How Much Does It Cost To Move to Scotland From the US?
Fact Checked by: The cost to move to Scotland from the US averages about $15,000. That amount includes paying for international movers, as well as visa fees, plane tickets, and general cost of living expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of cost factors:
- International shipping method: You can opt for sea freight, which is more affordable but takes longer, or air freight, a much faster solution… with a price tag to match.
- Travel: You’ll need to budget for airfare to Scotland and be prepared for possible customs fees on your belongings once they arrive in the Land of Lore and Legend.
- Visa application: If you want to live in Scotland for more than six months, you’ll need to obtain a long-stay residence permit, which comes with some pretty hefty fees. Depending on the type of visa, you will pay anywhere from $560–$1,246 to live in the country as a non-citizen for two to 10 years.
- Living expenses: Depending on where in Scotland you live, a single person living needs about $1,140–$3,235 each month for rent, groceries, utility bills, and transportation.
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Of course, moving internationally isn’t as simple as booking a flight and packing a few boxes. We’ll walk you through international shipping options and what it costs to live comfortably in Scotland. We also have advice for choosing an international mover and money-saving relocation tips to help you get your new life in Scotland started off right.
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Average cost of moving to Scotland from the US
The cost of moving to Scotland from the US usually falls between $5,000 and $22,000. Your price depends on how much you’re bringing and whether you choose air or sea freight. Sea freight is the cheaper option, but it’s also slower. Air freight gets your stuff there fast, but you’ll pay a premium for the convenience.
Sea freight costs from the US to Scotland
Sea freight is the go-to for most international moves thanks to its lower cost. A 20-foot container, which typically holds the contents of a two-bedroom home, usually runs under $4,000. But slower delivery times are the trade-off. Expect your container to arrive in Scotland within four to six weeks.
Pro tip: You’ll pay less (and have a shorter wait) if you’re shipping from the US East Coast.
Some movers will deliver the shipping container right to your home so they can pack everything directly into the container before taking it to port. Others may first load your belongings into a standard moving truck, then transfer then from the truck to a container at the port. It’s good to ask prospective moving companies how they coordinate, since more handling of your stuff can increase the potential for damage.
| From | To | Container Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Glasgow | $3,091 | 28–40 days |
| LA | Glasgow | $3,362 | 37–48 days |
| NYC | Edinburgh | $4,121 | 28–40 days |
| LA | Edinburgh | $4,483 | 37–48 days |
*Based on a 20-foot container
Air freight costs from the US to Scotland
If you want your belongings in Scotland fast, air freight is your best bet. Shipments usually arrive within six to 10 days, which makes it easier to time delivery with your arrival.
That said, speed comes at a cost. Air freight is significantly more expensive than sea freight, especially for larger moves.
And space is limited. You can ship your furniture using sea freight because container ships are massive and can carry a lot of weight. Airplanes are obviously much smaller and come with significantly lower weight restrictions — usually between 220 and 1,100 pounds. Even at the high end, that limit won’t even cover half of the contents in a typical two-bedroom home, whose weight totals around 5,000–6,000 pounds.
That said, air freight can be a practical and affordable solution if you are moving to Scotland with just a handful of boxes and leaving large pieces like furniture behind.
| From | To | Shipment Cost* | Delivery Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC | Glasgow | $725 | 6–10 days |
| LA | Glasgow | $724 | 6–10 days |
| NYC | Edinburgh | $967 | 6–10 days |
| LA | Edinburgh | $966 | 6–10 days |
*Based on a 220-pound shipment
How much does it cost to live in Scotland?
One reason many Americans choose Scotland? The cost of living is affordable compared to the rest of the UK and comparable to many places in the US. Add free healthcare through the National Health Service, and the savings really stack up.
According to Numbeo, Edinburgh costs a literal fraction — 0.1% — of living expenses in Phoenix. Rent and groceries tend to be cheaper in Scotland, while transportation and childcare often cost more in the US.
Salaries in Scotland are generally lower, though. In Phoenix, the average monthly salary is about $4,448, compared to $3,511 in Edinburgh. If you’re planning to find work with a Scottish company, this gap is worth factoring into your budget.
