Cost of Living in London: A Breakdown for Expats

A black and white photo of a small London café interior showing a staff member at the counter. Chalkboard menus display the prices for various items including burgers, smoothies, and hot drinks. The kitchen area and storage shelves with bottles and supplies are visible in the background.

The cost of living in London is one of the first considerations for expats planning a move. London is an exciting, opportunity-rich city, but its living costs can come as a bit of a shock for those who haven’t done their homework. With rent, transport, and groceries all consuming a sizable portion of monthly income, it’s essential to know what to expect.

Expats should also be prepared for the high cost of entertainment and dining out in London, as well as other expenses such as council tax and utilities. Despite the expense, many expats find the vibrant cultural scene, diverse food options, and convenient public transportation system to be worth the price tag. By creating a budget and sticking to it, expats can better manage their finances and fully enjoy all that London has to offer.

Tax Equalisation for Employees on International Assignment

Close-up image of a white typewriter with a sheet of paper inserted that has "TAX HEAVEN" typed in large, bold black letters. The typewriter appears to be vintage style with its metal typebars visible beneath the paper and traditional keyboard keys visible at the bottom of the frame. The typewriter sits on a light wooden surface.

Tax equalisation is a key consideration when relocating employees for international assignments. Managing these assignments can be complex, and without a structured approach, employees may find themselves in a financially disadvantaged position due to differing tax systems. HR teams with little experience in international assignments may not yet be familiar with how tax equalisation works or why it matters.

However, having a clear tax equalisation policy in place can streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and prevent unexpected tax-related costs for both employees and the organisation. By ensuring employees are not worse off financially due to their relocation, companies can improve retention, maintain morale, and make international assignments more attractive.

Cost of Living Allowance: A Guide for HR Teams Managing Global Mobility

A person in business attire views a large digital world map display with data visualisations while holding a smartphone showing a similar map interface. The screen displays global analytics with various metrics around the borders in a predominantly blue colour scheme.

When relocating employees internationally as part of your global mobility programme, a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) plays a key role in maintaining their financial well-being. But what exactly is it, and how should HR teams approach it?

A Cost of Living Allowance is designed to bridge the gap between an employee’s home country living costs and those in the host country. Without it, international assignments can become financially unviable for employees, leading to reluctance or dissatisfaction. But how do you calculate it fairly? What factors should you consider beyond the basic cost of goods and services?

International Assignment Planning for the First Time

A British Airways Boeing 747 aircraft parked at gate M11 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal 1. The plane is connected to a jetway with various ground service vehicles and cargo containers surrounding it. The image shows a clear day with blue skies and scattered clouds, with the airport tarmac visible.

Planning an international assignment for the first time can feel overwhelming. After all, it’s not just about sending an employee to a new country; it’s about creating a structured, supportive experience that benefits both the employee and the organisation. At Adleo, we believe that a thoughtful, proactive approach is the key to success when it comes to overseas relocation. With careful planning and attention to detail, an international assignment can be a transformative experience for all parties involved.

To ensure your international assignment goes smoothly, here’s our step-by-step guide that covers every essential element—from the initial planning phase to post-arrival support.

Thank you for considering Adleo for your relocation needs.

To help us provide you with an accurate quote, please take a moment to fill out this form. As soon as we receive your request, one of our friendly representatives will be in touch with you within the next 2 business days.

Adleo Relocation
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.