Wondering how much it costs to move to the UK from Canada? If you’re applying through the UK Youth Mobility Scheme, you should expect to spend at least CAD $3,600 on UK government fees alone, including the Youth Mobility Scheme visa application fee and the 2-year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Beyond these mandatory costs, you’ll also need to plan for flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and your initial living expenses in the UK.
In this guide, we break down the main costs of moving to the UK from Canada, from visa fees and flights to rent and everyday expenses, so you know what to budget for before you leave. Whether you’re planning a UK working holiday or relocating for a new adventure, this guide will help you estimate the total cost of your move and prepare with confidence.
Please note*
This article was updated on July 2026. Costs and prices are based on the live GBP to CAD exchange rate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
While your budget will depend on where you plan to live and your lifestyle, Canadians applying for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme should be prepared to show at least £2,530 (approximately CAD $4,770) in personal savings as part of their visa application.
In addition to this financial requirement, you’ll need to budget approximately CAD $3,600 for the UK government visa fees, which include the Youth Mobility Scheme visa application fee and the 2-year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), as well as the cost of flights, accommodation, and your initial living expenses.
The table below outlines the main expenses Canadians should consider when planning their move to the UK.
| Expense | Estimated Cost* |
|---|---|
| UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa | £340 (CAD $650) |
| UK Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years) | £1,552 (CAD $3,000) |
| One-Way Flight from Canada | From £320 (CAD $600) |
| First Month’s Rent | Around £900 (CAD $1,700) |
| Security Deposit (Typically 5 Weeks’ Rent) | Around £1,040 (CAD $1,960) |
| Initial Living Expenses | £400 (CAD $750) |
| Entertainment & Personal Spending | £265 (CAD $500) |
*Disclaimer: The costs shown above are estimates only and are intended as a general budgeting guide for Canadians planning to move to the UK. Actual expenses may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, accommodation choices, location, and individual spending habits. While we make every effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee these figures. We recommend verifying current prices and official government fees before making any financial decisions.
Canadians can visit the UK for up to six months without a visa, but you cannot work during that time. If you’re planning to live and work in the UK, you’ll need the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa, commonly known as the UK working holiday visa.
Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) may be eligible to apply.
You can learn more about the eligibility requirements in our UK Working Holiday for Canadians guide.
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa application fee is £340 (approximately CAD $650, depending on the current exchange rate). If your application is refused, the visa application fee is not refunded, so it’s important to ensure your application is accurate before submitting it.
Many Canadians choose our UK Send-Off Package for additional guidance throughout the process. It comes with additional support such as setting you up with accommodation in the UK, a bank account, phone plan and more; and helping you settle into life in the UK more smoothly!
To apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa as a Canadian, you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This fee gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), allowing you to use many healthcare services in the same way as UK residents.
Unlike travel insurance, the IHS must be paid in full upfront when you submit your visa application. You cannot pay it in monthly installments, and you’ll need to pay for the entire length of your visa (2 years), even if you leave the UK before it expires.
As of 2026, the Youth Mobility Scheme applicants will pay a rate of £776 per year. Since the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa is valid for up to two years, most Canadians should budget approximately CAD $3,000, depending on the exchange rate.
Good to know: If your visa application is refused, your Immigration Health Surcharge payment is refunded, even though the visa application fee itself is not.
One advantage of moving to the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is that you don’t need to purchase a return ticket before you travel. This means you only need to budget for a one-way flight, helping reduce your upfront moving costs.
One-way flights from major Canadian cities to London typically start at around CAD $600, although prices can be significantly higher during peak travel seasons or when booked at the last minute.
To save money, try to book your flight several months in advance and compare fares using flight search platforms such as Skyscanner or KAYAK. Being flexible with your departure dates and airport can also help you find lower fares.
Accommodation will likely be your largest monthly expense while living in the UK. Rental prices vary significantly depending on the city, neighborhood, and type of accommodation. The estimates below are based on the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment.
| Location | Typical Monthly Rent (GBP)* |
|---|---|
| Central London | £2,000–£3,000+ |
| Outer London & Surrounding Areas | £1,300–£2,000 |
| Manchester, Birmingham & Leeds | £900–£1,500 |
| Liverpool & Newcastle | £700–£1,200 |
| Cardiff | £800–£1,300 |
| Swansea | £700–£1,100 |
| Edinburgh | £1,100–£2,000 |
| Glasgow | £800–£1,500 |
| Belfast | £800–£1,400 |
| Smaller Towns & Rural Areas | £500–£1,100* |
*Note: These figures are based on the estimated monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Most Canadians on the UK Youth Mobility Scheme initially choose shared accommodation, where renting a room can significantly reduce monthly housing costs, particularly in London. Rental prices vary depending on the neighborhood, property type, and market conditions.