Housing costs in Scotland
Renting in Scotland is usually cheaper than in the US, especially outside major city centers. Buying, however, can get pricey. Homes in Scotland cost 33%–66% more per square foot, depending on the area.
| Apartment | Phoenix | Edinburgh | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rental | $1,646 | $1,556 | –5.5% |
| 3BR rental | $2,578 | $2,935 | +13.9% |
| Price per sq. ft. (purchase) | $364.54 | $641.60 | +76% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Phoenix and Edinburgh (March 2025)
If you’re moving internationally, start by renting. It’s less of a commitment while you explore neighborhoods and hunt for the perfect home at the right price. Renting directly from a private landlord is typically more affordable than going through a letting agency.
To avoid scams, ask private landlords for their registration number. For agency rentals, sites like Lettingweb are a great place to start.
Best cities in Scotland for Americans
- Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital blends history and modern culture. Think castles, cobblestone roads, and festive street fairs. It’s walkable, well-connected by public transit, and very expat-friendly.
- Aberdeen: One of the UK’s most affordable cities, Aberdeen is also known as a thriving business hub. It’s planned green spaces and scenic landscapes make it a great pick for people who like to spend their free time outdoors.
- Glasgow: Scotland’s largest city is a top pick for young professionals because it offers vibrant nightlife, a strong job market, and an impressive music and arts scene.
- Inverness: Nestled in the Highlands, Inverness has a slower pace of life, breathtaking scenery, and lower living costs. It’s also one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities.
Utilities costs in Scotland
You’ll probably pay more for basic household utilities like electricity and water in Scotland. But you’ll save big on cell phone and internet plans, so, overall it balances out.
| Utility | Phoenix | Edinburgh | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic housing utilities* | $255.13 | $343.69 | +34.7% |
| Internet | $81.91 | $41.14 | –49.8% |
| Monthly cellphone plan | $73.37 | $17.20 | –76.6% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Phoenix and Edinburgh (March 2025)*Based on the combined cost of electricity, water/sewer, and trash for a 915 square foot apartment (March 2025)
Food costs in Scotland
Most staples — like bread, cheese, and produce — are cheaper in Scotland. Eating out varies. Fast food and low-cost meals are cheaper, but mid-range restaurant dining can be pricier.
If you cook at home most of the time, your grocery bill will likely go down after moving.
| Food | Phoenix | Edinburgh | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast food meal | $12 | $9.39 | –2.8% |
| 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant | $80 | $90.70 | +13.4% |
| Gallon of milk | $3.44 | $6.20 | +80.2% |
| 1 dozen eggs | $4.44 | $4.04 | –9.2% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Phoenix and Edinburgh (March 2025)
Transportation costs in Scotland
Whether you’re commuting by bus or car, you can expect to pay more in Scotland. Gas is nearly double the American average price per gallon.
The good news? Many Scottish cities are walkable, and the public transit is excellent and reasonably affordable, so you might not need a car at all.
| Transportation mode | Phoenix | Edinburgh | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way public transit ticket | $2 | $2.59 | +29.6% |
| Monthly public transit pass | $62 | $85.51 | +37.9% |
| 1 gallon of gas | $3.74 | $6.99 | +65.6% |
| New car* | $25,316 | $32,977 | +86.8% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Phoenix and Edinburgh (March 2025)
*Based on the cost of Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or equivalent new vehicle (March 2025)
Education costs in Scotland
If you’re considering private school, tuition can be much higher than in the US. Do your research on school ratings and neighborhoods ahead of time so you can take advantage of Scotland’s strong public education system.
| School type | Phoenix | Edinburgh | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-day private preschool/kindergarten (monthly) | $1,025 | $1,827 | +78.2% |
| International primary school (annual) | $12,400 | $22,544 | +81.8% |
Source: Numbeo cost of living comparison of Phoenix and Edinburgh (March 2025)
Scotland’s visa & immigration requirements
Scotland follows UK immigration rules.
Here are the most common long-term visa types:
- Skilled worker: You must first have job offer from an approved employer before applying for this visa, which is renewable up to five years.
- Health and care worker: This specialized work visa rewards non-citizens in high-demand medical professions by allowing them to stay for five years standard (no need to renew it). You can extend your stay without limit after the five years is up.
