How prices in UK compare with rest of world

As you tick off the days until payday, it’s surprising to learn that people elsewhere are worse off when it comes to soaring bills

Food

Our weekly shopping bills have risen by an average 4.4% in the past year, but lots of other places fork out much more for their basic foodstuffs.

According to cost-of-living comparison site Numbeo, we pay an average £1 for a loaf of bread, compared to £1.07 in Germany, £1.87 in Sweden and £1.35 in America.

But dining out is more expensive in the UK. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs £40 on average. In America it’s £27.62, in France £37.50 and in Spain £33.39.

Drink

British beer drinkers may have trouble swallowing our average price of £3 a pint, but bar bills in Europe are enough to turn you teetotal.

Finland tops the EU league with costs 75% above average, followed by Ireland, Sweden and the UK.

Our own Wine & Spirits Trade Association says the “duty escalator” – now scrapped – was to blame for our high prices, with tax now taking up 57% of the cost of a bottle of wine and 79% of a bottle of vodka.

Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary are best for cheap booze. A beer is 43p in Bulgaria and 56p in Romania and a bottle of wine in Hungary will lighten your wallet by just £2.76.


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