job market is similarly more condensed. Key sectors like the public or civil service, healthcare, and media are big here (BBC Wales is in Cardiff). Education is another big one.
If your career can survive living in a regional city rather than a bustling hub like London, Cardiff is a genuinely fantastic choice worth considering, if for nothing else than it feels like the UK’s answer to Kiwi life.
A Note on Cost of Living Across the UK
As any reputable moving company will tell you, moving to the UK from NZ involves a significant adjustment in how you think about money. Salaries are quoted annually rather than hourly, costs are in pounds (roughly $2.3 NZD to £1 GBP), and rent varies dramatically between cities. London can cost three times as much as Edinburgh or Cardiff for equivalent accommodation.
Evaluate your situation and needs, consider your industry, and follow the opportunities. That, more than anything, will serve you well when moving to the UK from NZ.
And pick a reliable moving company, of course.
Make moving to the UK from NZ simple with the right moving company.
We are The Moving Company, one of New Zealand’s most trusted international moving companies. We help Kiwis get where they’re going with minimal stress and maximum enjoyment.
If you’re organising your international move, get in touch today to discuss how we can help.
