Moving to London - Cost comparisons to Toronto

PaulAntonSmith
Junior Member



Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 10
Location: Toronto

Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:20 pm

 

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Hello,

I'll be moving in the fall to London from Toronto and am familiar with the costs of groceries, electronics, furniture, etc. but am inept as to judging what a 'reasonable' letting cost should be considered. Both myself and a friend intend on living together and we'd be splitting the costs 50/50, but exactly what a reasonable price is for a half-decent flat - I'm unsure. We'd likely be capable of earning at least 9 pounds/hour full-time (though hopefully more like 10). What do most 20 somethings earn and where do they live? How much do you think is reasonable to spend on rent considering a 9-10 pound/hr job and a 50/50 split?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank You.

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sleepy
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Posts: 57
Location: London

Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:06 pm

 

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Hi Paul,

People often say that things are the same price in the UK as they are in Canada, except that the currency is pounds rather than dollars.

Using that logic, living on £10 per hour in the UK is comparable to living on $10 per hour in Canada.

It's very difficult to say what the average twenty-something earns. There's an huge variance. like anything between £10K and £100K per year. If I were to throw out a guess, I would say the average is £30K to £35K in London.

Regarding where twenty-somethings live. as far as I know, as close to central London as they can afford. Nothing is worst than going out, getting loaded, and having to travel a looooong distance to get home.

I think £1000 per month should get you guys a decent 2 bedroom flat just outside of central London. By "decent" i mean "livable". This price will fluctuate according to the quality, size, and location of the flat (close to public transit). The current season is also a factor. Also keep in mind that many flats are offered furnished.

Check out these sites to get a better idea of flat rental prices:

http://www.gumtree.com
http://www.findaproperty.com

I hope you enjoy your time in the London. This place is ridiculously expensive, but ridiculously fun. Be careful not to blow your rent money at the pub!

Cheers mate!

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RandyLahey
New Member



Joined: 25 Apr 2006
Posts: 4

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:05 am

 

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I was just back in Canada not to long ago, and with the dollar at 2 $/£ it seemed like things in Canada cost pretty much the same as they would in the UK. (I was shocked that a pint of beer cost me $5.40 at the bar in Canada).

I do love living in London, but the one thing you should prepare to be disappointed with, is the housing.

It's often very expensive and the landlords often do a very half-assed job of renovations.

On 9/10 £ an hour, you probably want to consider zone 2 or further out.

Areas such as Clapham, Putney and Fulham in the south are young and trendy and have pretty good transport links.

For something a bit less social, but certainly newer, you can look for something in the east around Canada Water.

Good luck on your search.
_________________
Mr. Lahey I got soap in my eyes!

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sleepy
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Posts: 57
Location: London

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:36 pm

 

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Hey, I was just doing a search for properties in south-west London, and there seems to be quite a few 2 bedroom flats available for 185-200 quid per week.

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oohmercyme
Moderator



Joined: 21 Mar 2004
Posts: 312
Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 2:04 pm

 

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I hear a lot of people say that you should make the same amount in pounds that you do in dollars at home and I dont' know if that is accurate.

I was making $50000 in Toronto and if I were making £50000 my standard of living would be unbelievable here! The things I could do with £50000! (My standard of living in an outer London borough is the same as it was living in Toronto). I'm thinking slightly more than half is more accurate. Just MHO.

Anyway- no words of wisdom, but welcome to the site Paul and good luck! It's a hoot out here!
_________________
Lori

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PaulAntonSmith
Junior Member



Joined: 31 Jul 2006
Posts: 10
Location: Toronto

Posted: Sat Aug 05, 2006 7:31 pm

 

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Thanks for the replies. Thus far, I've been looking at Highgate, Clapham, Fulham, Brixton, Battersea, and Kentish Town. Might any of you live in/know a little bit more about these areas as far as letting/transportation/safety is concerned?

Thanks.

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ballinger
Junior Member



Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 21
Location: London

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:44 am

 

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Let me have a go at assessing neighbourhoods - I've moved around a bit in the 6 years I've been here.
Highgate - some parts nice, some lousy. On the Northern Line which is arguably the lousiest line in London. You can find some good deals on rent here but they may be small and/or far from the station.
Clapham - also on the Northern Line and a number of overland lines, and lots of buses. Very accessible, great nightlife - if you like to go out and you can find an affordable place here, this would be my pick.
Fulham - like the classy sister of Clapham. Restaurants and bars aplenty and full of the rich and famous. You could easily spend your paycheque here. No tube but lots of buses. The most central of the areas you've picked. Would expect rent to be ridiculous and the place to be tiny.
Brixton - hmm. Many many bars and clubs. Many many drug dealers. On the Victoria line (a good one) and also has a few overground trains. I like going out here but I don't think I'd want to live in Brixton - too busy for me. But if you like crowds you'll be fine, and it's cheap for renting!
Battersea - up and coming but currently a bit boring - lots of new apartment blocks. No underground but overground only 1 stop to Victoria station and there are a few buses. It seems strangely empty in this area but maybe I haven't gone down the right streets.
Kentish Town - rather like Brixton but in the north - so on the Northern Line. Has some nice bits but is generally a bit run-down. Should be reasonably cheap. Some very good clubs and bars if you like the grungy type.

Try not to commit to anything long-term until you can check the places out personally - as someone warned earlier, accommodation standards in London can be appalling! Good luck!

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sleepy
CanuckAbroad Regular



Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Posts: 57
Location: London

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 1:56 pm

 

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hey,

since i'm currently looking for a new flat, i have visited many of those neighbourhoods recently, and i agree with ballinger's assessments.

Brixton and Kentish Town are dodgy. I agree that Clapham is the best choice from that list. Very trendy, great nightlife, but pricier rents.

Personally, I'm looking at Canada Water and Canary Wharf. The flats there are very modern, similar to condos in Toronto, with nice water views. And the nightlife is ok too.

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