Oxford, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#1474
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oxford is a historic city in the South East of England, known for its prestigious university and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 154,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speed is around 80 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GBP ≈ 1.32 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and O2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Options include Barclays, HSBC, and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms include Airbnb, Zoopla, and Rightmove for long-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local estate agents offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Oxford Backpackers Hostel and YHA Oxford. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City Centre, close to attractions like the Ashmolean Museum. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Jericho, known for its cafes and community vibe. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Oxford Hub offers a collaborative workspace for professionals. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Missing Bean, offers great coffee and a conducive working environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups regularly held at the Oxford Innovation Centre. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Oxford Expats Meetup group on Facebook regularly hosts events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and local company 001 Taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Beryl Bike, an excellent bike-sharing service. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is in West Wittering, about 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | British Airways connects from London airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and EasyJet operate flights from London airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to the M40 motorway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oxford Railway Station connects you to London and the Midlands. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Oxfordshire County Council offers day and monthly bus passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like London and Birmingham are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the main healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaVenue and the Oxford Centre for Yoga. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | PureGym and David Lloyd Clubs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | The Oxford Launderette. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Cornish pasty from local bakeries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zizzi's and The Gardeners Arms offer excellent options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ben's Cookies is a must-visit for cookie lovers. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Covered Market has great local produce and budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and eBay are widely used. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cowley Road is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Oxford Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Old Jam Factory is a popular wine bar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets are often held at Gloucester Green. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Kadai and The Siam are known for Indian and Thai food respectively. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ashmolean Museum and Modern Art Oxford. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Christ Church College and Bridge of Sighs. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Christ Church Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Oxford Festival of the Arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Cowley Road is known for its diverse culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Oxford Playhouse offers a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oxford Covered Market is a hub for local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | O2 Academy hosts live music events and gigs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around Cowley. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery offers a variety of classes in different cuisines. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Ashmolean holds numerous exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Sheldonian Theatre is a notable architectural gem. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Oxford's symbolism is deeply tied to education and intellectualism. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The University Parks offer beautiful walking paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Cotswolds is a nearby area of outstanding natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Oxford offers numerous cycling routes along the River Thames. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The University Parks provides excellent views of the university buildings. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Oxford Wetland Centre is ideal for bird watchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in South Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail and DHL are reliable for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | The iFixit store provides tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Round Table Cafe hosts ping pong events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Oxford Language Centre offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bodleian Library offers great study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Oxford Community Centre hosts various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Forge provides a gaming venue for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos in Oxford; the closest is in London. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £4,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = £120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = £96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,800 per m² (e.g., 55 m² = £209,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,800 per m² (e.g., 55 m² = £154,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £288,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19% (scheduled to drop to 25% in 2023) |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for UK residents |
| 🏦 Tax System | UK residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income over £150,000 |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under UK law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value assessed by local council. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax varies from 0% to 12%, depending on the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The UK does not offer specific tax benefits for digital nomads, but no capital gains tax for non-residents. |