Soaring rental prices have made it cheaper to live in Barcelona than in Bristol, according to new research by the Dutch neobank bunq. The study compares the cost of living across major European cities and reveals that rising rental costs are making UK cities significantly more expensive compared to many of their European counterparts. This trend is particularly noticeable in cities like Bristol, which has become one of the most expensive places to live in Europe. London is ranked as the most expensive city in Europe, with high rents driving up the overall cost of living. Other UK cities, including Bristol, Brighton, Edinburgh, and Manchester, also feature in the top 15 most expensive cities in Europe. The average monthly living cost in Bristol is £1,614, which is £298 more than in Barcelona and nearly £2,000 more per year than in Paris. These figures highlight how rental prices are the main factor increasing the cost of living in the UK. Despite the high cost of housing, the UK remains competitive in other areas such as groceries, energy, and broadband, where prices are relatively lower compared to some European cities. However, experts warn that alternative UK destinations no longer offer genuine savings for remote workers compared to cities further abroad. With the rising cost of housing, even cities that were once considered affordable for expats and remote workers are becoming less attractive in terms of overall value. The research underscores a growing trend of people considering cities outside the UK for more affordable living options. While the UK continues to offer competitive prices in non-housing areas, the significant increase in rental costs is making it less appealing for those seeking cost-effective places to live. This shift may influence future decisions for remote workers and expats looking for a balance between quality of life and affordability.