The research looked into the cost of living in seven countries and Italy was deemed the cheapest overall for long-term living, despite some cities being known for high costs. Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time.
More info A study by YourOverseasHome has crowned Italy as the most affordable destination for British expats, outshining other countries in terms of cost of living. The research compared expenses across seven nations, including the UK, and found that despite some Italian cities being pricey, Italy offers the best value for long-term stays. YourOverseasHome remarked: "Despite there being a few cities and towns that have reputations for being expensive destinations, Italy is by far the cheapest place to live long term when you're not spending like a traveller.
" They further commented: "This is despite the fact that energy costs more in Italy." Acknowledging regional differences in living costs, the company pointed out that for those settled in typical Italian towns or villages away from tourist hotspots, Italy presents the most economical choice, reports the Express . While Italians face higher energy bills, everyday items such as groceries are substantially cheaper than in the UK , with fish, chocolate, and gin costing over twice as much in Britain.
However, lettuce remains most affordable in the UK. Brits could also see their housing-related expenses drop in Italy, where decorating materials and cleaning services come at a lower price than back home. Additionally, tech products like TVs and Amazon Alexa Echo Docks are less expensive in Italy.
Moreover, Brits could savour a cappuccino in an Italian cafe for just £1 on average, compared to around £3.20 back home in the UK. And who could forget Italy's recent €1 home scheme? This initiative allowed travellers to purchase a home in stunning Sicily, all in an effort to draw expats to the region.
However, those keen to participate in the scheme had to adhere to certain rules, including that the property must be renovated within a specific timeframe and that the home can only be used for residential or tourism purposes. Once finished, these homes could fetch up to €30,000 (around £25,000). Meanwhile, if you're a foodie, you'll be thrilled to know that dining out in Spain is a steal, with a three-course meal averaging at just £13.
When it comes to dental care, Spain again offers the best deal, with appointments costing approximately £21.50, a stark contrast to Germany's hefty £50 price tag. For those seeking entertainment, the UK proves pricier than its European counterparts, with cinema tickets costing significantly more.
On the other hand, some items are more affordable on British soil; for instance, paracetamol is nearly 10 times more expensive in Italy. Fuel costs skyrocket in Greece, where 50 litres of unleaded petrol hit the £86 mark, surpassing the UK's £81. Portugal, however, provides some relief for British expats, with the same quantity of petrol priced around £78.
Christopher Nye, Senior Editor at YourOverseasHome.com, remarked: "We know that thousands of Britons are considering moving abroad, more so than ever! UK natives are looking to jump ship to avoid high energy costs and neverending price rises." "But if you're moving under the assumption that you'll be getting more for your money, you could very well be jumping from the frying pan into the fire, as prices have shot up across the eurozone too.
" Germany is noted as the second most costly place to live after the UK, with Spain and France also mentioned as pricier locations..
