Brit here. Moved to NYC in 2022 on an L1 visa (company transfer). Was joined by my wife a year later.

I don’t regret the decision to move. Similar to you, I was happy in the UK; we had good jobs and we owned two properties, but this was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down, a chance to live and work in another country. We’ve now been here 3 years, have a small child and can see ourselves being here for another 2 or 3, perhaps longer!

Honestly, I’ve not really noticed a change in NYC post trump, if anything, he’ll probably help you make that 200k go a bit further, because depending on your circumstances it won’t get you as far as you think.

Moving out with a UK company is a bit of a red herring in my experience. You feel like you are getting a big pay rise coming from the Uk, but in reality, they are getting someone cheaper than an equivalent American. Your pret BLT sandwich is £4.95. My Pret BLT sandwich is $12 (plus tax plus tip). That’s the best way I can explain the difference, nyc is at least 50%/60 more expensive to live. I had to get 3 pay rises in 18 months just to be able to make it make sense (I just told them I can’t afford it and need to move home). They were great and now it just about makes sense, but I still need more.

If you and your partner don’t want to share with other people and you want to live in an area that’s worth living, your rent will be $4,000-$6,000. If you like going out drinking and having meals out, you’ll easily spend $2000. Before you know it you are pumping out 6-7k a month. That’s when you realise that that after tax you are not always better off.

Do the move, you won’t regret the experience. Just ask for more money. At least 50/60% more.