- Student: You can stay in the country for up to five years on a student visa, provided you’re at least 18 and remain actively enrolled at a Scottish university.
- Family: If your spouse or long-term partner, child or parent is a British citizen, they can sponsor a family visa so that you can be reunited in Scotland. This visa also allows foreign nationals who need long-term care from a family member who lives in Scotland. To be approved, you must be able to show that you cannot afford or get access to the needed care in your home country.
There’s currently no retirement visa, so if you’re in your golden years, you’ll need to pick the option above that is most relevant to your situation, which can be a bit tricky, since most retirees don’t plan on joining the workforce full-time or head back to school. If you’re looking for the best overseas spots to retire, Scotland might not be the best fit.
After living in Scotland on a long-stay visa for at five years, you will be eligible for permanent residence.
Moving to Scotland from the US
From visas and housing to flights and freight, international relocations are complex and come with a lot of to-do tasks. But if you start early and stay organized (we suggest keeping an overseas moving checklist), you won’t get overwhelmed.
One major way to keep stress at a minimum is to hire the help of an experienced international mover.
Top international moving companies
Hiring a full-service international mover takes a lot of the unknowns out of the equation. In addition to handling packing (if you prefer), they are well-versed in the logistics that come with moving abroad like customs clearance and overseeing shipments.
We always recommend getting quotes from at least three moving companies so you can get a good comparison of international relocation costs and services.
Start by contacting these stellar international moving companies:
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Shipping your vehicle to Scotland
Shipping a car to Scotland is certainly possible, but it’s worth considering whether the cost and coordination efforts are worth it. International auto transport can be pricey, and it’ll cost a lot more to fuel up in Scotland.
If you can’t leave without your car, you can ask International Van Lines, JK Moving, and Allied Van Lines about their rates. All three companies can arrange for car shipping as part of your total moving package. mporting can be costly. If you’re committed, look for movers that offer car shipping, or connect with a specialist shipper directly.
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Tips for moving to Scotland from the US
- Start your visa application early. This is typically the first step… and the most essential, since it ensures your long-term stay in Scotland. Visa application processing can often take several months, so don’t put this off until the last minute.
- Secure housing in advance. Similar to its UK neighbor Ireland, Scotland’s housing is in high demand, particularly in major cities. That demand also drives up rental pricing, so finding an adequate, affordable place to live can be a challenge. Get started on your search as soon as you can, and, if possible, make a quick trip to your future home country to do some in-person house hunting.
- Compare movers. Seek out estimates and service information from at least three reputable companies.
- Book your flight. Aim to buy tickets about 60 days in advance for the best deals.
- Downsize your belongings. Decluttering ahead of a move is always a smart idea, since common sense will tell you that less to ship means lower costs. This might be a good point in the process to decide whether to ship your furniture overseas or leave it behind. If you sell the things you don’t need, you can put that money toward your relocation! Donate anything you can’t sell or giveaway to friends, family, or neighbors.
- Notify your bank. Let financial providers know you’re moving so they don’t flag your account for suspicious activity.
FAQ
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Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we understand that all moving and car shipping companies aren’t created equal. We undertake a rigorous review process to rate and review companies to ensure we provide accurate recommendations.
This is the breakdown of the methodology we use to rate moving companies:
- Customer satisfaction: In addition to looking at reviews with the BBB, Google, and other third-party sites, we rely heavily on interviews with Better Moves Project participants to understand the pros and cons of each company.
- Standard services: The services that are included as part of a company’s standard offerings — and which ones you can only get for an additional fee — affect a company’s rating.
- Reputation: We evaluate a company’s industry ratings, including aspects like carrying sufficient insurance coverage and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Add-on services: We look at any add-on services that can simplify a move — such as customized crates and special handling of large or fragile items — as well as services that aren’t offered by all moving companies.
- Availability: The areas a company serves — as well as whether they offer local, long-distance, or international services — is another important consideration. Widespread availability is most useful.
- Payment: Ease of making a payment (including submitting a deposit) with multiple options (credit card, check, cash, etc.) can also make moving easier.
- Scheduling: How easy is it to book a moving container? What kind of lead time is needed? Readily available booking services and streamlined scheduling will help get your move underway.
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