According to Numbeo, the UK's cost of living is 32.5% higher than in Spain, excluding rent, with UK rent running £343 a month more expensive, according to costliving.net. While Spain's lower cost of living is a major draw, it's the surprisingly cheap everyday essentials that help locals stretch their money further than in the UK.
Supermarket Savings
When browsing Spanish supermarkets, essential items often cost less than a euro. For example, Mercadona, a popular Spanish supermarket chain, offers a pint of milk for €0.82 (£0.71), while a pint of milk at Tesco in the UK costs £1.05. While these savings are small, they add up over the course of a year, leaving extra money for savings or travel. Spain also offers an excellent selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, often fresher, tastier, and better value than those in the UK.
Transport Costs
During residency as a student, the author used Valencia’s previous ‘Carnet Jove’ scheme for free transport. Even now, a regular single-journey, one-zone ticket on the Valencia metro costs only €1.50 (£1.29). In comparison, a standard peak-time Tube journey in London costs £3.10, making Spanish public transport a major victory for the wallet. Valencia is also a highly walkable city, offering the option to get around on foot.
Alcohol Prices
Alcohol is notably affordable in Spanish supermarkets, and spirits are generously poured in bars and clubs. At Mercadona, a 1.5-litre bottle of Don Simón Sangría typically costs around €1.95 (£1.68), while options like Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemon) cost around €1.95 (£1.29). The author saved hundreds of pounds over the year, even while eating and drinking out, particularly compared with the UK, where restaurant wine prices surged by 40% between 2020 and 2025, according to UKHospitality.
Restaurant Deals
While the UK offers excellent regular high street discounts, many Spanish restaurant chains provide excellent prices all year round. One example is Tiki Taco, where each taco is as cheap as €1 (£0.86). Another well-known spot is 100 Montaditos, famous for its 100 varieties of small sandwiches, also from €1 (£0.86) each. Brits travelling to Spain this summer should look out for the phrase ‘Menu del Día’, offered in many Spanish cafés. This deal usually includes a three-course lunch of starter, main, drink, and dessert or coffee, typically between €10 and €15.
