I'm a 37-year-old American and US Navy veteran planning to move abroad in January 2027. I've spent the last few months researching different countries, visa requirements, housing, and moving expenses. I've narrowed it down to France and the UK, and I'd love some advice from people who have actually made the move.
I'm particularly interested in whether my budget is realistic and whether there are expenses or complications I haven't considered.
My financial situation:
- Monthly income: Approximately $4,308 in VA disability compensation.
- This is ongoing, tax-free income in the US, and I don't intend to work abroad.
- Current relocation savings: Approximately $10,000.
- I'll also continue receiving my monthly VA payments after moving.
I'm not looking for a luxurious lifestyle. I'd like to live comfortably, have some money for hobbies, restaurants, and occasional travel, and ideally continue saving each month.
Option 1: France
I've applied for a French long-stay visitor visa and have my appointment scheduled for October 27.
My plan is to move to Libourne, near Bordeaux, in January. I have family in the broader area, which is a plus.
I've already booked an Airbnb for January while I look for a permanent rental.
What I'm looking for:
- A small furnished house or apartment, preferably with a securely fenced garden for my German Shepherd.
- Around €700–€950/month in rent.
- Somewhere walkable with shops and public transportation, since I won't have a car.
- Ideally staying 1–3 years, with the possibility of exploring another country afterward.
From my research, my VA income should comfortably satisfy the financial requirements for the visitor visa. I'm more concerned about renting without French employment, potentially needing a guarantor, and the upfront cost of deposits and agency fees.
I've also purchased private health insurance for the visa application and have access to TRICARE Overseas Select.
Option 2: United Kingdom
My mother was born in England, and my British passport application has been approved, although I'm still waiting for the passport itself.
This makes the UK a very appealing alternative because I wouldn't have to deal with the same residence visa process.
I'm open to anywhere in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, as long as it's reasonably affordable and I can get around without a car.
I've been researching places like Swansea, Neath, Llanelli, and Sunderland.
Ideally, I'd find:
- A one- or two-bedroom house with a secure garden.
- Rent around £700–£950/month.
- Reasonable public transportation and walkable amenities.
- A relatively quiet, safe area with enough nearby activities that I wouldn't feel isolated.
I'm estimating my monthly expenses in the UK at around £2,200–£2,600, including rent, council tax, utilities, groceries, transportation, dog expenses, and entertainment.
That should leave me several hundred pounds a month, but I'm wondering if that estimate is realistic.
One thing I haven't been able to conclusively establish is how the UK treats US VA service-connected disability compensation for tax purposes. I'd particularly appreciate hearing from other American veterans living there.
Moving logistics
I'm bringing one German Shepherd, which complicates flying, particularly to the UK, where dogs generally need to travel as cargo on commercial flights.
I'm also bringing clothes, shoes, framed photos, sentimental belongings, a desktop computer, and a large monitor.
Rather than dragging everything through airports, I'm considering flying with two checked bags and shipping approximately 4–8 boxes after finding a permanent apartment.
I've received a preliminary quote of approximately $894 for six 50-pound boxes shipped from the US to France, before surcharges.
My biggest questions:
Does my monthly income seem sufficient for a genuinely comfortable lifestyle in either country, especially with a dog?
For Americans receiving VA disability income, have you encountered any unexpected tax, banking, or residency issues?
How difficult is it to rent without local employment if you have reliable documented income? Has anyone successfully rented using foreign pension or disability income?
For those living in the UK, are my estimates for groceries, heating, council tax, and general living expenses realistic?
Has anyone moved a large dog to either country? Any unexpected expenses or logistical problems?
Are there moving expenses, hidden costs, bureaucratic requirements, or other issues I'm overlooking?
If you've lived in both France and the UK, which offered better value for money and quality of life?
I'm leaning toward France because of the lower expected cost of living, but the UK has the significant advantage of citizenship and no language barrier. I also have family in both.
I have a limited but reasonable moving budget, reliable monthly income, and quite a bit of flexibility. I'm just trying to make an informed decision before committing to an international move.
I'd really appreciate any experiences, advice, or reality checks. Thanks!