Possible return to UK - budgeting advice

[Threeisthemagicnumber3]

I'm a first-time poster. I'm British but live in the US and may return to the UK in the next year.

I'm looking for some advice on how much I'll need to budget for bills, food, car, etc., and also the minimum income you'd expect as a single parent in the South West (likely Bristol or nearby). I'll be moving with two teenagers and not sure if will be getting any support from their father.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

where to start?

are you the poster looking for schooling advice?

Honestly, how long is a piece of string? There is no one answer to this.

4 bed house vs 3 bed house vs 2 bed house vs 2 bed flat will all vary wildly.

Mercedes vs Citroen vs an old banger that you could pick up with 100,000 miles in it

Waitrose vs Asda vs Aldi

Even bills, basic TV vs Sky package, super fast internet vs basic wifi, Netflix/Disney/Prime etc.

Without more information on what you would be looking for honestly nobody can really advise.

If you want to claim benefits like Universal Credit the Habitual Residence Test will apply.

Not insurmountable but you need to know how it works and what you have to show.

Have a look at Rightmove for house prices purchase and rental. Also council website for council tax. Look at Tesco for average food prices. Auto trader for car prices.

As others have said, this really is a "how long is a piece of string" type of question.

"likely Bristol or nearby" - this is going to be the biggest thing. I guess that you have family in Bristol? Bristol is stupidly expensive. Literally any other town or city in a 30 mile radius is going to be cheaper than Bristol.

For example, this three bed, 1,300 sq ft (120 sq m) terraced house (often called a row house in the US) in the decidedly unglamorous area of Brislington:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/153767807#/?channel=RESBUY

is typical of many houses in Bristol. (I used to live very near to this house many years ago). It's currently on sale at £475k or US$615k

When it comes to food, that's a good thing. Whatever you're paying in the US, it's going to be cheaper in the UK.

When it comes to a car, things are very different compared to the US (unless you live in a very rural area, where cars are essential).

Your children will be able to walk to school or, if necessary, get the bus. That's not an issue.

The cost of a car varies - how much do you wish to spend? You can get cars on lease or buy them outright or with a loan. A good site to get an idea of the prices of cars in the UK is autotrader.co.uk They do used cars, new cars, lease cars etc.

For example, to take a discontinued car (that I happen to drive), in the US it's known as the Ford Fusion, but in the UK it's called the Ford Mondeo.

A top of the line 2022 petrol hybrid could cost as much as £22,000 (US$28,500) or a ten year old, 2014, Mondeo would likely cost you around £4,500 (US$5,800).

It all depends what you want.