Forgive me for interrupting; I hope I am not being too arrogant and all, but I was hoping you all would not mind if I posted; partly to share what I have learned through a bit of internet research about the differences between the cost of living here in the US vs. the cost of living there in the UK. but also to ask some questions that I have primarily because my husband and I are considering moving to the UK to live for a while.

First of all I hope I can make clear that my research may be a bit faulty because I am primarily looking at what I found from the perspective of a housewife trying to make sure our budget would work well in the UK, as well as being a person who has traveled and lived quite a bit through various areas of the US.

In any case I am not sure I totally agree that the UK is that much more expensive than living here in the US, and I hope you won't mind if I explain my thinking. First of all renting a flat; here in the US there are loads of cities where apartment prices can range anywhere from as inexpensive as $580/£290 per month in the smaller; less metro towns of some states; to as high as $65,000/£32,500 a month for rent in places like NY City; (Yes I am absolutely positive about the price; you can see it for yourself through a simple search engine search); so like there; it depends on where you live in the country... Then there is the simple immediate need for food...groceries can be a bit of give and take. Some items you have over there can be a bit pricier than here, and some can be just a bit more expensive, but others either work out the same or much more cheaply than here...Eggs, milk and beef being quite a bit more expensive; whereas tinned, canned, and fresh veggies being an example of either the same price or cheaper than many places here in the US...For a small example; we pay aproximately $1.98/99P per dozen of extra large eggs whereas on your Asda site I've seen a 12pk of barn eggs priced at about £2.44/$4.88.

Now gasoline/petrol of course is much more expensive over there, but I think your public transit is a LOT more extensive than some areas of this country...so it is a bit easier to compensate...I will grant here I do not know the price of the tube these days and actually would appreciate if anyone can let me know...I also will be EXTREMELY appreciative if someone can tell me where my thinking may be flawed since I know I have not covered everything...

Now if I might be allowed to ask my questions:
1) How are utilities handled over there? Do you have companies you call when moving to whatever city to set up any necessary services?
2) What about TV and Internet services; are there companies for that? Also I once read in some "obscure" web site that there are extra fees to pay for the TV's; that owning a TV itself can be complicated...is that true? And what is the general pricing for things like I've mentioned?
3) Also how much does it cost for gas heating and cooking?
4)*Final question I swear* How do I get cell phone service in GB?

Thanks everyone for your patience; it is appreciated...I hope I did not bore anyone...