These days, it seems like almost everything is becoming more expensive in Great Britain. It doesn’t matter what items you mention: basic essentials, premium products, bills, and anything else you can imagine is surging in price, leaving many feeling the squeeze. Sadly, dwelling on this cost of living crisis isn’t going to solve our problems, but regardless, here are some things that have become way too expensive here in the UK.
Energy Bills
As we mentioned in the introduction, bills are one of the worst victims of recent inflation–especially energy. Even just keeping the lights on has become a serious strain on budgets, leading many households to see their monthly energy bills doubling or more in recent years. Ultimately, this is due to constantly rising wholesale gas prices and supply chain disruptions, leaving energy companies to pass on the costs to consumers.
Groceries
We’ve got no doubt that the cost of your weekly shop has skyrocketed lately, with even staple items like bread, milk, and eggs becoming noticeably pricier. Sadly, this means that shoppers are having to make tough choices, cutting back on treats or opting for own-brand alternatives to stretch their budgets further. Even fresh produce, once an affordable option, now comes with an increasingly hefty price tag.
Rent
It’s no secret that renting a property in the UK has become an uphill battle, with rents rising faster than wages in many areas. Cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are particularly tough, where finding an affordable and decent place to live feels like winning the lottery. Worse still, this doesn’t seem to be getting any easier, with the competition for properties only making the situation worse for tenants.
Fuel
Ever since the pandemic, filling up your car at the petrol station has become a painful experience for many drivers. Diesel and petrol prices have both soared, made worse by global market pressures and taxes. This makes commuting, road trips, and even everyday errands more expensive than they used to be, leaving some to reconsider their reliance on vehicles.
Public Transport
Even those who ditch their cars to save money are feeling the pinch, as the cost of train tickets and bus fares just keep climbing. Many rail services now charge a small fortune for peak-time travel, while bus fares in some cities feel just as punishing. Therefore, for those reliant on public transport, it’s become harder to budget for daily commutes.
Takeaways
Nowadays, ordering your favourite Friday night takeaway is no longer the affordable treat that it once was. Many restaurants have upped their prices to cover rising food and energy costs, and don’t get us started on the insane fees that delivery services are charging. Even something as simple as a pizza can leave you questioning whether it’s worth the splurge.
Clothes
Over the last few years, the price of clothing has risen across the board, affecting both high-street brands and premium labels. Retailers cite higher production and shipping costs, but the impact on consumers is undeniable, making it harder to refresh your wardrobe without blowing your budget.
Pints at the Pub
Back in the day, enjoying a drink at the pub was a frequent treat for most Brits, but it has now turned into a costly affair. The price of a pint has reached record highs in many areas, making it seem almost impossible to find one for less than £4.60–and that’s outside of London! Ultimately, rising costs for breweries and landlords are being passed straight to customers, making it tough to enjoy a casual catch-up with friends over a drink.
Insurance
What is it with how expensive insurance is getting in the UK?! Car insurance has been hit particularly badly, but home cover and travel policies are facing similar problems. Some insurers blame the increase on higher repair costs and fraud claims, while others cite inflation. Whatever the reason, staying protected now comes at a much higher price, yet it’s unavoidable.
Childcare
It’s pretty shocking how expensive childcare is in the UK these days. Parents are struggling to afford the rising costs of nurseries, after-school clubs, and childminders, which just doesn’t seem fair. This might sound hard to believe, but for many families, childcare now rivals mortgage or rent payments in terms of monthly expenses! Tragically, this has forced some to make difficult decisions, such as reducing work hours, which doesn’t help the situation.
Higher Education
For students and their families, the cost of going to university has become an enormous financial burden. Tuition fees remain eye-wateringly high, even creeping up a little year by year. To make matters worse, that’s before factoring in accommodation, books, and living expenses. Therefore, almost every graduate is left saddled with significant debt, taking years to pay off what now feels like an unavoidable expense.
Council Tax
Council tax bills have crept up in nearly every local authority in the UK. Many residents feel they’re paying more each year for fewer services, with cuts to bin collections and public amenities being widely reported. Understandably, this has left people questioning the value of their contributions, even as they dig deeper into their pockets to pay them.
Broadband and Mobile Contracts
It has never been more important to stay connected to the internet and your phone network, yet it’s somehow getting more expensive–especially considering that companies keep hiking up prices mid-contract. Providers often cite inflation or improvements in service as justification, but frankly, many customers feel they’re being overcharged for services they’ve used for years without noticeable upgrades.
Cars
Remember when it was possible to purchase an old banger for between £500 and £1,000? Not anymore. Now, buying a new car has become a much bigger financial commitment, primarily due to supply chain issues and a semiconductor shortage. Even second-hand cars, once a reliable bargain, now come with surprisingly high price tags to reflect the market.
Holidays
The UK used to be fantastic for its access to highly affordable flights, but now, jetting off on a holiday now costs way more than it used to. Flights, hotels, and even package deals seem pricier across the board, making it harder for families to afford a well-deserved break, which is pretty sad. Naturally, this is causing many holidaymakers to cut back on extras like excursions and dining out in order to keep costs under control.
Household Goods
Essential household items, including cleaning products, appliances, toiletries, and even furniture, have all seen noticeable price increases–just like everything else. In particular, big-ticket items like washing machines and sofas are becoming huge investments, while everyday essentials like toilet rolls and detergents take a bigger bite out of monthly budgets.
Gym Memberships
You’d think that staying fit and healthy would never be targeted by price hiking, but that’s far from the truth here in the UK. In fact, most gyms have raised membership fees to keep up with increasing operational costs, leaving some members to consider cheaper alternatives like outdoor workouts or home exercise equipment. For those who value a gym’s facilities, though, such a decision isn’t easy.
Home Improvements
Last but not least, fixing up your home has become an incredibly costly project in the UK, with materials like timber, paint, and tiles seeing sharp price rises. Labour costs for tradespeople have also gone up, leading us to question the value of renovations and whether they’re even worth it.
