Our capital city has been named the most expensive city to live in across the world.
London has officially been named the most expensive city to live in across the world, and this means that achieving a comfortable lifestyle where you can afford to splash out on some of life’s finer pleasures is more difficult here than it is everywhere else in the UK – despite the lure of everything the capital has to offer.
South West London, with its many open green spaces and its family-friendly atmosphere is absolutely no different, so we’ve collected some of the best ideas from around the web to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to experience life’s little pleasures without plunging yourself into debt.
Healthy Food Isn’t Expensive
If you’re used to supermarket shopping, you’re probably used to the high prices they place on fresh fruit, vegetables and other basic produce that makes organic and free-range products much more expensive to buy than they should be.
However, a healthy and nutritious diet doesn’t need to be costly if you know where to look. If you have a property with a garden or a yard, you could grow some of your own vegetables – potatoes and tomatoes would be a good first project as they’re easy to grow yet extremely useful. You could also participate in a local food cooperative such as this one, where people work very short shifts for free, in exchange for access to highly-reduced produce prices.
Entertainment Isn’t Just for Those with Ample Spare Cash
The ‘live to work’ culture which exists in large parts of London is potentially dangerous if you’re looking for a luxurious lifestyle. With even the price of a regular cinema ticket sometimes costing around £20 depending on where you are in the city, entertainment can be expensive.
However, it’s essential to remember that it doesn’t need to be. There are always discount codes online for gig tickets, and films are 2 for 1 on Wednesdays with Orange, so if you’re savvy, you can get a good deal. Making the most of South West London’s parks means there’s plenty of opportunities for barbecues and sports – without the cost for pricy gyms.
Driving Is Within Your Grasp
Many people still feel as though driving is beyond them in London, but when you’re living in the South West of the Capital, Oyster cards are extremely costly, so a second-hand car from a seller such as Exchange and Mart will help you speed around the city.
Photo courtesy of Ian Yarham, with thanks.
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