Britain - worst quality of life in Europe

seven-day-weekend

I have lived for five years in rural southern Spain and have now been back in the UK for almost five months.

Spain used to be cheap. Not any more. Groceries, phone, internet, any electrical goods or furniture, DIY goods - all are more expensive than the UK.

'Council Tax' in rural areas is cheaper, but I believe it is on a par with the UK in places like Madrid and Barcelona.

Wines, Spirits and petrol/diesel are cheaper.

Utilities are slightly cheaper apart from phone/internet which is much more expensive and often unavailable.

But we have found that on the whole, everyday living in the UK is cheaper now than in Spain.

marklv

The best standard of living tends to be in Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway, and also Switzerland. Incomes are definitely higher there than in the UK.

TMFTP

So...a report that's poorly presented, contains meaningless data and is based on made-up numbers...."proves what you've always known"?

Enough said, chief.

olly300

marklv wrote: »

The best standard of living tends to be in Luxembourg, Denmark and Norway, and also Switzerland. Incomes are definitely higher there than in the UK.

Comparing on income is just silly though for example Denmark and Norway have much higher tax levels than the UK so in general things cost more. This is offset by the fact they are more socialist countries meaning that parents get things like longer maternity and paternity leave. This means that their quality of life is better.

Luxembourg is very small place the only people I know who work there tend to be in the financial industry or do stuff for the EU. However these people don't all live there full time, and some whilst they work full-time there don't actually live there but commute from a neighbouring country. So this skews statistics.

jamesd

I'm wondering: what has this got to do with pensions, annuities and retirement planning? Better for a debate or pub section.

molerat

jamesd wrote: »

I'm wondering: what has this got to do with pensions, annuities and retirement planning? Better for a debate or pub section.

....... because if you were not paying so much in tax and council tax to fund public sector final salary pensions you would have a better standard of living :rolleyes: