We’re faced with more decisions to reduce our lifestyle and meet bleaker outcomes to our decisions. Gas shortages and a sharp rise in energy prices are forcing us to switch off those unnecessary heating appliances. Brrrr, winter really is coming!
But we’re not going to bruise your spirits today. So we did something a little different... We’ve done our research and created something so genius that it will actually give you an accurate representation of what to expect globally, on the cost of living in 2022, in comparison with the more significant COL factors like housing, utilities and transport.
And, here it is… *drumroll please*
The Banana Index 2022: Brought To You By Settly!
Why did we choose bananas? Well, for starters, they’re delicious and packed with potassium! Also, over 100 billion bananas are consumed yearly, making them the world’s most popular and widely eaten fruit. Okay, wait, I’m getting sidetracked - we actually have some serious information that you may find a-peeling.
Take a look…
But hey, we’d also like this article to be informative, especially if you’re looking to relocate and are curious about the cost of living in any of the countries you may be relocating to! So let’s peel away at some of these facts.
Cost of Living in The Netherlands 🇳🇱
Housing: Being in the midst of a housing crisis, with hopes of it dwindling down soon, for the time being, you can expect to pay an average of €1.200 - €1.800 for a 1-bedroom apartment. However, this will vastly differ based on the city you choose to live in. Expect the rental prices to be much higher if your goal is to stay in Amsterdam or other cities in Randstad.
Utilities: Energy prices are rising, but currently, you can expect to pay an average fee of around €217 per month for essential utilities such as electricity, water, heating, etc.
Transport: The Netherlands boasts an extensive public transportation network, including the train, tram, metro and buses. One-way tickets will generally cost you an average of €3,20, whereas a monthly pass will cost around €90. Most services offer various packages based on your travel frequency, so best to check it out and get one that suits your needs!
For a further breakdown of costs in The Netherlands, check out this website here.
Cost of Living in The United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Housing: Like much of Europe, the housing market is in dire straits. You can currently expect to pay an average of £888 - £1.500 for an apartment. Similarly, the cost can differ based on how near or far you are from the city.
Utilities: The essential utilities that you can expect are electricity, heating, water and garbage. The average monthly price for the above will cost you around £179,8, based on an 85m square apartment.
Transport: If you opt for local transport, you can expect to pay around £2,50 for a one-way ticket, whereas a monthly pass will cost approximately £65,2. Taxis are pretty standard and start from £3 and then charge an estimated £1,24 per km afterwards.
For a further breakdown of costs in the UK, check out this website here.
Cost of Living in Germany 🇩🇪
Housing: Based on which German city or town you choose to live in and how many bedrooms you require, you can expect to pay an average of €870 - €1.588 per month with the current rental market.
Utilities: The energy crisis dictates that things are getting squeezed a little tighter this year. Still, the average cost for essential utilities such as electricity, garbage, water and heating will cost around €241,8 per month.
Transport: The local transportation will cost an estimated €2,80 for a one-way ride. However, it does help to note that this depends on where you choose and how long it’ll take. Monthly passes are available for €70; sometimes, special packages and discounts are available for travel!
For a further breakdown of costs in Germany, please check the website here.
Cost of Living in Spain 🇪🇸
Housing: Living in the city or prefer living in the outskirts? Well, your rental prices will vary based on those preferences. Still, you can estimate spending an average of €733 - €1.243 per month for an apartment.
Utilities: The basic utilities for an 85m square apartment will cost you an average of €122,7 per month, including electricity, water, and heating/cooling.
Transport: Estimated to be a little less than some parts of Europe, the public transport is extensive and spans several areas of the country. You can expect to pay around €1,40 for a one-way ticket, and a monthly pass will cost approximately €40. Alternatively, taxis will start from €3,50 and increase by €1,10 per km afterwards.
For a further breakdown of costs in Spain, please check the website here.
Cost of Living in Portugal 🇵🇹
Housing: An endless supply of warm sunny days? Yes, please! The rental market in Portugal is quite similar to Spain. Based on where you choose to live and how near or far you are from the city, you can expect to pay around €702 - €1.278 per month for an apartment. As a living destination, Portugal is a surefire way to beat the high cost of living if you’re looking to move somewhere warm and affordable in Europe!
Utilities: Basic utilities such as electricity, water and garbage will cost an average of €109 per month.
Transport: A one-way ticket will cost €1,60; of course, this will also depend on where you have to go. A monthly pass is also available and can be purchased for €40.
Please check the website here for a further breakdown of costs in Portugal.
Cost of Living in Australia 🇦🇺
Housing: G’day, mate! Housing in Australia is a different ball game. You can expect to pay around AUD 1.891 - 3.261 for an apartment per month. This vastly differs from where you choose to live and how close you are to the city (you can quickly expect the numbers to jump as you get closer).
Utilities: Paying for your basic needs, such as electricity, water, and garbage, will cost an average of AUD 206,55 for an 85m squared apartment.
Transport: A one-way ticket on Australian public transport will cost around AUD 4,50, whereas you can always opt for the monthly pass for AUD 151, based on your usage.
For a further breakdown of costs in Australia, please check the website here.
Cost of Living in The Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Housing: Before we get into the rental prices, as the currency is Czech Korunas, we’ll use today’s exchange rate and provide the estimate in Euros.
You can expect to pay an average of 15.454- 25.631 Kč for an apartment, equivalent to €630 - €1.046.
Utilities: Utilities that consist of electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal for an 85m square apartment will cost around 5.540 Kč / €226.
Transport: Extensive and known for being some of the best in the world, a one-way ticket will cost around 29.50Kč / €1,02, and a monthly pass will cost an average of 500 Kč / €20,41.
Please check the website here for a further breakdown of costs in the Czech Republic.
Prices are rising like a hot loaf of banana bread, but being informed and prepared to make better daily decisions on managing the crisis is our best tool for a more positive outcome. Stay hopeful!
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