Grocery bills 21% cheaper in Spain

IRISH people who own property in Spain have another reason to escape to their continental holiday home this year, apart from a desire to avoid the winter blues.

A survey has revealed that a shopping basket of basic grocery items costs at least 20% less on the Costa del Sol than in Ireland.

Researchers from the Irish consumer website - Shoppingbill.com - found a basket of 35 comparable food and drink products cost €56.43 in Dublin and €46.67 in Spain - a difference of 21%.