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%.

On that basis it is calculated that the average family could save over €2,000 per annum on their weekly shopping bill by spending as much time as possible in Spain.

The survey compared prices charged at Dunnes Stores and Tesco outlets in Dublin and the Carrefour Estapona chain in Spain.

And for those who enjoy the healthy lifestyle choice of a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, the price differentials between Ireland and Spain are at their most stark.

A kilo of aubergines in Spain costs just €1.09 per kg compared to €3.49 here. Similarly, Spanish shoppers pay just €0.75 for a kilo of tomatoes, while Dubliners must pay €1.58.

A basket of fruit and vegetables consisting of a kilo each of carrots, onions, oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, aubergines and grapes comes to €14.53 in Ireland and just €5.98 in Spain.

Other major savings include cola, which is 30% cheaper in Spain, crisps (80%) and marmalade (35%).

However, it isn’t all bad news for Irish consumers as ten items in the typical shopping basket were cheaper than in Spain. They included potatoes, pasta sauce, tea, cheese, sausages and cat food.

Wine was not included in the survey, although an ordinary bottle of table wine sells for around €0.40 in Spain compared to at least €4 here.