How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad?
How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad? [Free 2026 Calculator]
"How much money do I actually need to move abroad?" is one of the most searched — and most vaguely answered — questions in immigration planning. Most guides give you a single scary number or tell you to "save as much as possible." Neither helps you actually plan.
This calculator breaks the real cost into four pieces that matter: visa and admin fees, your flight out, the housing deposit and first month's rent you'll need on day one, and a savings buffer to cover living costs while you find your footing. Pick your destination and household size, and get a realistic number in seconds — not a guess.
How Much Money You Need, Country by Country (2026)
Moving to the United States. Between visa costs (often partly employer-covered for H-1B holders, but budget for what isn't), a security deposit plus first month's rent, and a recommended 3-month living buffer, a single person should plan for several thousand dollars in setup costs before the first paycheck lands — more in high-cost metros like Austin, New York, or San Francisco.
Moving to the UK. The UK's rising visa fees and mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge make it one of the more expensive countries to set up in on paper, even before rent. London's deposit norms (five weeks' rent plus a month in advance) add a real upfront cost on top.
Moving to Germany. Germany is one of the more affordable EU countries to relocate to — visa fees are low, and Berlin's rent remains noticeably cheaper than Amsterdam, London, or Toronto. The main upfront cost is the traditional three-month Kaution (security deposit) landlords expect.
Moving to the Netherlands. Amsterdam's rent is a bigger factor here than visa costs, which are relatively low, especially for employer-sponsored Highly Skilled Migrant applicants. Budget more for housing than for admin fees.
Moving to Canada. Express Entry's application and Right of Permanent Residence fees add up per adult, and Toronto's rental market is one of the priciest in North America — factor both into your number, not just the visa itself.
Moving to Portugal. Portugal remains one of the more accessible EU countries to relocate to on a budget: low visa fees, and Lisbon's cost of living — while it has risen sharply in recent years — is still below most Northern European capitals.
Moving to Spain. Similar story to Portugal: modest visa fees and a moderate cost of living in Madrid, especially compared to Amsterdam or London, make Spain one of the more approachable options on this list.
Moving to Estonia. Tallinn consistently comes in as the most affordable base on this list for day-to-day living, even though its digital nomad visa has one of the higher income requirements to qualify in the first place.
Explore the Full Visa Details
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need saved before moving abroad? It depends heavily on the country and your household size, but as a rule of thumb, budget for visa and admin fees, a flight, a housing deposit plus first month's rent, and at least three months of living costs as a buffer. Use the calculator above for a number specific to your situation.
Does this calculator account for exchange rates? Figures are shown in US dollars using 2026 average costs. If your savings are in another currency, check the current exchange rate before finalizing your budget, since currency movements can meaningfully change how far your savings stretch.
Will my employer cover any of these costs? Sometimes. Employer-sponsored visas — particularly US H-1B and some EU Blue Card cases — often have visa fees, and occasionally relocation costs, covered or reimbursed by the employer. Confirm what's included in your specific offer before assuming you'll need to cover everything yourself.
Is this calculator accurate for every city, not just the ones mentioned? No — it uses representative-city averages (for example, Lisbon for Portugal, Berlin for Germany) as a planning baseline. Costs in smaller cities are typically lower, and costs in premium neighborhoods or capital-city centers can run well above these estimates.
Komentarze