Making the move from Toronto to London represents a significant lifestyle change that requires careful planning and preparation.
Quick Facts About London vs Toronto
- Population: London (9 million) vs Toronto (3 million)
- Average Rent: London (£1,800/month) vs Toronto (C$2,300/month)
- Public Transit: London Underground vs TTC
- Currency: British Pound (GBP) vs Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Immigration Requirements
Canadians need a valid visa or work permit to live in the UK.
Common visa options include:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18-30)
- Global Talent Visa
Housing Tips
Popular areas for expats include:
- Richmond – family-friendly, green spaces
- Shoreditch – trendy, similar to Toronto’s Queen West
- Islington – urban feel, great dining
- Greenwich – quieter, historic area
Healthcare
Register with the National Health Service (NHS) upon arrival for access to public healthcare.
Banking & Finance
- Major UK banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest
- Required documents: Proof of address, passport, visa
- Consider international banks like HSBC for easier transition
Moving Your Belongings
Reliable international moving companies:
- Crown Relocations: +1 416-907-8012
- AGS Moving: +1 416-391-0281
- Allied Van Lines: +1 800-689-8684
Cost Comparison
| Expense | London | Toronto |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transit Pass | £150 | C$156 |
| Coffee | £3.50 | C$4.50 |
| Cinema Ticket | £15 | C$16 |
Practical Tips
- Get an Oyster card for public transport
- Open a UK bank account before moving if possible
- Research council tax rates in your chosen borough
- Consider purchasing voltage converters (UK: 230V vs Canada: 120V)
- Register with a local GP upon arrival
Useful Resources
- UK Visa Information
- NHS GP Registration
- Rightmove – UK’s largest property website
- Transport for London – Public transit information
Timeline Checklist
- 3-6 months before: Apply for visa, research areas
- 2-3 months before: Book movers, start house hunting
- 1 month before: Set up UK bank account, arrange utilities
- 1 week before: Pack essentials, notify important contacts
Weather Adjustment
London experiences milder winters but more frequent rain compared to Toronto. Pack accordingly:
- Waterproof jackets and boots essential
- Fewer extreme temperature swings
- Less snowfall than Toronto
- More overcast days throughout the year
Cultural Differences
Work Culture
- More holiday allowance (minimum 28 days)
- Pub culture important for networking
- Different workplace terminology
- Earlier working hours common
Social Norms
- Queue etiquette highly valued
- Less direct communication style
- Different tipping culture (usually 10-15%)
- Sunday roasts and afternoon tea traditions
Education Considerations
For families with children:
- Different school year schedule (September-July)
- State vs. private schools
- School catchment areas affect housing choices
- International schools available
Conclusion
Moving from Toronto to London requires thorough preparation across multiple areas: immigration, housing, healthcare, and cultural adjustment. Success depends on:
- Starting preparations early
- Understanding visa requirements
- Securing housing in advance
- Building a support network
- Embracing cultural differences
With proper planning and an open mind, the transition to London life can be both smooth and rewarding.
FAQs
- What documents do I need to relocate from Toronto to London?
You’ll need a valid passport, UK visa or work permit, proof of funds, job offer letter (if applicable), accommodation details, and medical insurance coverage. For permanent moves, you’ll also need criminal record checks and biometric information. - How much should I budget for moving from Toronto to London?
The average cost ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 CAD, including shipping (roughly $3,000-8,000), flights ($600-1,200), visa fees ($500-1,500), initial accommodation ($2,000-4,000), and emergency funds. Costs vary based on belongings volume and shipping method. - What’s the best time of year to move to London?
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September) are optimal, offering milder weather and peak rental availability. Avoid December-January when housing markets are slower and weather conditions challenging. - How long does shipping household goods from Toronto to London take?
Sea freight typically takes 4-6 weeks, while air freight takes 7-10 days. Door-to-door shipping, including customs clearance, usually requires 6-8 weeks total for sea freight. - Do I need to exchange my Canadian driving license?
You can drive on your Canadian license for 12 months after becoming a UK resident. Afterward, you must exchange it for a UK license. Ontario licenses can be exchanged without retaking tests. - How does the UK healthcare system compare to Ontario’s OHIP?
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is free at point of use for legal residents. You’ll need to register with a local GP once you have proof of address. There’s a healthcare surcharge when applying for visas. - What areas in London are comparable to Toronto neighborhoods?
Richmond resembles Rosedale, Islington is similar to the Annex, Canary Wharf parallels the Financial District, while Shoreditch shares similarities with Queen West in terms of culture and atmosphere. - How do living costs compare between Toronto and London?
London is generally 20-30% more expensive than Toronto, particularly in housing and transportation. However, healthcare costs are lower, and certain groceries and entertainment options can be similarly priced. - What’s the process for opening a UK bank account?
You’ll need proof of UK address and immigration status. Many banks offer international accounts that can be set up before arrival. Major banks include HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds, with HSBC and Barclays having Canadian partnerships. - How can I maintain Canadian tax compliance while living in UK?
You must file exit tax returns with CRA when leaving Canada, declare worldwide income to UK authorities, and understand the Canada-UK tax treaty. Consider consulting a cross-border tax specialist for proper planning.