Cost comparison
We have a chance for a home exchange in either England or Spain. We've been to England and love it but find food, etc. very expensive in comparison to Canadian money. We've never been to Spain. Would it be any cheaper?
Jim
Jim
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada 10/31/09
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Buying food at the grocery store in England or Spain is much cheaper than buying food in a restaurant in either country.
Staying in a home in either country is cheaper than staying in a hotel.
Staying at home in Canada is even cheaper than going to Europe.
Sorry, what was the question, which is cheaper?
Spain is cheaper than England, sure.
We have stayed in both countries. We agree w the prior poster. Spain is MUCH cheaper, the food is better, the weather is heavenly in comparison w Old Albion. Trains are also twice as expensive in England as in Spain, tho only half as good
Here's a rule of thumb that works most of the time....In Europe, as you travel south, so do the prices.
I agree with the poster 'Paul n Sara'. Recently, prices in Spain (and Portugal) have begun to close the gap but Spain is still a better value. Particularly in regard to food and wine, Spain offers a much better buy. I'm not sure but I believe that gasoline is also less expensive in Spain.
If you've not been to Spain, try it. I think you'll be pleased.
I don't know about England, but I haven't see too much of a difference between cost of living in Barcelona and that of Rome or Amsterdam. However, other parts of Spain are significantly less expensive. Here's a brief summary of some current prices:
Diesel fuel: €0.97/l Chicken breast (in market): €6.75/kg Typical monthly electrical (2BR apt. without central heating or a/c. Gas range and hot water heater.) €60-90 Milk: €1/l Apples: €1.5/kg
My family (2 adults and one toddler) usually spend approx. €450/month on groceries. Hope that helps.
I like Frank II's rule.
In my (far from scientific) experience. Most expensive to least would be Scandinavia, Switzerland, England, Ireland (used to be cheaper), France (with ultra expensive pockets), Germany, Austria, Italy (with ultra expensive pockets), Spain and Portugal.
If your place is paid for your next biggest expense is food. I expect Food in Spain will be much cheaper than England.
To my way of thinking, once you're going to Europe from this side of the pond, expect to pay more for most things.
Last year we found France to be much more expensive than England! But we were in Brittany so maybe prices were higher there? Not sure.
I tend to go with the sentiment by some on this board and that is this. If you are planning a visit to Europe, find ways to cut costs, but don't spend too much time worrying about prices. Go to a place you REALLY want to visit and not somewhere that is cheaper. Unless said place is on your bucket list!