Thinking of moving from the UK to Europe? The difference in cost of living across countries is dramatic — and often surprising. We break down exactly what you'll pay for housing, food, energy, transport and more across 10 European countries versus the UK.
The UK is one of the more expensive countries in Europe to live in, but the picture is nuanced. London is dramatically more expensive than almost anywhere in Europe. But regional UK cities are comparable to or cheaper than many European capitals. The comparison also depends heavily on what you value — some things are significantly cheaper in the UK, others aren't.
All figures below are approximate 2026 averages based on a single professional in a major city. Costs vary significantly by city, neighbourhood and lifestyle. These are meant as a guide, not a guarantee.
| Country | Rent (1-bed city) | Groceries/month | Energy/month | vs London overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK (London) | £1,800-2,500 | £350-450 | £120-160 | — |
| 🇩🇪 Germany (Berlin) | £900-1,400 | £280-360 | £100-140 | 20-35% cheaper |
| 🇫🇷 France (Paris) | £1,400-2,200 | £300-380 | £90-130 | 5-10% cheaper |
| 🇪🇸 Spain (Madrid) | £800-1,300 | £220-300 | £80-120 | 30-45% cheaper |
| 🇮🇹 Italy (Milan) | £900-1,500 | £250-330 | £90-130 | 20-30% cheaper |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands (Amsterdam) | £1,400-2,100 | £300-380 | £110-150 | 5-15% cheaper |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal (Lisbon) | £800-1,400 | £200-280 | £70-100 | 35-50% cheaper |
| 🇵🇱 Poland (Warsaw) | £500-900 | £180-240 | £60-90 | 55-65% cheaper |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden (Stockholm) | £1,200-1,900 | £350-450 | £80-120 | 10-20% cheaper |
| 🇨🇠Switzerland (Zurich) | £2,000-3,200 | £450-600 | £150-200 | 20-40% MORE expensive |
Housing: Berlin remains significantly cheaper than London, though prices have risen sharply. Munich approaches London prices. Other cities like Hamburg, Cologne and Frankfurt offer good value for the quality of life.
Food: German supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka) offer excellent quality at lower prices than UK equivalents. Eating out is comparable to the UK — cheaper in casual restaurants, similar in mid-range.
Energy: Despite high electricity prices, the average German household bill is lower than the UK due to better insulation and smaller properties. Gas heating is still common and affordable.
Transport: The Deutschlandticket (€49/month) covers all public transport nationwide — exceptional value. Car ownership costs are comparable to the UK.
Housing: Outside Madrid and Barcelona, Spain offers remarkable value. Even in Madrid, a good 1-bedroom apartment costs half what a comparable London flat would. The quality of housing is generally high with modern buildings.
Food: Fresh food at local markets is dramatically cheaper than the UK. Eating out is a revelation — a full lunch menu (menú del dÃa) with starter, main, dessert and wine costs €10-14 in most cities.
Energy: Spanish electricity prices are among the lowest in Western Europe, though they've risen since 2021. A typical monthly bill for a flat is €50-80.
Weather: The most underrated cost saving — you simply spend less on heating, clothing and entertainment than in the UK.
Housing: Lisbon has become significantly more expensive since the post-pandemic remote work boom, but remains 30-40% cheaper than London. Porto and other cities offer even better value.
Food: Excellent quality at low prices. A pastel de nata costs €1.20, a full restaurant meal €12-18. Supermarkets are affordable with good local produce.
Weather & Lifestyle: 300 days of sunshine per year in the south. The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime makes Portugal particularly attractive for remote workers and retirees.
The hidden gem of Europe: Warsaw and Krakow offer a quality of life comparable to Western European capitals at a fraction of the cost. A beautiful apartment in the centre of Warsaw costs less than a studio in outer London.
Food & Eating Out: Exceptional value. A restaurant meal costs £6-12, groceries 40-50% less than London. Polish food is hearty and excellent.
Growing Economy: Poland has one of Europe's strongest economies with excellent infrastructure, fast internet and a growing tech scene offering good salaries.
The comparison isn't always in Europe's favour. A few things are notably cheaper or better value in the UK:
If you're currently living in London or the South East of England, almost every European country outside Switzerland and Norway offers a meaningfully lower cost of living. Spain and Portugal offer the most dramatic savings combined with excellent weather and lifestyle. Germany and the Netherlands offer slightly lower savings but higher wages. Poland offers the best pure value for money of any major European economy.
The key is to compare not just costs but also income — if you can maintain UK or international salary levels while living in Spain or Portugal, the financial benefit is substantial.
Use PennySaver UK to compare energy, banking, mobile, insurance and property costs in your destination country before you move. Knowing your likely monthly outgoings in advance makes the decision — and the move — significantly easier.