Money-saving tip: If you’re moving to the UK on a working holiday, consider renting a room in a shared house or apartment when you first arrive. Shared accommodation is usually more affordable, gives you the opportunity to meet new people, and lets you explore different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease.
One of the biggest upfront expenses when moving to the UK is paying your first month’s rent. Most landlords require the first month’s rent to be paid before you move in, so it’s important to include this in your relocation budget, especially if you haven’t started working or received your first UK paycheque.
Rental costs vary significantly depending on where you live and the type of accommodation you choose. While cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, or Glasgow tend to be more affordable, London is considerably more expensive. Most Canadians moving to the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme initially choose a room in a shared house or apartment, as it is the most budget-friendly option and a great way to meet new people while settling into life in the UK.
Money-saving tip: Consider renting a room in a shared property, preparing meals at home, and relying on the UK’s excellent public transportation network. These simple choices can significantly reduce your monthly expenses while you settle into your new life and start earning a regular income.
When renting a property in the UK, you’ll usually be required to pay a security deposit before moving in. For most rental properties in England, the deposit is capped at the equivalent of five weeks’ rent and must be protected in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. The exact amount will depend on your monthly rent and the location of your accommodation.
If you’re moving directly from a rental property in Canada, remember that you’ll likely need to pay your UK security deposit before receiving your Canadian deposit back. Be sure to budget for this temporary overlap in costs.
Provided you meet the terms of your tenancy agreement and leave the property in good condition, your security deposit should be refunded at the end of your tenancy, less any agreed deductions for damage or unpaid rent.
When planning your move to the UK, it’s important to budget for your first month’s everyday living expenses while you settle in and wait to receive your first paycheque. These costs typically include groceries, public transportation, a mobile phone plan, toiletries, and other day-to-day essentials.
Your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle and where you live, but budgeting around £350 (approximately CAD $660) for your first month is a good starting point for most Canadians moving on the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Money-saving tip: Shop at supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, or ASDA, use contactless public transport instead of taxis, and take advantage of student or young person discounts where available. Small savings can quickly add up during your first few weeks in the UK.
Example monthly living expenses in the UK:
These figures are estimates only and will vary depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and your spending habits. If you’re living outside London or sharing accommodation, your monthly expenses may be significantly lower.
Public transportation is one of the main monthly expenses to consider when living in the UK. Fortunately, the UK has an extensive network of buses, trains, trams, and underground services, making it easy to get around without owning a car. The amount you’ll spend depends on where you live, how far you commute, and how often you travel.
Here’s a general guide to public transport costs across the UK:
| Region | Typical Monthly Public Transport Cost |
|---|---|
| London | From £170–£220 |
| Manchester & Birmingham | From £60–£90 |
| Cardiff (Wales) | From £55–£80 |
| Edinburgh & Glasgow | From £60–£100 |
| Belfast | From £55–£85 |
Money-saving tip: If you’re 16–25 years old (or 26–30 with a digital Railcard), consider purchasing a 16–25 Railcard or a 26–30 Railcard, which gives you 1/3 off most train fares across Great Britain.
If you’re travelling regularly within one city, buying a weekly or monthly bus or travel pass is often much cheaper than paying for individual journeys. Many employers also offer interest-free season ticket loans to help spread the cost of commuting.
One of the biggest advantages of moving to the UK from Canada on the UK Youth Mobility Scheme is having the opportunity to explore the country while living and working abroad. Whether you’re sightseeing in London, visiting historic castles, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, enjoying local pubs, or taking weekend trips across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it’s worth including entertainment and personal spending in your monthly budget.
The good news is that enjoying a working holiday in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. Many of the UK’s most popular attractions are completely free, including world-famous museums such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern in London. You’ll also find free walking tours, public parks, festivals, markets, and cultural events throughout the year, making it easy to experience the UK on a budget.
