WD, Interesting that you feel the cost of living is higher here....I can't translate dollars to pounds nor vice versa in my noggin but reading your comments it seems otherwise. My housepayments off 750 / month plus lights, gas water and trash collection average out to about 1100. Internet access and cell phone for me and a son and DIL 325, Acorn, Hulu, Netflix Amazon prime w/ Britbox and MHZ maybe 70. Gas is low right now, 2.51/gal, eggs 4/doz, 80% hamburger meat 5/lb as some examples. I pay about 300/ mo for health insurance including dental. BTW, the house payment includes 250 for house insurance and property tax. I can get a decent meal for 10-15 although if I drank more than water it would be a lot more. However, there are many places where housing is obscenely expensive with of 4k+ not uncommon in places like LA, New York, Chicago. My sense is that most of youse live in smaller towns and not in London or other more expensive places. I have actually toyed with the idea of moving there, for at least 6 months or so but I don't think I could afford it. I am not sure I could deal with your weather, either, but then again a Wyoming winter may not be your choice either. The summer and fall are tough to beat, though. I have heard it said we only have 2 seasons, winter and road construction.
If you would like to visit to check things out, let me know...got plenty of room. I will leave the light on for you.