A British mother who recently moved to Spain has made headlines in the UK after sharing her surprising discoveries about the cost of living abroad. The viral story, covered by The Mirror, underscores the sharp contrast in utility bills between the two countries.
Jodie Marlow, a UK native and mother, turned to TikTok to share her insights on the financial benefits of relocating to Spain. She lives in Murcia close to Mar Menor. Her revelations come at a time when many in the UK are grappling with soaring energy prices, rising rents, and expensive groceries. “The cost-of-living crisis is hitting the UK hard, and many people are struggling to make ends meet. To escape these pressures, some are choosing to move abroad,” noted The Mirror.
Marlow’s TikTok account, @jodiemar1ow, gained traction as she detailed her shock at how affordable utility costs were in Spain compared to her home country. “Oh my God, it’s incredible. Last month, before using the air conditioning, my electricity bill was €37 (£30.82). This month, even with the air conditioning on almost every night for the kids, it’s only between €55 and €60 (£45.82), which I think is nothing,” she exclaimed.
Gas and water: A fraction of UK costs
Marlow’s breakdown of other household expenses further illustrated the financial advantages of living in Spain. She explained that water costs around €99 (£82.47) every three months, averaging €33 (£27.49) per month. “The house runs on bottled gas, which I initially thought was strange but is quite common here. A bottle of gas costs around €16 (£13.33),” she added.
The Mirror highlighted her amazement at how one bottle of gas could last up to three months during the summer when hot showers and cooking warm meals are less frequent. The article noted that Spain’s warm climate significantly reduces heating and energy needs, contributing to lower overall costs.
An affordable haven?
The British tabloid went as far as to claim that “living in Spain appears incredibly affordable compared to the UK.” Amid a global cost-of-living crisis, Spain has indeed emerged as one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, particularly for expatriates. According to Eurostat, while expenses have risen across the continent, Spain offers a lifestyle that remains significantly cheaper compared to the UK, France, Germany, and Italy.
Data from 2022 highlights that Spanish households dedicate a smaller share of their budgets to housing (22.3%) and groceries (13%) compared to the EU average. By contrast, UK residents spend 25.7% of their budget on housing and 16.7% on groceries, reflecting Spain’s cost-efficiency in key areas.
Transport costs also favour Spain, with only 11.9% of household budgets allocated to this category, compared to 13.1% in the UK and 13.5% in Germany. Spain’s public healthcare system stands out as well, accounting for just 3.2% of household spending, far less than France (4.6%) and Germany (4.9%). Despite economic challenges across Europe, Spain’s relative affordability solidifies its appeal as a haven for those seeking cost-effective living.
Also read: Cost of Living in Spain vs. the US: A Spaniard shares her experiences