When planning the cost of moving to the UK from Canada, we recommend setting aside approximately £265 (CAD $500) during your first month for entertainment, meals out, shopping, gym memberships, streaming subscriptions, and other personal expenses. Creating a realistic entertainment budget will help you enjoy your UK adventure while keeping your finances on track.
Based on the estimated expenses outlined in this guide, Canadians planning to move to the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa should budget approximately: $7,364
| Expense | Estimated Cost* |
|---|---|
| UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa | £340 (CAD $650) |
| UK Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years) | £1,552 (CAD $3,000) |
| One-Way Flight from Canada | From £320 (CAD $600) |
| First Month’s Rent | CAD $1,100 |
| Security Deposit | CAD $700 |
| Initial Living Expenses | CAD $500 |
| Entertainment & Personal Spending | CAD $500 |
| Estimated Total | CAD $7,364 |
Keep in mind that this is only a guide. Your actual moving costs will depend on factors such as where you choose to live, your travel dates, and your personal spending habits. We recommend budgeting a little extra to help cover unexpected expenses during your first few weeks in the UK.
Money-Saving Tips
Moving to the UK is a significant investment, but with careful planning and a realistic budget, you’ll be well prepared to make the most of your working holiday experience.
If you’re ready to start your UK adventure, we can help you navigate the process, from preparing your visa application to getting settled after you arrive.
Have more questions about moving to the UK?
Feel free to visit our UK Working Holiday Program page for more information or fill out the form below to get in touch with our team!
This is probably the most common question we get asked by our participants moving to the UK. When creating a budget for living in the UK, you need to consider the money you will be making once living there.
Your working holiday visa will allow you to live and work in the UK for up to two years. This means there is no barrier for an employer to hire you, even for a career position. Finding work in the UK is very similar to applying for a job in Canada. Having previous relatable work experience or skills for the jobs you are applying for will increase your chances of landing the position.
As part of our UK Send-Off Package, we provide a list of job resources specific to your industry of choice to help you find a job in the UK. We’re happy to say that our participants have always found a job.
We also have a UK Camp Program where we get you a job at a fun outdoor camp before you arrive in the UK. In this program, your living costs and meals are all included as well! With your accommodation and meals covered, you can literally pocket every dime you earn while enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience of living in Europe.
Yes. Most Canadians moving to the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa earn enough to cover their monthly living expenses, especially if they budget carefully and choose shared accommodation. Your salary will depend on your job, experience, location, and the number of hours you work each week.
Many participants find jobs in hospitality, tourism, retail, customer service, offices, and skilled trades. While entry-level positions may start close to the UK minimum wage, employers often pay more for candidates with relevant experience or specialized skills.
If you’re living in London, you’ll generally earn higher wages than in other parts of the UK, but you’ll also face a higher cost of living. Outside London, both salaries and living expenses tend to be lower.
It’s important to remember that the purpose of the UK Youth Mobility Scheme isn’t to make a large amount of money—it’s to give you the opportunity to live, work, and travel in the UK while supporting yourself financially.
For most participants, the biggest rewards aren’t measured by their bank balance. Living abroad allows you to gain international work experience, improve your résumé, meet people from around the world, and explore the UK and Europe in ways that simply aren’t possible as a tourist. It’s an investment in your personal and professional growth that many Canadians consider priceless.
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your UK working holiday. The good news is that if you’re moving to the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you’re free to live and work anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
The best place to live in the UK depends on your budget, career goals, and lifestyle. If you’re looking for the widest range of job opportunities and an exciting city lifestyle, London is a popular choice. Cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Belfast also offer excellent employment opportunities while generally providing a lower cost of living than London.
If you’re not sure where you want to settle, many Canadians begin their working holiday by staying in short-term accommodation. This gives you time to explore different neighborhoods, attend job interviews, and decide where you feel most at home before signing a long-term lease.
Our UK Send-Off Package helps Canadians prepare for life in the UK by providing guidance on choosing where to live, understanding the rental market, and arranging accommodation before arrival. If you’re looking for a different experience, our UK Camp Program includes accommodation, allowing you to live and work in the British countryside while exploring the UK during your time off.
Sign up for our FREE online academy - modules cover visa process, job search & more. Plus you could win prizes worth $1,799 to kickstart the trip!